The Rhaetian Railway sets a new maximum value: A world record starts on October 29, 2022. To celebrate the 175th anniversary of Swiss Railways, the signal for the 1.910 meter long train in Preda has switched to green.

There has never been a longer passenger train in the long history of the railways. But it doesn't just set a superlative with its gigantic length: never before has such a train crossed the high mountains. The journey on a narrow-gauge railway takes you through tight curves, numerous tunnels and over viaducts and bridges.

The ride at record level

The train with 25 "Capricorn" multiple units, which have more than 100 passenger cars, runs on the UNESCO World Heritage route Albula/Bernina from Preda to Bergün. There the XXL train runs through the helical tunnel; the world-famous Landwasser Viaduct is also part of the route. For other traffic, the connection between Preda and Bergün is considered closed during the travel time. The speed on the route with a length of 24,93 kilometers and over 789 meters in altitude is between 30 and 35 kilometers per hour. The record run is expected to last 46 minutes. The energy supply is sustainable with 100 percent Graubünden hydropower. Seven additional train drivers and a total of 21 technicians ensure an unrestricted and problem-free journey. They face quite a few challenges as they accelerate and brake all 25 trains at the same time. The employees communicate with a field telephone over the train length of around two kilometers, the operational capability lies with the civil defense. 150 guests of honor and a further 4.400 record-breaking train fans go on board.

The Albula Valley celebrates the world record attempt

Around the record run, a festival area awaits guests and locals in Bergün. The journey is only possible by train, the maximum number of visitors is 3.000. A total of four viewpoints will be created along the route and there will be a broadcast on the festival grounds. In addition, interested parties around the world can follow the world record attempt via live stream. Viewers get a comprehensive picture from different perspectives. This is ensured by both drones and cameras from the driver's cab and along the route. The supporting program on the festival grounds also includes a railway village, musical entertainment, comedy and gastronomy. The online presale for the tickets starts on August 2, 2022 at 10 a.m.