Going Loco

Going Loco

Thanks to the Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) and the affiliated narrow-gauge Rhätische Bahn (the Rhaeteian Railways, commonly referred to as the "Rhätibahn," most destinations mentioned in the chapter are reachable by train; happily, Swiss Post buses stop in places where there is no train service. Trains generally run from around 6 AM to 10:30 PM (schedules sometimes change between October and Easter). With its signature picturesque red wagons, the Rhätibahn (or (RhB) network of trains that traverse Graubünden, is tailor-made for sightseeing thanks to its "panorama" cars (with big windows) that allows travelers to truly enjoy some of Switzerland's most spectacular scenery along 400 km (248 mi) of narrow-gauge tracks. Special short trips for rail enthusiasts include excursions on three remaining steam locomotives and trips in open carriages over the Bernina Pass. The legendary Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt and other trains traverse spectacular terrain, the bright-red cars crossing bridges built unbelievably high over gorges.