FROM GLACIERS TO PALMS
THE BERNINA EXPRESS
Running from Chur in Switzerland to
Tirano in Italy, the Bernina Express is
one of the world’s most unforgettable rail
trips. Crossing the Bernina Pass at 7,392ft
above sea level and negotiating 55 tunnels
and 196 bridges, Rhaetian Railway’s
meandering 75-mile path consists ofmesmerising landscapes that transition
from glaciers glinting in the sun and
tranquil Alpine villages to the verdant
valley floor. Panoramic windows and an
onboard commentary ensure that none of
the highlights along the four-hour journey
are missed.HIGHLIGHTS
Albula/Bernina UNESCO
World Heritage route:
Constructed in the early
20th century, the Albula
and Bernina sections of
the track were named a
UNESCO World Heritage
Site in 2008. These lines
aren’t so much built as
woven into their surrounds,
merging almost organically
into the rugged valleys.Landwasser Viaduct:
Spanning the Landwasser
Valley in six dramatic
arches, the limestone
Landwasser Viaduct
juxtaposes impressive
architecture with
open expanses before
disappearing into a tunnel
hewn into the cliffside. The
213ft-high and 445ft-long
limestone viaduct is an
outstanding architectural
feat, especially considering
that the three main pillars
were built using only two
cranes and no scaffolding.Ospizio Bernina:
Passengers alighting in
Ospizio Bernina will find
their lungs filled with crisp
mountain air. The station,
which lies on the shores of
the Lago Bianco reservoir,
marks the highest point
of the journey at 7,392ft
above sea level. The
station’s charming Bistro
Albergo was renovated
in 2013, luring guests
with teatime treats and
postcard-worthy vistas.Getting there and around: Most
major airlines fly to Zurich Airport
from London. The Swiss Travel
Pass facilitates travel all around
Switzerland. sbb.chEssentialsThe highlights of Rhaetian Railway’s Bernina Express
encompasses a dramatic variety of landscapesPARTNER CONTENT FOR RHAETIAN RAILWAYSTo find out more, visit berninaexpress.ch