Sledging in Bergün – Preda & Darlux Run

Are you looking for one of the most scenic sledge runs in Switzerland? Or do you wonder where Europe’s longest floodlit toboggan run is?

Then the sledge run from Preda to Bergün is what you are looking for and surely has to be on your best things to do in Switzerland list. No matter whether you are travelling in Switzerland or living here.

This beautiful sledge run is situated within the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Albula / Bernina Express and is part of the Bernina Express and Glacier Express trail ride.

And since 2022 this is also a sledge run along the world record route of the longest passenger train in the world! Held by the Rhätische Bahn. (Rhaetian Railway)

Welcome to Bergün – Filisur

Welcome to the authentic Swiss Village of Bergün – Filisur in  Canton Graubünden. This place deserves to be discovered for many reasons.

Whilst the two sledge runs Preda -Bergün and Darlux – Bergün are definitely the highlights during the winter months – there is more to discover.

Bergün – Filisur forms the heart of the World Cultural Heritage listings – Albula / Bernina railway line from the Rhätische Bahn.

Regarded as one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys.

You may have heard of the Landwasser Viaduct which is part of this railway line.

The whole train line starts in Chur, Switzerlands oldest city and ends in the Italian village of Tirano! But more to the Bernina Express journey, another time.

This is why we suggest to get to Bergün by train. Travelling on the world famous Rhätische Bahn makes this whole adventure even more exciting. The Albula and Bernina railway lines form the core zone of the RhB UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008.

Bergün is also home to the Bahnmuseum Albula. Dive deep in to the history, and find out how this most spectacular railway has been built. More about the museum below.

Another great reason to travel via Bergün is to drive the spectacular Albula Pass Road during the summer months (closed in winter) which connects to the Engadin – St. Moritz.

Sledging in Bergün on the Preda & Darlux runs

Let’s forget skiing for one moment as the main winter sport in Switzerland, and concentrate solely on sledging or tobogganing.

Because this is one of the main reasons you would visit Bergün -Filisur in Graubünden during the winter months.

And to top it all off, the Preda-Bergün sledge run is Europes longest floodlight toboggan run.

Both the Preda and the Dalux –Bergün sledge runs, descend the scenic mountains of Graubünden. With their many curves and some spectacular viaducts, they are not only fun but surely qualify as two of the most beautiful sledge runs in Switzerland.

• Preda – Bergün: 6 km long, night sledging possible, easier, accessible by the Rhätische Bahn.
• Darlux – Bergün: 4.5 km long, no night sledging, steeper and narrower, accessible with the Darlux chairlift.

Our suggestion is if you wish to do both runs then start with the Preda – Bergün run. At the end of this run is the chairlift that brings you up to the Darlux run. The Darlux run ends again close to the base of the chairlift.

If you arrive by car you need to park at the large payable parking lot by the train station.

How to get to the Sledging run Preda – Bergün

Once you have reached Bergün in Graubünden, your next stop will be Preda.

And the easiest, most beautiful but also the only way to get there is with the Rhätische Bahn train.

This very scenic train ride from Bergün to Preda, consists of a lot of curves and offers breathtaking views.

Whilst gaining altitude, the train will do four switch backs, passing over several viaducts and through tunnels before reaching Preda half way up the Albula Pass.

Arriving at Preda head to the start of the sledge run. Strap on your helmet, sit on your sledge and the fun can begin.

A little side note here, the train ride takes 17 minutes and departs Bergün train station every xx:14 and xx:47. Whereas the xx:14 train is the extra sledge train and may not always run. Check the SBB time table or on their app and to get the correct information or ask at the station desk.

And make sure you do have your sledge run ticket. It is sold separately from the train ticket.

If you arrive by train and are heading straight to Preda without getting out in Bergün train-station, you can pay at the top at Preda.

There is a TWINT system at the beginning of the run which starts at the first bridge along the way.

The Sledge Run Preda – Bergün

Wow, if you like beautiful scenery then you simply cannot miss this adventure in Bergün.

The whole experience is priceless starting already with the approach no matter whether you have chosen to arrive by train with the Rhätische Bahn or by car to Bergün.

This is definitely an event you should plan with your family or bring some friends along.

If you have driven to St. Moritz from Bergün during the summer months, you may recognise the beautiful viaduct bridges the run passes under.

The sledge run is part of the Albula Pass Road which is closed during the winter.

