Take a trip up high with us today, on board the Bernina Railway. This alpine crossing by train offers impressive views over the Grisons Alps and crystal-clear mountain lakes. Hop on board and explore the world-famous route from Chur to Poschiavo and Tirano with us.
Southbound with a 1A view
On the Bernina Express, the two of you will travel quite a distance. From the glaciers to the palm trees: on the highest railway line across the Alps, you will be truly amazed for only CHF 139.00. Travel from Chur to Poschiavo / Le Prese / Tirano and back at a special price. Enjoy magnificent panoramic scenery in the Grisons mountains - thanks to the extra-large panorama windows on the Bernina Express. A feast for your eyes followed by a delight for your taste buds, as a plate of Puschlaver Pizzoccheri awaits you in Tirano, in the south of Switzerland. Enjoy this regional speciality before the Bernina Express takes you back to Chur.
Impressive route
The comfortable 3.5-hour journey on the panoramic train from Chur to Poschiavo and Tirano guarantees a scenic change of scenery in a class of its own: You will first experience the rugged charm of the high mountains, only to find yourself in the Mediterranean Puschlav a few hours later. The Albula Valley with its deep gorges and imposing engineering structures as well as the Engadine, characterised by glaciers and deep-blue mountain lakes, are merely some of the highlights of the journey. The more than 100-year-old section of the route from Thusis is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
There is a lot to discover along the Albula and Bernina Route. We would like to introduce you to some of the highlights below: The Landwasser Viaduct near Filisur, built in 1901/1902, was a real architectural masterpiece at the time. It is 65 metres high, 136 metres long and was built without scaffolding using two cranes.
Discover Bergün
A visit to the picturesque mountain village of Bergün is definitely worthwhile. The Albula Railway Museum can be found here. Wonderful hikes await you in Bergün. Take a trip to Parc Ela, for example: Switzerland's largest nature park, located in the diverse landscape surrounding the Albula, Julier and Septimer Alpine passes, featuring pristine nature and authentic mountain villages and hamlets.
What about a pleasant walk around Lake Palpuogna? Lake Palpuogna, also called Lai da Palpuogna, mesmerises its visitors with its crystal-clear turquoise waters. Its shores are lined with old lark trees transforming their shape depending on the season and adding to the idyll of the place.
Lake Palpuogna © Pascal Debrunner / unsplash
The small, family-run 3* Hotel Ladina in Bergün will win you over with its newly renovated rooms and a dreamlike view over the picturesque village and the surrounding Grisons mountains. Cordiality and hospitality are lived out at the Hotel Ladina. You come as a guest and leave as a friend. In the hotel's own restaurant, guests are also spoiled with excellent delicacies and exquisite wines. A place where guests can feel completely at ease.
Experiencing Val Poschiavo
The journey continues on the impressive Albula line into the Upper Engadine and from there onto the Bernina Pass. Here, the Bernina Express crosses the impressive Mortaratsch Glacier and shortly afterwards the turquoise-coloured Lago Bianco at 2234 m.a.s.l., just before the steep descent into Puschlav begins. Should you feel like dipping your feet into a clear mountain lake, Val Poschiavo could be a great experience. You will find the beautiful Lago di Poschiavo or the magical Lago di Saoseo, easily reached by bus from Poschiavo village, then by a 15-minute hike from Alp Camp or from Lungacqua.
Lago di Saoseo
The Swiss Historic Hotel Albrici is situated in the town centre of Poschiavo and offers an exciting atmosphere. The hotel features an impressive patrician house dating back to 1682, furnished in a classy style. Matching the ambience of the house, the rooms are equipped with antique furniture. A stay here feels like a journey back in time, but without having to forego modern comforts. Guests are regaled with regional specialities prepared with a creative twist in the restaurant. The perfect pizza comes out of the crackling wood-burning oven of the hotel's own pizzeria. If you are looking for something special, you will love the Swiss Historic Hotel Albrici!
Experiencing Tirano
After Poschiavo, the journey continues downhill over the world-famous 143-metre circular viaduct of Brusio before crossing the Italian border and reaching the final stop of Tirano at a mere 441 metres above sea level. This charming little town welcomes its guests from the mountains with a lot of southern flair and Italian ease. Sights include the ruins of Dosso Castle and the 14th and 15th century town fortifications with the three town gates Porta Poschiavina, Porta Bormina and Porta Milanese and the remains of Santa Maria Castle. The many historic palazzi built by wealthy families during the rule of the Grisons are also remarkable.
Tirano: Hotel Curt di Clement
In Tirano, the magnificent 4* Hotel Curt di Clement awaits you with its elegant and very spacious Eco Suites and a Panoramic Relax Room. Italy's first Eco Mobility Hotel is located in the premises of a historic residence. The stylish, modern interior features fresh colours and natural materials. It guarantees relaxing moments of well-being after an exciting day in the mountains. Sustainability is a major focus here. The breakfast, consisting almost exclusively of regional products, stands out with the exquisite delicacies from the region: homemade cold cuts, cheese, rye and buckwheat bread, honey, fresh fruit and much more. A perfect start to an active day in the dreamlike surroundings of the Valtellina is thus guaranteed.
In autumn, the trip is even more worthwhile, as the larks turn yellow and form a unique nature experience. Benefit twice: from the exclusive offer of the Bernina Express and from 50% discount on our three partner hotels. We wish you much pleasure!