Why the Bernina Express is a Must-Take Train Trip in Switzerland! – Travel And Tour World

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Bernina Express provides a spectacular journey from Tirano to Chur, presenting unparalleled views of the majestic Swiss Alps along the way.

The Bernina Express is renowned for its exceptional scenic journey, offering a unique rail experience from Tirano, Italy, to Chur, Switzerland, across the breathtaking landscapes of the Alps. Covering a distance of 144 kilometers in about four to four and a half hours, this train ride provides unparalleled views and an unforgettable travel adventure.

Distinctive Attributes of the Bernina Express

The train is celebrated for being the highest railway in Europe and the world’s steepest, making its route quite spectacular. It maneuvers through “55 tunnels and over 196 bridges,” as highlighted by the Bernina Railway’s website, showcasing engineering marvels amidst natural beauty. The Bernina Express is particularly noted for its expansive windows that offer panoramic views, especially significant as it winds through the UNESCO World Heritage site—the Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes.

Train Options: Bernina Express vs. Regional Bernina Red Train

Passengers on the Bernina route can choose between the opulent Bernina Express and the practical Regional Bernina Red Train. The Express features large, unopenable windows that provide an immersive viewing experience of the dramatic vistas. The regional train, on the other hand, has openable windows, allowing for a more tactile experience of the Alpine air. The Bernina Express requires seat reservations, ensuring all passengers can enjoy the journey’s visual feast comfortably.

Year-Round Splendor and Value

The Bernina Express operates throughout the year, with its winter journeys being particularly renowned. These rides through the deep snow offer picturesque scenes at every curve. Despite its international acclaim, tickets remain affordable, with a one-way fare from Chur to Tirano starting at €63, offering great value for such an iconic journey.

Highlights Along the Bernina Express Route

1. Landwasser Viaduct: A stunning six-arch viaduct where the train dramatically enters a tunnel at the viaduct’s terminus, creating a perfect scene for photography enthusiasts.
2. Brusio Circular Viaduct: This spiral viaduct is an engineering feat, allowing the train to elegantly descend altitudes in a compact space, enhancing the thrill of the descent with exceptional views.
3. Glacial and Alpine Peaks: The journey offers intimate views of the Morteratsch Glacier and the majestic Piz Bernina, the highest peak in the Eastern Alps.
4. High-Alpine Stations: Key stations like Alp Grüm and Ospizio Bernina provide awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding glaciers and Lake Bianco, known for its vivid turquoise color contrasting with the alpine backdrop.
5. Descent into Italy: Transitioning towards Italy, the scenery changes to lush green valleys and ends in the picturesque Italian town of Tirano, marking a memorable conclusion to the scenic rail journey.

Embarking on the Bernina Express means traversing through some of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes in Europe, making each trip a distinct and memorable adventure in the heart of the Alps.