Älpli Railway at the foot of the Vilan
Overview
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Hint
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Intro
Even on the way up from Malans in the little yellow gondola cabins, you can enjoy the view as far as Chur and Graubünden's Rhine Valley. More views await you 1,200 metres further up in the cosy mountain restaurant. Like the restaurant, the railway is operated by enthusiastic locals.
The valley station is located at the top of the Malans vineyards. Initially constructed as a military transport railway, the Älplibahn is now an insider tip for hikers. The Vilan can be climbed in about two hours, after which you can enjoy panoramic views of the Graubünden Alps from Silvretta as far as Piz Kesch and the Piz Terri.
The summit is also a starting point for the Prättigau high trail that takes several days (5h to the Schlesaplana Hut), the smugglers' paths towards Nenziger Himmel (Vorarlberg) or the Liechtenstein high trail to the Pfälzer Hut and onwards to Malbun (Liechtenstein).
The Älplibahn mountain restaurant at 1,801m is known for its welcoming atmosphere – and open for small gatherings in the evenings, return trip included. The railway only runs in summer; on fine days, reservations are an advantage.
Altitude: 2376m
Accessibility:
Train to Landquart, bus to Malans and gondola railway to Älpli
View: Over the Rhine Valley of Chur as far as the Graubünden and Glarner Alps
Attractions: Atmospheric Älplibahn railway, top mountain station restaurant and Vilan climb
Culinary aspects: Fine Graubünden wines including Bündner Schiller, local specialties such as pear-loaf with cheese and pearl barley soup.
Overnight stays: no
Groups: possible evening gatherings for at least 16 people on request (incl. mountain rail trip)
Winter: In operation from May until the beginning of November
Special comments: Managed and hosted by members of a local association; Älpli watches and Älplibahn penknives on sale
General information
| Season |
May - November
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|---|---|
| Time required |
2 to 4 hours (half day), 4 to 8 hours (full day)
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| Suitable for |
Children, Families, Groups, Individual, Couples
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| Weather |
Indoor and outdoor
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| Category |
Nature
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Discover the surroundings
Contact
Älplibahn Malans
Buchwaldweg 7
7208
Malans GR
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)81 322 47 64
info@aelplibahn.ch
aelplibahn.ch
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