Bernina Railway

Angela: this is truly a special adventure this time!

Piero: we’ve decided to spend New Year’s Eve in Tirano and spend the day on the wonderful Bernina Railway!

Angela: how do we organize ourselves?

Piero: the train usually departs early in the morning, so we can make the most of the day. Given the time of year, we decide to go for an all-inclusive package, which includes two overnight stays (the night before the train ride and New Year's Eve) and the festive dinner.

Angela: the package itself isn’t extraordinary; the hotel is nice but nothing particularly charming, and the dinner leaves a lot to be desired. But we’re not here for that, so it’s fine!

Piero: we arrive in Tirano on the afternoon of the 30th; we take a quick tour of the town before a tasting of wines and local products.

Angela: dinner and then bed because the train departs promptly at 8 in the morning!

Piero: we prepare everything so we can stay warm outside but also be comfortable indoors and on the train. It’s really cold at over 2000 meters in winter, but the train has a comfortable climate.

Angela: make sure to always have a spare change of clothes on hand — mishaps, especially with kids, are always just around the corner! And we know that all too well...

Piero: absolutely! So, unless you want to do some very expensive shopping in St. Moritz, it’s better to leave prepared and organized!

Angela: early in the morning, we reach the Tirano station and settle into the train.

Piero: the carriages are very beautiful and comfortable, and now many trains are fully panoramic, with transparent glass covering that lets you enjoy the landscape to the fullest. A guide’s voice accompanies our journey.

Angela: a tip for those wanting to take photos or videos without the glass interference: sit at the back of the carriages so you can easily access the space between the carriages.

Piero: there’s always a small window: just open it and the result will be magnificent! Of course, you’ll get very cold and maybe neglect your company a little...

Angela: now we begin our breathtaking journey on the "highest train in Europe," which climbs the Alps without using a rack railway.

Piero: Tirano is located 429 meters above sea level; the full route is about 60 km and passes through all the vegetation zones of the Alps. After about 4 hours, it reaches the 2253 meters of the Bernina Pass (Ospizio Bernina stop) before descending more gradually to around 1800 meters in St. Moritz.

Angela: the route is a true jewel of civil engineering, now part of UNESCO’s World Heritage. It’s a privileged observation point for a magnificent natural spectacle.

Piero: after leaving the station, we pass by the Sanctuary of Madonna di Tirano, one of the most beautiful in Lombardy.

Angela: the little red train now enters the Poschiavo Valley in Switzerland. This is the steepest section, allowing the train to overcome a height difference of over 1800 meters to reach the Bernina Pass.

Piero: after just a few kilometers, we soon reach the first marvel to observe, the beautiful Brusio spiral viaduct: a true gem of architecture and engineering, designed in this special form to lengthen the route and allow the train to cross such a height difference without a rack railway.

Angela: after passing the first part of the valley, we reach Lake Poschiavo, almost 1000 meters above sea level: another natural spectacle! The town of Poschiavo is also very characteristic with its historic houses and buildings.

Piero: from Poschiavo, the little train climbs the mountain slope, offering breathtaking views of both the Valposchiavo and down into the Valtellina. To gain elevation, the train enters various hairpin turns, allowing you to enjoy the panorama from both the right and left sides.

Angela: now we reach one of the most interesting viewpoints: Alp Grüm, over 2000 meters high, where you can see both the valley and the glacier; you can take a quick walk in the snow and enjoy the station’s refreshment area. This is definitely an unmissable stop!

Piero: after passing Alp Grüm and the forest, the train reaches the Bernina Pass and runs alongside an artificial lake called Lago Bianco. You can catch glimpses of the glacier and the entire Bernina mountain range.

Angela: finally, we arrive in St. Moritz, the destination of this beautiful trip!

Piero: a stunning and refined resort town: don’t miss a walk on the frozen lake and a stroll through the town center, where it’s not hard to spot a celebrity!

Angela: in the early afternoon, we take the train back: it’s equally fascinating to repeat the journey with a different light.

Piero: new Year’s Eve dinner at the hotel (not exactly unforgettable...) and the next day we take the opportunity for a quick walk in Tirano.

Angela: certainly, Tirano isn’t as charming as the train route, but it’s fine: the beautiful winter landscapes of the Alps remain in our eyes!

Piero: It’s definitely worth considering the same trip in a different season: the train runs all year round and always offers unique panoramas and colors.

Angela: maybe in spring, with longer days and meadows covered in flowers, or in summer, with the open carriages, or even in autumn to enjoy the magnificent landscape in its vibrant colors!

Piero: a train of emotions in every season!