UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway

bahnreise_landwasserviadukt_gex_sommer_rhb-andreabadrutt.jpg

The Albula and Bernina lines between Thusis and Tirano are outstanding and technically innovative examples of the development of the high alpine landscape and are among the most spectacular narrow-gauge railways in the world. 2008 saw the accolade for the two railway lines: The route between Thusis and Tirano, around 122 kilometres long and more than 100 years old, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List under the title «Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscape».

The Albula line was completed in 1903, the Bernina line in 1910. The Albula Railway was already considered a masterpiece at the time of its construction. The Bernina line (St. Moritz - Tirano) became a model for many planned and some built intercity lines in the Alpine region. Today it is unique in the world: the route is the highest transalpine railway in Europe and one of the steepest adhesion railways in the world.

Gallery

bahnreise_montebellokurve_bex_sommer_rhb-giorgiomurbach.jpg

bahnreise_berninalinie_bex_sommer_morteratsch_rhb-andreabadrutt.jpg

bahnreise_albulalinie_unesco_winter_rhb-robertboesch_2.jpg

Show all 8 images

The surrounding landscape is also part of the exceptional importance of the Albula and Bernina line. On one hand, the direct connection to the railway construction is of unique quality, on the other hand, the line leads through an extremely rich cultural landscape. The railway's structures form a unit with its special topography. The choice of lines was mainly motivated by the mediation of tourist, i.e. scenic attractions. The factors of a cultural past and present overlap with an alpine to high alpine natural landscape of spectacular beauty.

Video: The Rhaetian Railway and its UNESCO World Heritage Site

More information