There are many great photo opportunities along the run! I will talk more about these later on.

Catch this most amazing photograph when the Rhätische Bahn or the Glacier express train is passing over the viaduct and you are sledging under.

Time it right and you can catch the famous red train of the Rhätische Bahn more than once.

Memories that last forever.

How to get to the Sledge run Darlux – Bergün

If you only want to do the Darlux – Bergün sledge run you can drive to the foot of it. There is a large car park at the end of Bergün Village towards the Albula Pass Road, which is also the end of the Preda sledge run.

The chairlift will bring you up to the middle station of Darlux from where the run starts.

However, we suggest you park at the train station and do both runs, starting with the Preda run.

The sledge run – Darlux – Bergün

If you like a bit more speed and thrills than you have to try the 4.5km long Darlux run. A much narrower and steeper path winding down the mountain and covers an altitude difference of 576 metres.

We did it one time and for us parents having to control the speed with all the power we had, it was exhausting to say the least.

However, the kids found the bumps hilarious and wanted to do it again. We stayed with the Preda run!

Night Sledging at Bergün – Preda

 If you are there from Tuesday to Sunday then you have the opportunity to join the night sledge fun from Preda to Bergün. This is Europe’s longest floodlit sledge run, another reason not to miss it.

We absolutely loved the experience of riding down the mountain on our sledges during the night. The viaducts are beautifully lit up which made the experience super magical.

A little side note, you may want to bring an extra layer for the night sledging activity. The nights in Grison can be cold.

Timings:  Tuesday to Sunday floodlit until 23.00 pm

Back to the Train Station

From both sledge runs – Preda or Darlux, it is the same way back to the train station or the large car park. Unfortunately we did not have the best of snow conditions and therefore had to carry the sledges for quite some time.

Normally the village is covered in snow and you can easily pull the sledges behind you to the train station. It is about a 15 minutes walk from the end of Preda and Darlux sledge runs. Head to the church and then down the main street of Bergün.

By the junction turn right, over the bridge and up the hill to the train station where the Bahnmuseum is also located.

Good thing is that on the way to the train station are several outside ice bars and snack wagons. Perfect for a break.

Equipment & Sledge Rental prices in Bergün

Both tracks can be ridden with wooden sledges and toboggans. You can rent them in Bergün at the train station and in town.

We rented ours with Club-99 . Another shop, Mark Sport, can be found in the village. Both shops have great toboggans to rent.

If for any reason you forget to pick up your sledge in Bergün, don’t worry as there are other outlets at Preda right at the start of the toboggan run.

Plastic bobsleds are not suitable for these tracks.

Rental price: A single sledge costs Chf 15.- for the day. A double sledge will set you back Chf 20.-

Make sure you are dressed for the occasion. This includes a helmet, ski trousers (no jeans you will be soaked), ski goggles can be useful in bad weather conditions. Definitely wear good shoes and good gloves.

We used our hands a lot for breaking (at the Darlux run) and therefore they got completely soaked by the end of the day. You may even want to bring a second pair of gloves.

For your information you can also rent helmets and back protectors.

Bergün Sledge Run Prices

The sledge run in Bergün is open mid-December to mid-March, depending on the weather/ snow conditions.

The following prices are for the season 2022-2023. To be sure that these are still accurate check the Bergün-Filisur website.

All in special offer – Day pass

Adult Chf 39.-  / Children Chf 19.50

SBB half fare Chf 28.- and Junior card Chf 9.50

This is for both runs including night sledging. The sledge rental is not included in this offer.

Single ride Preda – Bergün

Adult Chf 16.-  / Children Chf 8.-

SBB half fare Chf 11.- and Junior card Chf 3.50

Opening hours of the Preda run are from 9.30 am to 11.00 pm. Monday only until 5.00pm

Single ride Darlux – Bergün (Chairlift)

Adult Chf 16.-  / Children 6-15 years old Chf 10.-

SBB half fare Chf 11.- and Junior card Chf 3.50

Opening hours for the Darlux is from 9am to 4.30pm

Photography Tips – Train times – Preda-Bergün

 It is well worth timing it right to get the train driving over your chosen Viaduct for a great photo or video opportunity. Check out our Instagram account and see how we managed it.

Train from Bergün to Preda

The regional train St. Moritz – Bergün departs every hour from 9.14 am to 10.17 pm (slightly later for the last train of the day).

