Bretaye, Rail mountain pass in canton Vaud, Switzerland.
Description
Bretaye is a rail line through the Swiss Alps that climbs from Bex through Villars-sur-Ollon to reach 1804 meters elevation. The route combines a standard adhesion railway for the lower section with a steep cog railway section that handles the mountain's toughest grades.
History
The line was built in three phases between 1897 and 1911, gradually connecting Bex to Villars-sur-Ollon and then Bretaye. This step-by-step development opened up the mountain communities of the region to improved transport.
Culture
The railway system integrates with local transportation networks, allowing residents and visitors to access multiple Swiss mountain communities throughout the year.
Practical
You change trains at Villars-sur-Ollon between the lower section and the steep cog railway section. Because the line runs year-round, you can ride in most weather, though conditions at the top can shift quickly and demand proper dress.
Did you know?
The railway relies on the Abt cog system across more than 7 kilometers to handle the extreme slope. This technical solution made the route historically possible where a standard rail line could never work.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (canton Vaud).
Bex salt mine
6.1 km
Berneuse
6.9 km
Pic Chaussy
6.8 km
Le Chamossaire
1.1 km
Le Kuklos
7 km
Église Saint-Victor
7 km
Les Mazots
4.7 km
Pont des Planches
4 km
Scierie des Planches
5.6 km
Château de la Roche
6.6 km
Saint-Théodule
5.7 km
Mayen
6.7 km
Museum of the salt mine of Bex
4.7 km
Reformed church
4.9 km
Saint-Jean reformed church
5.5 km
Le Riendaz
6.6 km
Église réformée Saint-Victor
6.7 km
Saint-Théodule reformed church
5.2 km
Cotterd Fountain
6.7 km
Vers-l'Église, Cure
5.7 km
Hôtel de Ville
6.6 km
"grey house" of the naturalist Emmanuel Thomas
7.3 km
"red house" of the naturalists Abraham and Emmanuel Thomas
7.3 km
Communaux Fountain
6.6 km
Grand Hotel (former Hotel de la Source)
5.7 km
Cure
6.7 km
Former house of the director of the saltworks
7.2 km
Municipal archive Vers-L'Eglise
5.7 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes