Scenic Journeys with the Rhätische Bahn through Graubünden
Rhätische Bahn combines literature, regional cuisine, and impressive train journeys into a special experience. On six Sundays from September to December 2026, renowned Swiss authors will be on board the train, specifically in a historic dining car. During the journey through the Bündner Alps, culture, impressions of charming mountain landscapes, and culinary delights come together, making every journey an inspiring experience.
Inspiring atmosphere at "Gourmino"
Gast-tours take you on a journey through the historic Gourmino dining car from Chur to St. Moritz and back. This offers a glimpse into the Belle Époque of railway travel, over a hundred years ago.
Classic red locomotives roll onto the Bündner tracks: Three wagons, manufactured in 1929 and 1930 for Mitropa, still gleam in their original color. In 1949, the Rhätische Bahn was able to acquire these elegant dining cars.
Restoration of the elegant wooden interiors and kitchen facilities took place in the early 1980s, and regional specialties have been prepared there ever since. The "Gourmino" name, with its characteristic Königsblau/Nachtblau (Royal Blue/Night Blue) color scheme and golden lettering, was added in the 1990s as a tribute to the glamorous Pullman style.
Readings by Writers from Graubünden
While the spectacular Alpine landscape along the UNESCO World Heritage route, with its fascinating mountains and viaducts, passes by, authors provide literary accompaniment.
Local authors featured in "Graubünden writes" return for this year's program.
Featuring contributions from:
Gion Mathias Cavelty
A Zurich resident for over 30 years, he is still considered a writer for the Graubünden canton. Despite claiming to lack certain filters, his books and articles are celebrated by both readers and critics.
Köbi Gantenbein
From Fläsch: 25 years as editor and publisher of the architecture, planning and design magazine "Hochparterre". Today he is President of the cantonal Culture Commission and the Graubünden Literary Prize Foundation. Therefore, he knows most of the books published in Graubünden and also reads many of them. He himself has published over 20 books.
Angelika Overath
Angelika Overath: A Bündner author with a prolific output
Rutz
Local author explores crime and society through authentic storytelling.
Christian Imhof
Author, publisher, journalist, and former musician. His albums, published under the pseudonym Chris Bluemoon, repeatedly reached the top ten of the Swiss hit charts. Imhof works as chief editor of the regional newspaper "Prättigauer & Herrschäftler". He also works as the founder and editor of the online culture magazine "Qultur" and as the founder of the literary initiative "Graubünden writes". In 2023, he was awarded the Förderpreis (support prize) of the canton of Graubünden for his commitment. Imhof lives with his family in Schiers.
Bartli Valär/Coni Allemann
More than 80 songs, plus countless sketches featuring his character "Bartli Valär" – and almost forgotten: Coni Allemann writes. His latest work is "Geborä zum Heuä – Schtrubi Gschichtenä uf Walsertüütsch".
Flurina Badel
Raised in the Unterengadin, spent 16 years elsewhere, and now lives back there. She is multilingual and writes in several languages, but consciously chose the "Vallader" dialect for her first two published books.
Culinary on Rails
Enhanced by a multi-course menu, the program highlights the culinary diversity of Graubünden through regional specialties.
The Onboard Menu
Carrot-Apple Soup: A Delicious Starter
Main course: Chicken in Morel cream sauce, with mashed potatoes and grilled tomatoes.
Vegetarian Alternative: Einkorn Schnitzel
Panna Cotta Dessert
Historic atmosphere in the dining car, impressive views of the Graubünden mountain range, and a diverse cultural program make "Graubünden Reads and Enjoys" a special highlight in the Graubünden canton's event calendar.
The Data
Sunday, September 27, 2026 with Gion Mathias Cavelty Sunday, October 11, 2026 with Köbi Gantenbein Sunday, October 25, 2026 with Angelika Overath Sunday, November 8, 2026 with Jörg Rutz and Christian Imhof Sunday, November 22, 2026 with Bartli Valär Sunday, December 6, 2026 with Flurina Badel
www.rhb.ch/de/genussreisen/graubuenden-liest/
