The Bernina Express Route is widely recognized as one of the most spectacular railway journeys on Earth. Stretching through the heart of the Swiss Alps before crossing into northern Italy, this remarkable railway combines breathtaking landscapes, historic engineering, and unforgettable panoramic views into a single journey. Every kilometer reveals dramatic mountain scenery, crystal-clear alpine lakes, charming villages, soaring viaducts, and glaciers that make this UNESCO World Heritage railway unlike any other in Europe.
Unlike many famous train routes that simply connect two destinations, the Bernina Express Route is itself the main attraction. Travelers board not only to reach another city but to experience one of the world’s greatest scenic rail adventures. From the ancient streets of Chur to the luxurious alpine resort of St. Moritz and the charming Italian town of Tirano, every section of the railway offers unique landscapes and cultural experiences. Whether you’re planning your first Swiss vacation or searching for the most beautiful railway in Europe, understanding the Bernina Express route is the first step toward an unforgettable journey.
Overview of the Bernina Express Route
The Bernina Express travels across the famous Rhaetian Railway (RhB), connecting Switzerland and Italy through one of the highest railway crossings in the Alps.
The complete route extends approximately 144 kilometers (89 miles) between Chur and Tirano, although many passengers begin their journey in St. Moritz. Depending on the departure point, the journey takes approximately four to four and a half hours.
The route passes through three distinct geographical regions:
- The historic valleys of eastern Switzerland
- The high Alpine environment of the Bernina Pass
- The Mediterranean landscapes of northern Italy
Within only a few hours, passengers witness an extraordinary transformation in climate, vegetation, architecture, and scenery.
Bernina Express Route at a Glance
| Route Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Station | Chur or St. Moritz |
| Final Destination | Tirano, Italy |
| Total Distance | Approximately 144 km (89 miles) |
| Travel Time | Around 4–4.5 hours |
| Highest Elevation | 2,253 meters (7,392 ft) |
| Railway Operator | Rhaetian Railway (RhB) |
| UNESCO World Heritage | Yes |
| Bridges | 196 |
| Tunnels | 55 |
Starting Point: Chur
The Bernina Express begins in Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland with a history dating back more than 5,000 years.
Before boarding the train, visitors can explore the charming Old Town filled with narrow cobblestone streets, historic churches, traditional Swiss architecture, and inviting cafés. Chur is also an excellent transportation hub with direct rail connections from Zurich, Lucerne, Basel, Geneva, and many other Swiss cities.
As the train departs Chur, passengers quickly leave the urban landscape behind and enter the beautiful Rhine Valley before climbing steadily into the mountains.
Thusis
The journey continues toward Thusis, a picturesque town located at the entrance to the famous Albula region.
The surrounding landscape becomes increasingly dramatic as forests replace farmland and towering mountain peaks begin dominating the horizon. This section offers travelers their first taste of the alpine scenery that awaits further along the route.
Tiefencastel
Tiefencastel is a peaceful alpine village surrounded by forests, rivers, and rocky cliffs.
The railway gradually gains elevation here while winding through valleys that showcase the impressive engineering techniques used to construct the line more than a century ago.
Filisur
Filisur is one of the most important stations along the Bernina Express route.
The village serves as the gateway to one of Switzerland’s most photographed engineering masterpieces—the Landwasser Viaduct.
Many railway enthusiasts visit Filisur specifically to photograph passing trains as they cross the spectacular bridge.
Landwasser Viaduct
Perhaps the most iconic landmark on the entire Bernina Express route, the Landwasser Viaduct stands approximately 65 meters above the valley floor.
Constructed from limestone between 1901 and 1902, the six-arched bridge curves gracefully before entering a tunnel carved directly into the mountainside.
It has become one of Switzerland’s most recognizable railway structures and symbolizes the remarkable engineering achievements of the Rhaetian Railway.
Bergün
Bergün is one of the route’s most charming mountain villages.
Traditional Engadine houses, flower-filled balconies, quiet streets, and breathtaking mountain scenery create an authentic Swiss atmosphere.
During winter, Bergün transforms into a popular destination for sledding and skiing, while summer attracts hikers and cyclists from around the world.
The train makes several graceful curves around the village, providing exceptional panoramic views.
Preda
Preda marks one of the highest villages before the train reaches the Bernina Pass.
The surrounding forests gradually give way to alpine meadows and rugged mountain terrain. The railway performs a series of loops and tunnels here to gain altitude while maintaining manageable gradients.
This section is considered one of the finest examples of mountain railway engineering anywhere in the world.
St. Moritz
St. Moritz is one of the world’s most famous luxury mountain resorts.
Many travelers choose to begin or end their Bernina Express journey here. Known for hosting two Winter Olympic Games, St. Moritz combines elegant hotels, luxury boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and spectacular alpine scenery.
The nearby lake reflects surrounding mountains during calm weather, making it one of Switzerland’s most photographed destinations.
Pontresina
After leaving St. Moritz, the train reaches Pontresina, another beautiful mountain town surrounded by glaciers and towering peaks.
Pontresina serves as an important gateway to hiking trails, ski resorts, and alpine adventures throughout the Bernina region.
Ospizio Bernina
At 2,253 meters (7,392 feet), Ospizio Bernina is the highest point reached by the Bernina Express.
Despite the extreme elevation, the railway reaches this summit without using cogwheel technology—a remarkable engineering achievement.
