Information
Landmark: Bernina ExpressCity: Saint Moritz
Country: Switzerland
Continent: Europe
Bernina Express, Saint Moritz, Switzerland, Europe
Overview
The Bernina Express winds through the Swiss Alps, carrying passengers past glittering glaciers and into Italy’s sunlit valleys, making it one of the world’s most unforgettable train rides.It’s part of the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) network, famous for winding through some of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes-alpine meadows bright with wildflowers, steep mountain passes, glittering glaciers, and glassy, still lakes.Essential facts about the Bernina Express, from its panoramic windows to the snow-dusted peaks it winds past.The Bernina Express runs from Chur, Switzerland, all the way to Tirano, Italy, winding past snowy peaks and bright alpine lakes.The journey covers about 122 kilometers, or 75 miles, winding past jagged peaks and deep green valleys in the Swiss Alps.It follows the Alpine stretch of the Rhaetian Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its remarkable architecture and engineering.The Bernina Express winds past the jagged Bernina Range, the shimmering Morteratsch Glacier, and over the Bernina Pass-the highest point on its route at 2,253 meters (7,391 feet).It runs all year, shifting from valleys thick with summer greenery to winter slopes buried in snow, and is often hailed as one of the most breathtaking train rides anywhere.Highlights along the route include the Oberalp Pass, its highest point at 2,033 meters (6,670 feet), where the train rolls past sweeping views of jagged peaks and distant glaciers; Alp Grüm, a mountain station at 2,091 meters with a clear view of the Palü Glacier and the green sweep of Val Poschiavo; and the Bernina Range, with its towering summits, glassy lakes, and sprawling ice fields.You’ll glide by the Morteratsch Glacier close enough to see the blue veins in the ice, then cross into Italy and drop into the Veltlin Valley, a patchwork of vineyards and sunlit slopes.The Bernina Express itself is built for comfort, with wide windows that pull the scenery right into your seat.The carriages have wide, floor-to-ceiling windows that frame sweeping views of the mountains and valleys, so every curve of the track feels like a postcard.The trains are sleek and impeccably kept, with roomy seats and glass that catches the light.Passengers can listen to multilingual audio guides that share stories about the landscapes and villages rolling past, making the ride as informative as it is beautiful.Often, the Bernina Express links with other scenic routes, creating a longer, richer journey through Switzerland.Passengers can hop on the Glacier Express or the GoldenPass Line-two famed Swiss scenic trains-and add sweeping new views to their Alpine journey, like snow-dusted peaks or summer meadows flashing past the window.The Bernina Express shifts with the seasons, offering a fresh experience each time you ride.In summer, the path winds past green fields, bursts of wildflowers, and cool alpine meadows.Higher up, the trail opens to sweeping views of glaciers and jagged, snow‑capped peaks.In winter, the air turns sharp and still, and white blankets the mountains while the lakes lie silent under ice.Many travelers choose a winter trip to see the Alps blanketed in snow, while the train’s cozy, heated cabins keep the chill at bay.You can book tickets for the Bernina Express ahead of time through the official Rhaetian Railway website.The Bernina Express draws plenty of tourists, so it’s smart to book your tickets early-especially in peak season when seats vanish fast.You’ll also need to pay a reservation fee on top of the regular fare.You can book a first-class seat for extra comfort and a touch of privacy, sinking into wide leather chairs as the scenery rolls by.The train runs every day, but check the schedule ahead-especially in summer or around the holidays.Along the way, the Bernina Express pauses at several breathtaking spots, giving you a chance to step off, stretch your legs, and snap a few photos.Notable stops along the way include Pontresina, a quiet village nestled at the foot of the Bernina range; Alp Grüm, where you can see glaciers gleaming above the Val Poschiavo valley; and Tirano, the final stop in Italy, known for graceful Italian architecture and sunlit vineyards.The Bernina Express itself is part of the Rhaetian Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its remarkable engineering and rich history.This remarkable railway winds through the Alps with sharp switchbacks, stone bridges, and tunnels cut into the mountainside.The Bernina region itself is a sanctuary, home to rare wildlife and pristine landscapes where wildflowers brighten the slopes in summer.You can ride the Bernina Express for a full day from Chur to Tirano, or choose a shorter trip starting in Pontresina or St. Moritz.Some travelers mix things up by taking a different scenic route back, like the Glacier Express or the Gotthard Panorama Express, where windows frame peaks dusted with snow.In the end, the Bernina Express delivers a one-of-a-kind ride through the Swiss Alps, pairing breathtaking landscapes with the ease and elegance of first-class train travel.Whether it’s your first trip abroad or you’ve clocked miles chasing great journeys, the Bernina Express delivers-gliding past glittering alpine lakes you’ll never forget.With towering peaks on one side and sweeping valleys on the other, its stunning scenery, brilliant engineering, and effortless link between Switzerland and Italy make it an adventure you can’t miss.
