Need help: spectacular mountain train rides

My 17 year old son and I will leave for Switzerland next August. Will be staying in Filisur, 3 nights and in St Niklas (south of the alps), 4 nights. Now I'm looking for really spectacular mountain train rides to make, especially for my son who's a train enthusiast... What trips can we make around Filisur and St Niklas? I'm not looking for cable cars, it should be trains.

Hello JEswiss,

Your son will definitely enjoy your stay in Filisur and St. Niklaus! There are many train rides to consider. Examples for Filisur are:

- the Albula train line between Chur and St. Moritz. It's an ingenious track with viaducts (a.o. the famous Landwasser viaduct right next to Filisur) and spiral tunnels;
- the Bernina Express, which is a splendid journey to the mediterranean Poschiavo valley starting at St. Moritz and ending up in Tirano. You can get from Filisur to Tirano and back within one day;
- I'm not sure if your son is fond of funiculars as well, but a nice and steep one can be found between Samedan and Pontresina, called Muottas Muragl. You will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the Engadine.

If your trip from Filisur to St. Niklaus will be made by train as well, you may consider the Glacier Express for this. Train rides which can be made from St. Niklaus are:

- the route to Zermatt in the narrow, steep Matter valley;
- the cog railway from Zermatt to Gornergrat;
- a ride to the eastern, upper part of the Rhone valley (for example up to Obergesteln).

I hopes this helps you select some nice routes. Enjoy!