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Rail journey into Valais
A long but relaxed travel day entirely by rail.
Allow comfortable connection times in Basel and Visp so you can make your connections without stress.
Long stage — plan in some breaks.
This is where your journey begins. From Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, you'll head towards Switzerland by ICE.
This car-free mountain resort at the foot of the Matterhorn is the starting point of the Glacier Express. From the station you can walk to the pedestrian zone, shops and restaurants; electric local taxis take luggage to the hotel. A good way to start, so you can enjoy the view of the Matterhorn in the evening.
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Central, family-run hotel just a few minutes' walk from the station, with views towards the Matterhorn. A good base for two nights to experience the resort and surroundings without any rush.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Mountain nature and relaxation
A day of rest without changing location: plenty of nature, little travelling.
If the weather's clear, go up early, as the view of the Matterhorn is clearest then.
The Gornergratbahn rack railway runs from Zermatt up to 3089 metres, to one of the most famous panoramas in the Alps, with views of the Matterhorn and the Gornergletscher. At the top there are gentle viewing paths and a mountain restaurant. A calm day with a big impact.
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The slowest express train in the world
A long day on the train, but spent entirely in a panoramic carriage.
Catering is available on board; booking a table in the dining car is worthwhile.
The Glacier Express connects Zermatt with St. Moritz and takes around eight hours for the roughly 290 kilometres. You'll get off in Chur, and by then you'll have experienced the heights of the Oberalp Pass, deep gorges and the Rhine Gorge. Panoramic carriages with large windows, an on-board restaurant and headphone commentary make the journey an experience in itself.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Chur is considered Switzerland's oldest town and has a well-preserved, car-free old town with a cathedral and bishop's residence. From the station you can reach the old town on foot in just a few minutes. A good place to unwind with a stroll after the long train journey.
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Modern hotel right on Chur's station square, ideal for continuing your journey with the Rhaetian Railway. Short walks to the old town and connecting trains.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Castles, history and the most famous viaduct
A relaxed morning in the old town, afternoon at the viaduct.
Check the Rhaetian Railway timetable so you can photograph the train crossing the viaduct too.
The Romanesque-Gothic cathedral and the bishop's residence form the historic heart of Chur. Around the Hofgasse you can feel the long history of the capital of Graubünden. A peaceful morning stroll through the winding old town.
The curved Landwasserviadukt near Filisur is the iconic structure of the Rhaetian Railway and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the viewpoint near Filisur you can watch trains cross the 65-metre-high arches, which lead straight into a tunnel in the rock face. A short walking trail leads from Filisur station to the photo spot.
Walking along the Albula railway line
A comfortable downhill walk of around two hours, followed by a relaxed continuation into the Engadin.
Bring sturdy footwear; the path is well maintained but partly gravelly.
The easy walking trail from Preda down to Bergün follows the spectacular Albula line of the Rhaetian Railway, with its spiral tunnels and viaducts. Over a good two hours you'll accompany the trains as they wind their way down the mountain in loops, learning about the ingenious railway engineering from information boards along the way. Downhill and family-friendly, with a station at both the start and the end.
This fashionable holiday resort in the Upper Engadin lies on a lake and is the starting point of the Bernina Express. From the station down by the lake, it's a climb up to the village with its shops and lakeside promenade. A good base for exploring the Engadin and the Bernina region.
Family-run hotel centrally located in St. Moritz Dorf with its own patisserie, easily reached from the station. A comfortable base for two nights in the Engadin.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
UNESCO World Heritage Site and monastery history
A slightly longer excursion due to the remote valley, but rewarded with few crowds and an impressive mountain pass drive.
Coordinate PostAuto and rail connections carefully, as services in the Val Müstair run less frequently.
The Benedictine monastery of Kloster St. Johann in Müstair houses the world's most significant wall paintings from the Carolingian era and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church, monastery museum and the Heiligkreuzkapelle tell over 1200 years of history. A peaceful spot deep in the Val Müstair, near the Italian border.
The highest railway crossing of the Alps
The highlight of the trip: the complete Bernina line, with a stop at Alp Grüm.
At Tirano station you'll switch from the Swiss Rhaetian Railway to the Italian railway; be aware of the border and carry ID.
The Bernina Express crosses the Alps without a rack-and-pinion system, reaching 2253 metres at the Ospizio Bernina before descending to Tirano in Italy. The route is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and passes the Lago Bianco, through spiral loops and over the open circular viaduct at Brusio. Panoramic carriages with ceiling windows make the journey spectacular.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The Alp Grüm stop offers a spectacular view of the Palü glacier and the Val Poschiavo. From the terrace of the mountain restaurant a vast panorama opens up, while the train turns right on the hillside. A worthwhile short stop before continuing to Tirano.
The Italian town of Tirano is the end point of the Bernina line, where the train runs right through the streets to the station. The pilgrimage church of Madonna di Tirano and the small old town invite you for a stroll and an Italian dinner. An appealing contrast to the alpine Engadin.
Traditional hotel directly opposite Tirano railway station, convenient for arriving with the Bernina Express and for the return journey. Central location near the old town.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
An Italian morning, then back via the Bernina railway
A relaxed morning in Tirano, followed by a leisurely return journey via the Bernina line in the afternoon.
You can also make the return journey on a regular Rhaetian Railway regional train and save the panoramic surcharge.
The Renaissance pilgrimage church on the outskirts of Tirano is richly decorated with frescoes and a magnificent organ. It stands at the start of the Bernina line and is a peaceful place of great art-historical interest. A lovely conclusion to the Italian leg before heading back.
Back in Chur, you'll spend one last night in Switzerland before heading back to Frankfurt the next day. This short stage leaves plenty of time for a relaxed evening in the old town.
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Last night once again right by Chur station, ideal for an early departure to Germany the following morning.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Train journey back home
A quiet travel day back, entirely by rail.
Allow comfortable connection times in Zurich and Basel; travelling with an Interrail pass or discounted ticket works out cheaper.
From Chur station, you'll start the direct rail connection back to Germany. One last look at the mountains of Graubünden before the train rolls into the Rhine Valley.
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Arrival at Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof: this is where your round trip through Graubünden and the Engadin comes to an end.
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