Rockfall: Glacier/Bernina Express trains diverted
A traveler updated on June 28, 2023, about the recent rockfall near Brienz in Graubünden that temporarily closed the rail line between Tiefencastel and Filisur. They sought to confirm which train routes were operational and needed guidance on travel disruptions and current train schedules.
- Check the SBB timetable for the most up-to-date travel information and any potential diversions.
- The Swiss Travel Pass can provide flexibility for travel on regional trains and scenic routes like the Glacier Express.
- Keep an eye on official sources like the Rhaetian Railways website for additional updates on any ongoing disruptions.
AI-generated summary-
last updated: June 28, 2023
Hi all,
Due to rockfall near the village of Brienz in Graubünden (which is not the same as Brienz in the Bernese Oberland), the rail line between between Tiefencastel and Filisur was temporarily closed from June 16 2023. Several train and bus routes were being diverted. This included regional trains and buses, but also the Glacier Express and Bernina Express trains. These ran via Landquart-Vereina.
At current, the most alarming phase (“blue”) no longer applies and the trains run according to their normal schedule again.
Sources:
- The SBB timetable contains up-to-date travel info and shows is there are any divertions for your travel date and route: https://www.myswissalps.com/timetable.
- This is the SBB overview of current operations and disruptions: http://www.sbb.ch/en/timetable/rail-traffic-information/operations.html.
- In addition, you can find more info at the website of the Rhätische Bahnen (Rhaetian Railways): http://www.rhb.ch/en/news-events/information-on-the-brienz-rockslide.
- The current alarm phase for Brienz is listed here: http://www.albula-alvra.ch/Aktuelles/default.htm
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The ‘code blue’ alert which we discussed a few weeks ago has indeed been invoked today. This closes the Albula main line between Tiefencastel and Filisur. The key site which is not therefore available to travel over is the Landwasser viaduct. The Tour of Switzerland cycle race was cancelled over the Albula section today, having gone the other way only yesterday as normal (which resulted in the Albula main line railway trains on the spirals near Preda being televised and visible to viewers all across Europe! . Trains are still running to Filisur via Landquart – Davos. This line crosses the Wiesen viaduct which is actually the highest viaduct on the Rhaetian railway network.
I’ve often wondered whether a brief if unusual glimpse of the reverse side of the Landwasser viaduct is visible from the Davos-Filisur line just as it begins its descent towards Filisur. I was very happy to confirm this during a trip over the line in late May.
The little tourists’ road train to Landwasser was running then from Filisur, and main line trains to Tiefencastel running normally, though local buses were somewhat disrupted.
Image is of the view a long way downwards from the boarded footwalk over Wiesen Viaduct.
John
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Hello John,
Thank you for sharing. You were certainly quite high up, when taking the photo!
Kind regards,
Yolanda
Is this landslide still re-routing the trains as described above?
Hello PAPirate,
The phase is now deemed “orange” which indicates the trains will run a normal schedule.
As always, best to consult the SBB timetable for up-to-date exceptions/detours. They will be displayed there, if any.
Kind regards,
Yolanda
Thank you, Yolanda! I appreciate the info.
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