Bernina Express

Bernina Express

Among Switzerland’s picturesque railway lines, the Bernina Express is the most highly praised. The Bernina Express crosses the Alps into Italy, traveling from Chur or St. Moritz in the canton of Graubünden all the way to Tirano in Italy, covering the entire route in about four hours.

The elevation difference between the mountain passes the train passes through and the final destination, Tirano, is 1,828 meters. Travelers are treated to ever-changing scenery as they journey from Alpine meadows and shrublands to lakeside vistas full of southern charm. Additionally, the shift from the German-speaking region to the Italian-speaking region offers strikingly different towns and rural landscapes. The stretch from Chur to St. Moritz overlaps with the Glacier Express route. Departing from St. Moritz, you can immediately see the majestic Morteratsch Glacier and the peaks of the Bernina Alps. After passing the Piz Bernina, the train descends gently along the slopes toward Poschiavo. In summer, you can also take a bus from Tirano to Lugano in Switzerland.

Along the Bernina Express route, you can get extremely close views of three major glaciers. After passing Pontresina, the train runs right alongside the Morteratsch Glacier towards the highest peak of the Bernina Mountains (2,253 meters above sea level), all the way to Italy. The most brag-worthy feature of this railway is that there are almost no tunnels—the train travels directly through the Alps, offering uninterrupted views of the stunning scenery.

Bernina Express

Why go: Switzerland’s most popular sightseeing route

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Switzerland[Switzerland]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Canton of Graubünden [Canton of Graubünden]