Les Chemins de fer du Kaeserberg

About the museum

The layout goes back to Marc Antiglio, who has built model railways since his youth and who, with friends, worked every Thursday evening in the attic of his house on ever larger and more realistic layouts. Among this circle was Willy Kaeser, a friend from rally sport, after whom the imaginary mountain range Kaeserberghorn and later the whole project were named.

Out of the wish to realize the imagined network, a layout was built over about 17 years in Granges-Paccot near Fribourg. It extends over three levels across about 610 square meters and shows landscapes of German-speaking Switzerland and Graubünden. Four railway lines, of the SBB, the Rhätische Bahn and a fictional Kaeserbergbahn, run through the area, supported by roughly 2,000 meters of track. A foundation with Antiglio as president operates the house.

The tour begins with a film and leads past the layout with listening and reading stations. Every half hour, day turns to night for a few minutes: church windows, blue lights and headlights come on, and the trains run illuminated. The house was recently modernized and a cinema hall was added.

Highlights

• 1:87 scale layout of 610 m² across three levels, with around 100 running trains
• Around 300 locomotives and railcars, 1,650 wagons and 6,500 figures
• Day-night change every 30 minutes
• Imaginary Switzerland of the 1990s with SBB, RhB and paddle steamer
• Driving simulator Ae 6/6 (by reservation)

Permanent exhibition

• Kaeserberg-Anlage – The 1:87 scale layout shows an imaginary Switzerland of the 1990s with several railway companies, everyday scenes and a day-night change.

Operated by

Fondation Marc Antiglio « Les Chemins de fer du Kaeserberg »

Admission & discounts

Separate rates apply for coach companies (CHF 15 adults, CHF 7 young people, drivers free). Payment is in CHF cash (no euros) or with common credit and debit cards; checks are not accepted. Groups may request a collective invoice.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The whole house is accessible for people with limited mobility and for strollers. Reserved spaces are in the covered car park, from where a lift leads to the main entrance. Assistance dogs and guide dogs are allowed; other animals are not. The building is air-conditioned.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

The house explicitly promotes family-friendliness: weather-independent, air-conditioned, access with strollers from the covered car park, a changing table by the cloakroom, and picnic options.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A12, exit 8 “Fribourg Nord”, then follow the brown signs; coaches take exit 7 “Fribourg Centre”.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Coffee corner with drinks and snacks at reception; picnicking is allowed in the coffee corner or on the esplanade. Small shop with models, magazines, souvenirs and toys; free Wi-Fi (code at reception).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The rooms can be rented outside public days for meetings, company and club events, birthdays or photo shoots, with or without a private visit to the layout. Presentation technology is available.

Plan your visit