Bernina Express – The Scenic Train Journey Through the Alps

The Bernina Express is considered one of the most picturesque train journeys in the world. It runs through the Swiss Alps from Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy. The train is famous for its breathtaking scenery, engineering masterpieces, and comfortable ride. It is a UNESCO World Heritage journey that goes through mountains, glaciers, and valleys — a dream journey for nature lovers and tourists. The Bernina Express is operated by the Rhaetian Railway (RhB). It operates on the Albula and Bernina railway lines, which are among the highest railway lines in Europe. The train connects north Switzerland to north Italy, offering a panoramic 144-kilometer ride with mountains, lakes, and quaint villages. The journey takes four hours, yet every minute is magical. The train moves slowly to allow visitors to absorb every view from its large panoramic windows. The route reaches an altitude of 2,253 meters (7,391 feet) above sea level at Ospizio Bernina, the highest point. It snakes through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges — an engineering and natural marvel.

History of the Bernina Express

The Bernina Express has a history that dates over 100 years. The construction of the Bernina Line started in the early 1900s. The line was constructed to link St. Moritz, a Swiss luxury resort town, with Tirano, an Italian town famous for trade and vineyards. It was extremely hard in those times to build a railway line through such high mountains. Workers had to dig through solid rock and build bridges across deep valleys. But with expertise and determination, they completed the line in 1910. UNESCO declared the Albula and Bernina lines World Heritage Sites in 2008. The acknowledgment was for their historic value, technical excellence, and their merging with the surroundings in perfect harmony.

The Route – From Chur to Tirano

The Bernina Express route begins at Chur, the oldest town in Switzerland, and ends at Tirano in Italy. Let us examine the main parts of the route in order.
Chur – The Starting Point
The journey begins at Chur, a small but scenic mountain-encircled town. One of the oldest towns in Switzerland, it has a history of more than 5,000 years. Travelers usually explore its historic old town with cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and traditional cafes before boarding.
Landwasser Viaduct
Soon after leaving Chur, the train reaches one of the most renowned sites — the Landwasser Viaduct. The 65-meter-high six-arched stone bridge curves gracefully before entering a dark tunnel through the mountain. It’s one of the world’s most photographed railway structures.
Filisur and Bergün
The next villages, Filisur and Bergün, are traditional alpine villages. They have typical Swiss-style painted facades and wood homes. The train climbs steadily in a spiral, going around hills to rise. The views here are truly breathtaking.
Preda and the Albula Tunnel
The train then passes through the Albula Tunnel, which is almost 6 kilometers long. It was an incredible engineering achievement in the early 20th century. As the train emerges from the tunnel, it reaches the high-altitude region near Samedan.
St. Moritz – The Luxury Stop
St. Moritz is one of the world’s most famous ski resorts. It is a town of luxury hotels, upscale shops, and international winter sporting events. The Bernina Express stops here, and some visitors spend a few hours exploring the lakes and mountains around this stylish town.
Pontresina
Then there is Pontresina, a quiet mountain village in a glacier vicinity valley. The air in this place is cool and fresh. Several tourists halt here for hiking or visiting the Morteratsch Glacier, which is one of the biggest glaciers in the area.

Bernina Pass and Ospizio Bernina
Now the train climbs to its peak — the Bernina Pass. The Ospizio Bernina Station, which is 2,253 meters above sea level, offers one of the most stunning views on the route. The mountains are covered in snow even in the summer. The turquoise-hued Lago Bianco (White Lake) and darker Lago Nero (Black Lake) lie adjacent to each other, creating a lovely contrast.
Alp Grüm
Having negotiated the pass, the train descends towards Alp Grüm. This small station provides panoramic views of the Palü Glacier and the Val Poschiavo valley. It’s a great place to pause for photos or a snack.
Poschiavo
As the train goes downhill, the scenery changes. The alpine peaks give way to vineyards and verdant forests. The train pulls into Poschiavo, a charming Italian-speaking town. The culture is different here — more Mediterranean than Swiss.
Brusio Spiral Viaduct
The most famous is the Brusio Spiral Viaduct, a circular viaduct that allows the train to descend in a gentle slope. It’s an engineering marvel and a favorite spot for photographers. The train makes a complete circle, leaving a lasting impression.
Tirano – The Final Stop
Finally, the train arrives in Tirano, in northern Italy. The town is charming, friendly, and full of Italian charm. Travelers can visit the Basilica of Madonna di Tirano, try the local cuisine, or head on to Milan.

Features of the Bernina Express

The Bernina Express is not just about the route — it’s also about the comfort and style of the train itself.
Panoramic Windows
The train features massive floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. From these, travelers can view the entire splendor of the Alps without any obstruction. The view is breathtaking in every direction.
Comfortable Seating
The seating is roomy and comfortable, with the seats positioned in a way that every passenger can look outside with ease. The inside is cozy and clean, perfect for a long scenic ride.
Audio Guide
There is a multilingual audio guide system. It enlightens visitors about interesting information concerning the history, geography, and culture of the places along the route.
Food and Beverages
While there is no full dining car available on the train, passengers can buy snacks and beverages from the onboard service or may bring their own food. A majority prefer to enjoy a picnic while taking in the scenery of the mountains.
All Seasons Journey
The Bernina Express operates all year round. In summer, you see green valleys, blue lakes, and alpine flowers. In winter, the landscape is a snow-covered wonderland. There is a charm related to every season.

