Last Updated: September 2, Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. Well, if timed properly, this one single train ride brings you on a whirlwind journey through the most incredible variety of landscapes that Switzerland has to offer, from snowy mountains, adorable villages and hilltop castles to bright blue lakes and the rustic charm of northern Italy.
Save this post for later on Pinterest:. So, as I mentioned earlier, the Bernina Express is a legendary train ride that is often hailed as one of the most scenic in the world. With a relatively short 4 hour journey time from start to finish, it takes half the time of the much lengthier Glacier Express , and covers just as many scenic landscapes, from fairytale castles and mystical viaducts to mountain-top lakes and and quaint Italian towns.
The Bernina Express route runs between Chur and Tirano. You can start at either end, but I did it from Chur to Tirano. If you leave from Chur as I did, you pass through Thusis and Tiefencastel, going through the Domleschg valley which is dotted with countless mountain-top castles and pretty ruins.
The journey continues for an hour until one of the key moments of the trip: crossing the Landwasser Viaduct, about 5 minutes before you arrive at Filisur. The train crosses the viaduct extremely quickly though, so blink and you might miss it. Have those cameras at the ready! After Filisur, you go through the Albula tunnel and head onwards to the Upper Engadine valley, passing Pontresina along the way. In March, this meant we were soon face to face with snowy mountains and and an endless snowy landscape.
Seeing the Lago Bianco was a highlight, because even though it was frozen over, part had began to melt which meant we got a glimpse at the intense colour of the lake. From here, you begin a descent and the landscapes quickly begin to change. You then pass the beautifully blue Lago di Poschiavo before taking on the Brusio spiral viaduct, which is a real treat to ride. Your journey wraps up in Tirano, but along the way you weave through tiny towns, at times occupying the entire road and being so close to houses you could probably knock on their doors if you tried.
