4 Things to Know About the Bernina Express
The Bernina Express is a scenic train route that runs from Chur, Switzerland to Tirano, Italy. It is a narrow-gauge railway that covers a distance of 122 kilometers (76 miles) and takes around four hours to complete. The train operates year-round, with daily departures from both Chur and Tirano and additional departures during the peak summer season.
Here are four things to know about the Bernina Express and why you should book a trip on it with Railbookers.
1. Spectacular Views
The Bernina Express is famous for its stunning views of the Swiss Alps. The train travels through a variety of landscapes, including mountains, glaciers, valleys, and forests, offering passengers unparalleled views of the natural beauty of Switzerland. The route also includes the famous Landwasser Viaduct, a 65-meter-high bridge that spans a deep gorge and is considered one of the most iconic railway structures in the world.
2. Comfortable and Convenient
The Bernina Express is a comfortable and convenient way to travel through the Swiss Alps. The train is equipped with large panoramic windows that provide unobstructed views of the scenery. It also has air conditioning, comfortable seats, and on-board catering, making it a pleasant and enjoyable experience. The train runs year-round, and tickets can be booked in advance, making it easy to plan your trip. For an even more luxurious experience, ask about upgrading your rail ticket to First Class accommodations.
3. UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Bernina Express is part of the Rhaetian Railway, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. The railway is recognized for its outstanding engineering and the way it harmoniously blends into the surrounding landscape. The Bernina Express, in particular, is a masterpiece of railway engineering, with its winding tunnels, steep gradients, and breathtaking views. It crosses 196 bridges and passes through 55 tunnels, including the famous spiral viaduct of Brusio, which is a marvel of engineering.
4. Don’t Pass Up the Passes
The train travels through a variety of landscapes, including the Albula and Bernina Passes, which are some of the highest railway crossings in the Alps. It also passes through several charming Swiss towns and villages, including St. Moritz, Pontresina, and Poschiavo, where passengers can disembark and explore the local sights and attractions. On the ascent to the summit of the namesake Bernina Pass, which reaches an altitude of 2,253 meters (7,391 feet) above sea level, passengers can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and valleys, including the Morteratsch Glacier, which is one of the largest and most accessible glaciers in the Alps.
Railbookers offers a range of packages that cater to different budgets and interests. For example, the Classic Bernina Express package includes the train ride and four nights accommodation in Zurich and Chur, while the Grand Tour of Switzerland package includes a 15-day tour of Switzerland that includes the Bernina Express journey, as well as visits to eight destinations such as Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zermatt. Give our Rail Experts a call today to learn more and book your Bernina Express train trip!
