Bernina Express

Imagine a journey where in just a few hours you sweep through all climate zones—from rugged glaciers to subtropical palms. The Bernina Express is a legendary panoramic train whose route is deservedly considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Starting its journey in the ancient city of Chur, this train crosses the Alps, connecting northern Switzerland with sunny Italy.

Bernina Express. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The line passes through the famous Bernina Pass, reaching an altitude of 2,253 meters above sea level, making it the highest railway crossing in Europe without a cogwheel mechanism. Since 2008, this engineering masterpiece has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. It's not just transport, but a unique cultural space, winding through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges.

The train's hallmark is its panoramic windows, which allow passengers to admire breathtaking views without obstruction. Along the 144-kilometer route, multilingual audio guides accompany you, sharing the history and natural riches of the Engadin Alps, turning the trip into a truly educational experience.

To check the current schedule or booking conditions, you can contact the carrier's information service. The official route operator—Rhaetian Railway (RhB)—is always ready to help tourists plan their unforgettable journey.

The main activity aboard the Bernina Express is contemplation. The panoramic windows offer views of iconic landmarks like the majestic 65-meter-high Landwasser Viaduct and the breathtaking Morteratsch Glacier. You'll see the famous "Montebello Curve," which offers the best panorama of the mountain range, and crystal-clear lakes—Lej Pitsch, Nair, and Bianco.

One of the most vivid highlights is traveling over the Brusio Spiral Viaduct, where the train makes a full circle to gradually lose altitude. It’s a perfect moment for photography enthusiasts. During the journey, you can use the audio guide so you don't miss a single detail about the landscapes passing by.

The journey can be tailored to your interests: hop off at one of the high-altitude stations, such as Alp Grüm, to have lunch overlooking the Palü Glacier, or combine the trip with summer hiking along Alpine trails. During the warmer months (June to September), the journey is often supplemented by a special bus from Tirano to picturesque Lugano.

The journey begins at the city's main railway station, located at Bahnhofpl. 1. Reaching this point from other regions of the country is easy: SBB national railway trains arrive here regularly from Zurich (the journey takes about 1.5–2 hours), as well as from Davos and St. Moritz. If you arrive at Zurich Airport, it is most convenient to transfer directly to a train bound for the destination station.

For those who prefer maximum comfort or are traveling with heavy luggage, a taxi is always available. A car can be called via a mobile app or found at designated stands near key city landmarks. The ride from the city center to the station takes just a few minutes.

Travelers by car can reach the starting point via the modern A13 or A28 motorways. It is worth noting that traveling by train across the border between Switzerland and Italy does not require special border control within the Schengen area, making the logistics even more pleasant.

The history of this engineering marvel began at the very start of the 20th century. Construction of the Bernina Railway kicked off in 1904, and by 1910, the line was fully open for traffic. It was an ambitious project by the Bernina-Bahngesellschaft company, aimed at connecting Alpine valleys and fostering trade and tourism between the northern and southern slopes of the mountains.

The route's uniqueness lies in the fact that the line was electrified from its very opening, a bold technical decision for the time. Until the 1940s, the line operated independently until it became part of the Rhaetian Railway (RhB). Interestingly, the development of the rail connection in this region is largely thanks to the Dutch merchant Willem Jan Holsboer, who became the "father" of the local transport network.

The modern era of the Bernina Express began in the 2000s, when exclusive panoramic carriages designed by the famous Italian studio Pininfarina were introduced. In 2008, the historical and cultural value of the Albula and Bernina routes was officially recognized worldwide when they were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

To fully enjoy the beauty of the route one way, you will need about 4–4.5 hours. The time will fly by as snowy peaks and blooming valleys alternate outside your window. However, experienced travelers recommend setting aside a full day for this trip.

The best option is to depart in the morning from the city of Chur and return by evening. The total travel time round-trip is about 8–9 hours. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, an overnight stay at the final point of the route—the Italian town of Tirano—or a stop in charming St. Moritz is an excellent idea.

Trains run year-round, allowing you to see the Alps in both their winter white splendor and summer greenery. Usually, there is one morning service scheduled, and in peak seasons (summer and Christmas holidays), additional trains are added. It is important to remember that seat reservations are mandatory for travel in panoramic carriages.

Exact departure times may vary depending on the season and day of the week. To ensure your trip goes perfectly, it is recommended to check the current timetable on the official Rhaetian Railway (RhB) website before planning.

Before setting off or upon returning to Chur, be sure to spend some time exploring the city itself. Its Old Town hides many architectural treasures that will help you delve deeper into the atmosphere of the country's oldest city. A walk through its cozy streets is a great addition to your railway adventure.