Start: Travel to Chur
The Bernina Express starts in Chur, Switzerland’s oldest town, which is easily reached from the Hotel kommod. It takes about half an hour by car to reach Chur or you can take public transport which has regular connections to Chur. The train journey to Chur is already a delight as it travels through picturesque villages and along the Rhine before reaching Chur.
The journey with the Bernina Express
The Bernina Express travels from Chur to Tirano in Italy, crossing one of Switzerland’s most spectacular landscapes on the way. The entire route, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is 122 kilometres long and climbs through a difference in altitude of 1,824 metres. Some of the highlights you will experience on your unforgettable journey:
Landwasser viaduct: one of the best known landmarks along the route. This 65 metres high and 136 metres long breath-taking structure crosses the Landwasser Valley and leads directly into a tunnel. The view from the train as it travels majestically over the viaduct is an experience never to be forgotten.
Albula pass: the train crosses the Albula pass on its way to St. Moritz, a route that is sure to impress you with its many looping tunnels and viaducts. These engineering masterpieces enable the train to overcome the steep gradients while at the same time providing spectacular views.
Bernina pass: at 2253 metres above sea level, the Bernina pass is literally the high point of the journey. Here you will experience a landscape of pristine beauty with snow-covered peaks and glittering glaciers. The Lago Bianco, a dazzlingly white lake fed by glaciers, is particularly impressive.
Brusio corkscrew tunnel shortly before arriving in Tirano the train travels through the Brusio corkscrew tunnel, another impressive engineering feat. In the tunnel the train completes a 360 degree circle in order to overcome the difference in altitude. It also offers a fascinating view of the surrounding landscape.
What to do and see in Tirano
After the impressive journey you finally reach Tirano, a charming little Italian town which is just right for an unhurried stroll and a relaxed lunch. Visit the Madonna di Tirano basilica, a major pilgrimage destination with impressive architecture and history. The narrow streets and snug cafés invite you to enjoy the Italian approach to life and sample local specialties.
Return journey to Chur and return to the Hotel kommod
The Bernina Express will bring you back to Chur after an eventful day in Tirano. The return journey provides you with the opportunity of viewing the breath-taking scenery from a different angle and reviewing the impressions of the day. Once back in Chur, it’s an easy trip back to the Hotel kommod where you can let the evening gently drift towards its end in a relaxed atmosphere.
Tickets for the Bernina Express can be purchased here: https://tickets.rhb.ch/de/pages/bernina-express
Picture: Rhätische Bahn AG