UNESCO World Heritage Recognition

In 2008, UNESCO designated the Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes as a World Heritage Site. It recognized the railway’s exemplary design, technical perfection, and consonance with nature. The Albula and Bernina lines are rare instances of mountain railways that use no rack-and-pinion system, but rely on friction between rails and wheels only. This makes the engineering even more astonishing. The line is a mirror of equilibrium between human achievement and natural beauty — a symmetry that is the hallmark of Swiss culture.

Traveler Experience on the Bernina Express

A ride on the Bernina Express is more than a journey — it is an emotional experience amidst some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes. While the train moves, scenery changes in front of the passengers — from glaciers to green meadows, from snow-covered mountains to vineyards. The slow pace allows for contemplation and appreciation of nature’s beauty. Photography opportunities are on offer along the way, especially at Alp Grüm and Ospizio Bernina. It is described by most travelers as one of the most relaxing experiences of their lives. It has a magical aura to pass borders from Switzerland into Italy without even noticing.

Tourism Around the Bernina Express Route

The Bernina Express passes through regions rich in culture, history, and nature. A few of the most fascinating nearby attractions to explore before or after the journey are:
Chur – Switzerland’s Oldest City
Chur is the starting point of the Bernina Express and also one of the oldest towns in Europe. The Old Town is filled with cobblestone narrow streets, colorfully painted buildings, and tiny shops. One may go to the Cathedral of St. Mary, the Rätisches Museum, and the markets. The town is also an entrance to the Alps for hiking and skiing.
Davos and Klosters
Near Chur, Davos and Klosters are famous ski resorts in the mountains. Davos is synonymous with the World Economic Forum, yet it also offers stunning hiking trails and winter sports. Klosters is quieter and more traditional, beloved of nature lovers.
St. Moritz – The Luxury Destination
St. Moritz is one of the Bernina route highlights. This luxurious town has hosted the Winter Olympics twice. Visitors can treat themselves to five-star hotels, high-end shopping, and haute cuisine. Frozen Lake St. Moritz during winter is a popular spot for skating and snow polo. St. Moritz becomes a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers in the summer. The nearby Muottas Muragl viewpoint provides a breathtaking overview of the Engadin Valley.
Morteratsch Glacier
Close to Pontresina lies the Morteratsch Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the eastern Alps. An easy path leads people close to the ice. Along the trail are signs showing how far the glacier has retreated over the years because of climate change — an educational and emotional experience.
Diavolezza
Diavolezza, near Ospizio Bernina, is a mountain area with a cable car that takes visitors up to 2,978 meters. The view from the top of the Bernina Range and Piz Bernina, the tallest mountain in the eastern Alps, is stunning. There is a restaurant and a small hotel for anyone who would like to overnight in the clouds.
Poschiavo Valley
Going down to Italy, travelers reach the Poschiavo Valley, a region rich in culture and tradition. Italian character of the town Poschiavo is marked by cobblestone streets, cafes, and Renaissance-style homes. Some specialties of the place such as pizzoccheri and polenta are definitely worth a taste.
Tirano – Italian Warmth
The final stop, Tirano, is a quaint Italian town. One of its main attractions is the Basilica of Madonna di Tirano, which is renowned for its baroque style and religious importance. Visitors can stroll through the old town, sample Italian gelato, or explore nearby vineyards. Tirano is also connected to Milan by rail, making it convenient for visitors to continue their European journey.
Engadin Valley
The Engadin Valley, a part of the Bernina range, is one of Switzerland’s most scenic areas. It stretches from Maloja to Samedan and is speckled with lakes, forests, and small alpine villages. It is ideal for summer hiking and biking and a snow wonderland in winter.
Lake Poschiavo
Lake Poschiavo is a clean alpine lake near the village of Le Prese. It is perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing. In summer, the mirror image of the mountains that ring the lake on the water is a postcard-perfect sight.
Brusio Spiral Bridge Viewpoint
The Brusio Spiral Viaduct is not only a rail feature but also an attraction for tourists. Individuals can walk near the bridge and watch the train travel in a full circle. It’s a photographer’s and families’ paradise.

Cultural Experience

Along the Bernina Express route, travelers are exposed to a blend of Swiss, Romansh, and Italian cultures. Languages change, cuisines change, and architectural styles change as the train makes its way south. From Italian wine and pasta to Swiss chocolate and cheese, there is something delicious at each stop.

Conclusion

The Bernina Express is more than a train. It is a testament to human ingenuity and sensitivity to nature. There is a tale of hard work and harmony with the mountains in each tunnel, bridge, and track. This journey from Chur to Tirano brings travelers through glaciers, lakes, forests, and villages — all from the comfortable seat of a train. Whether you travel in summer or winter, the Bernina Express offers stunning scenery and moments of peace. With picturesque towns, UNESCO sites, and mountain wonders surrounding it, it remains one of the world’s greatest travel experiences — where nature and engineering, history and beauty meet.