Snow often remains visible throughout much of the year, even during summer months.
Passengers experience breathtaking panoramic views stretching across glaciers, rocky peaks, and alpine lakes.
Lago Bianco
Adjacent to Ospizio Bernina lies Lago Bianco, one of the route’s most famous natural attractions.
Its turquoise waters contrast beautifully against snow-covered mountains and dark rocky terrain.
The lake marks an important watershed where water eventually flows toward both the Adriatic and Black Seas.
Many travelers consider Lago Bianco the visual highlight of the entire Bernina Express route.
Alp Grüm
Alp Grüm offers one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Swiss Alps.
Located high above the Poschiavo Valley, this remote station provides unforgettable views of:
- Palü Glacier
- Poschiavo Valley
- Alpine forests
- Waterfalls
- Snow-covered peaks
The station itself has become a popular stop for photographers and hikers.
Poschiavo
As the train descends into the Poschiavo Valley, travelers notice a dramatic change in both climate and scenery.
The rugged alpine environment gradually gives way to greener landscapes, vineyards, palm trees, and Italian-inspired architecture.
The town of Poschiavo features elegant historic buildings, charming cafés, and a relaxed atmosphere influenced by both Swiss and Italian cultures.
Le Prese
Le Prese offers one of the most unique sections of the Bernina Express route.
The railway runs directly alongside Lake Poschiavo, allowing passengers to enjoy uninterrupted views across the water while mountains rise dramatically in the background.
This peaceful lakeside stretch is particularly beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
Brusio Spiral Viaduct
One of the route’s greatest engineering marvels is the Brusio Spiral Viaduct.
Unlike traditional bridges, this circular stone structure allows the railway to descend gradually by looping around itself.
Completed in 1908, the viaduct remains one of the most photographed railway structures in Europe and perfectly demonstrates the ingenuity of Swiss railway engineers.
Watching the train slowly curve around the full circle is a memorable highlight of the journey.
Final Destination: Tirano
The Bernina Express concludes its journey in Tirano, Italy.
Located just across the Swiss border, Tirano welcomes visitors with a noticeably warmer climate, colorful Italian architecture, lively piazzas, and authentic local restaurants.
Many travelers spend several hours exploring the historic center before continuing toward Milan by regional train.
Popular attractions include:
- Basilica Madonna di Tirano
- Historic Old Town
- Traditional Italian cafés
- Local wine bars
- Boutique shops
Tirano provides a wonderful contrast to the alpine landscapes experienced earlier in the journey.
Elevation Changes Along the Route
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Bernina Express route is the dramatic change in altitude.
The train climbs from approximately 585 meters in Chur to more than 2,253 meters at Ospizio Bernina before descending to approximately 429 meters in Tirano.
This significant elevation change allows passengers to experience multiple climate zones within a single afternoon.
UNESCO World Heritage Route
The Albula and Bernina railway lines were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
The recognition celebrates both the exceptional engineering achievements and the harmonious integration of the railway into the surrounding alpine landscape.
Throughout the journey, travelers encounter historic stone bridges, elegant tunnels, mountain passes, and architectural features that have remained remarkably well preserved for more than a century.
Engineering Wonders
The Bernina Express Route includes:
- 196 bridges
- 55 tunnels
- Multiple spiral loops
- Historic stone viaducts
- Mountain passes
- Tight alpine curves
These engineering achievements enable trains to navigate steep alpine terrain without the use of rack-and-pinion technology.
Best Scenic Sections
Many experienced travelers consider these the most beautiful parts of the route:
- Chur to Filisur
- Landwasser Viaduct
- Bergün to Preda
- Bernina Pass
- Lago Bianco
- Alp Grüm
- Poschiavo Valley
- Brusio Spiral Viaduct
Each offers exceptional photography opportunities and unforgettable mountain scenery.
Which Direction Is Better?
The Bernina Express is spectacular in both directions.
Traveling from Chur or St. Moritz to Tirano allows passengers to experience a gradual transition from high alpine landscapes to Mediterranean Italy.
Traveling north from Tirano provides the opposite experience, climbing dramatically into snow-covered mountains.
Most first-time visitors prefer traveling southbound because the changing scenery feels especially dramatic.
Tips for Enjoying the Route
To make the most of the Bernina Express route:
- Reserve seats well in advance.
- Bring a camera with extra batteries.
- Wear layered clothing.
- Sit near a panoramic window.
- Clean the window before taking photographs.
- Keep your camera ready when approaching major landmarks.
- Avoid spending the entire journey looking through a camera—take time to simply enjoy the scenery.
The Bernina Express Route is much more than a railway connection between Switzerland and Italy. It is a masterpiece of engineering, a showcase of Alpine beauty, and one of the world’s greatest scenic rail experiences. From the historic streets of Chur to the luxury of St. Moritz, the glaciers of the Bernina Pass, the turquoise waters of Lago Bianco, the famous Landwasser and Brusio Viaducts, and finally the charming Italian town of Tirano, every section of the journey offers something extraordinary.
Whether you are interested in breathtaking landscapes, railway history, photography, or unforgettable travel experiences, the Bernina Express Route delivers an adventure unlike any other. With its UNESCO World Heritage status, panoramic trains, and constantly changing scenery, it remains one of the most iconic railway journeys in the world and an essential experience for anyone visiting Switzerland.