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The journey begins from Tirano railway station, on the famous Bernina Red Train. It is the highest Alpine railway crossing in Europe and one of the steepest naturally adhered tracks in the world (rails using only the force of gravity and the adherence of the train on the tracks, without the need for hooks).

The construction of the railway began at the end of the XIX century, creating a tourist route through the Alps which was completed in 1910. During the two World Wars, the number of passengers dropped dramatically only to start rising again in 1942 when this route became part of the Rhaetian Railway. In 2008, it was officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

THE TRIP

The journey begins in Tirano and going past the Sanctuary of the Madonna, it runs along Poschiavino valley and its river. It then proceeds on a circular route near Brusio, reaching a high altitude from which the bell tower of the church of San Romerio and the Poschiavo valley can be enjoyed from above. After the village of Poschiavo (3.343 ft), the train travels towards Alpe Cavaglia plain (5.554 ft). Up there, larch (Larix decidua), Norway spruce (Picea abies), and Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra) woods are clearly visible. The train then climbs to Pila valley, reaching 6.860 ft on Alpe Grùm. The highest point of the route is the Bernina Pass station, at an altitude of 7.401 ft. Along the spectacular journey, there are many breath-taking sights like Palù lake and the White glacier.
On the descent route, past Ley Nair and Ley Pitschen, the train reaches Bernina valley and Morteratsch station: form there, passengers can admire the mountains stretching from Piz Bernina to Piz Balù. Finally, the journey ends in St. Moritz.

Several stops along the way are served by wondrous walks between nature and glaciers (Cavaglia, hospice Bernina and Morteratsch), postcard-like views (Miralago, and Alp Grum), horse-drawn carriage and sleigh rides (Pontresina, and Val Roseg), historic alpine village sightseeing (Brusio, Poschiavo, and Pontresina), easy hiking route (Le Prese and, only in the summer, Morteratsch), and much more.

Refreshments are available on the train that also features some open carriages.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)