The Arosa Railway: One of Switzerland’s Most Scenic Train Journeys
If you want to truly understand Switzerland, begin your journey by rail. Few forms of transport are as closely woven into the country’s identity as the railway, and few routes tell that story as beautifully as the Arosa Railway.
If you want to truly understand Switzerland, begin your journey by rail. Few forms of transport are as closely woven into the country’s identity as the railway, and few routes tell that story as beautifully as the Arosa Railway operated by the Rhaetian Railway.
The journey from Chur to Arosa is far more than a transfer – it is an experience that begins the moment you set off.
Covering just 26 kilometres, the route climbs around 1,000 metres in altitude, connecting urban life with the tranquillity of the Alps. More than a link between two destinations, it is a journey through engineering, nature and history.
Shortly after departing from Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city, the train leaves behind historic streets and urban scenery. In their place come green hillsides, dramatic gorges and majestic mountain peaks as the route winds its way through the wild and romantic Schanfigg Valley. Tunnels, galleries and bridges carry the railway through the steep landscape, but one structure stands above all others: the Langwies Viaduct.
The Langwies Viaduct
Built between 1912 and 1914, the Langwies Viaduct remains one of the most significant structures on the Rhaetian Railway network and is undoubtedly a highlight of the approximately one-hour journey.
Stretching around 284 metres in length and rising 62 metres above the valley floor, the impressive concrete arch bridge spans the deep gorge carved by the Plessur and Sapünerbach rivers. It is a masterpiece of early twentieth-century engineering and remains a symbol of Switzerland’s innovative railway heritage.
At the time of its completion, the viaduct was considered a technical sensation. It was the world’s first railway bridge of its size to be constructed from reinforced concrete and featured one of the largest spans of its era. Choosing reinforced concrete was a revolutionary decision. Transporting natural stone or steel into the remote Schanfigg Valley would have been extremely challenging, while concrete made the project possible and introduced a new level of elegance and lightness to Alpine engineering.
As the train crosses the viaduct, an extraordinary panorama unfolds. Deep valleys, dense forests and the crisp mountain air create a sense of escape that leaves everyday life far behind. For many guests, this moment becomes one of the most memorable highlights of the entire journey.
The Arosa Railway is not only renowned for its spectacular scenery but also for its thoughtfully designed travel experience. Large panoramic windows provide uninterrupted views of the passing Alpine landscape, allowing every moment of the journey to be enjoyed to the fullest.
Families will appreciate the specially designed children’s carriage, where the famous bears of Arosa Bear Sanctuary come to life. Playful features and charming illustrations transform the journey into an adventure for younger travellers. While children explore, adults can sit back and immerse themselves in the beauty of the surroundings – making the journey a genuine highlight for all generations.
Arriving in Arosa feels like stepping into another world. Clear mountain air, idyllic landscapes and an atmosphere of relaxation and wellbeing await.
The journey on the Arosa Railway is therefore much more than simply travelling to your destination. It is the first unforgettable chapter of your holiday experience.
Our tip: Choose a window seat, settle back and allow yourself to be captivated by the magic of this extraordinary railway journey. There is no finer way to begin your Swiss mountain escape.