During peak times there is also a sledge train running which also has the famous red wagons, to give you the perfect photograph or Instagram reels.

The sledge train departs daily and every hour as of 10.47 am to 5.47 pm on Tuesday to Thursday and on Sundays.

On Friday and Saturday this train runs until 8.47 pm which makes it great for night sledding.  On Monday the sledge train stops at 3.47pm.

The trip from Bergün to Preda takes 17 minutes.

Train from Preda to Bergün

To catch the red train driving over the Viaduct for your photos don’t miss the St. Moritz train that drives down to Bergün.

You have another opportunity to time it right. This train departs Preda every hour at xx:29, and takes 22 minutes for the whole line.

Now, all you have to do is to calculate correctly and you can get both trains from both directions in your photos.

Other things to do in Bergün – Bahnmuseum Albula

After having sledged down the Grison mountains several time you should make a stop and visit the Bahnmuseum Albula.

Located right at the train station this is the perfect place to warm up, have lunch and get to know all about the history of the Rhätische Bahn railway.

A large space is dedicated to explaining all about the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscape.

The hard and unbelievable work undertaken to make the connection between Bergün and the Engadin possible. Definitely worth the visit and the discovery.

For the children a treasure hunt is set up with many interactive stations including driving a train simulator, controlling the railway, plotting routes and building a Viaduct.

We easily spent over two hours in the Bahnmuseum Albula.

There is also a great restaurant which serves good food.

Where to eat in Bergün

Without doubt, sledging makes you hungry. If you just want to get something on the go there are several snack- and ice-bars dotted throughout the village starting at the end of the sledge run all the way towards the train station.

Even this super cool self-service Hotdog stand with hot drinks is available.

The Büfèt Restaurant inside the Bahnmuseum Albula serves delicious food in a comfortable setting.

Where to stay in Bergün

If you have the chance, you should plan a one or even two nights stay in the most charming Swiss village Bergün. Here are some Hotels in Bergün that looked great.

Our suggestions would be The Kurhaus Bergün – it’s outdoor pool & wellness looked very inviting.

Booking.com

Where we stayed

As this trip was all about the discovery of this most beautiful sledge run in Switzerland – the Preda- Bergün run, we opted to stay up at the start of the run.

The Hotel Preda Kulm located at 1800m on the Albula Pass, is surrounded by mighty snow-covered mountains and forests. The train line passes right in front of the door and the sledge train stops here as well.

It is also here where the Preda-Bergün sledge run starts.

Therefore, it is such a great location. Especially in the morning, as you and the hotel guests will have the run all to yourself because the train from Bergün with the enthusiastic sledgers only arrives around 10am.

The 19 cosy rooms are equipped with shower/WC. We had a family room with 4 beds. Half board is a choice from the menu which was greatly appreciated by all family members. The choice was great and the food was delicious.

Sledge versus Toboggan – which is better?

 I am adding this information as there is always a confusion whether to write sledging or toboggan run.

When you read an article, it does not matter which form is used, as the subject is the same.

The difference comes when we talk about the equipment, the sledge itself.

The photographs show you the difference and after having used both equipment, I agree that the toboggan offers more flexibility in steering and accuracy. Especially in a difficult environment and poor snow quality.

In short words a toboggan is more fun because it is very easy to steer.

Therefore, you can opt for more speed and glide around the curves, which with a sledge is much harder.

Our suggestion is to make sure you rent a toboggan in Bergün rather than a sledge.

Tours in Switzerland

Maybe these tours with GetYourGuide within Switzerland could also interest you. We have used them on several occasions and are always very happy. They have a wide range of tours throughout Switzerland. Check them out.

Attractions in Graubünden

• A Family stay at the Rockresort in Laax
• Hotel Arosa Kulm – Relaxation pure
• Things to do in Arosa during a winter stay
• Rheinschlucht Viewpoints – The Swiss Grand Canyon
• Summer Road trip through Switzerland
• The best time to Photograph the Landwasser Viaduct

I hope that this post was useful and helps you plan your visit to go Sledging in Bergün.

Note: This trip was in collaboration with the Rhätische Bahn and Panta Rhei PR, Thank you both again for this opportunity. Partnerships like these are here for us to test activities, areas and hotels so we can get back to you with an honest reviews and suggestions of how best to travel and proceed. This way you save time while we do the research and you just follow our itineraries and suggestions to get more out of your holiday.

Thank you & Never Forget to Explore

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