The Bernina Red Train : a true breathtaking Alpine experience
Experience the magic of the Swiss Alps as part of a magical round-trip on the UNESCO Bernina Red Train from Tirano, Italy, to the world-famous St. Moritz, Switzerland.
Completed in 1910, this magnificent railway line takes you from Tirano (429 m) across the glaciers up to the Bernina Pass (2,253 m).
In just 22 km, the Bernina Line runs between Tirano and the Bernina Hospice with a cumulative altitude gain in excess of 1,824m on a 70% gradient, without the help of gear rack!
This rail link between Northern and Southern Europe builds bridges between regions with different languages and cultures.
The railway is unique, blending ideally with the alpine landscapes around the Albula and Bernina Passes.
The train negotiates the 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and inclines of up to 70 per mille with ease.
At the highest point on the RhB, 2,253 metres above sea level, you will find the Ospizio Bernina. Here, visitors can delight in the cultural and natural surroundings and enjoy the Alps at their most impressive.
How it works: You can choose the regional train or the panoramic train. The regional is a normal regional train with First Class and Second Class carriages provided with opening windows that will let you take amazing pictures.
There are 8 mandatory stops and 8 stops upon request and the train takes 2h15 to complete the route. Tickets can be bought online or directly at the station (prices from 16 CHF).
Booking is not required because there is a train per hour leaving from Tirano and you can hop on and off the train whenever you want during the day.
The panoramic train offers more comfort, but it’s less convenient because you must book way in advance and despite being really huge, windows can’t be opened.
The journey to St. Moritz lasts 2h15, so, if you take a train early in the morning (9 am) you can do some activities along the road. As the train approaches each stop, you will be warned by a multilingual announcement… So don’t be worried by the idea of missing your stop and enjoy the view.
Taking the Little Red Train of Bernina you move from Italy to Switzerland and vice versa… So you need a valid passport or ID card. At Tirano railway station there is the Swiss custom.
You can buy your tickets here
You can either pay with Euros, with CHF or credit/debit cards.
How to get to Tirano
By Train:Trenord operates a train from Milan to Tirano every 30 minutes. Tickets cost 10€ – 13€ and the journey takes 2h 32m
St. Moritz Hotels – Where to Stay
Best luxury hotel: Suvretta House 5*
World-class luxury in a magical and enchanted place
Like a fairy-tale castle, the hotel is located in the magnificent Alpine landscape of the Upper Engadine. The peaks of majestic mountains rise to the sky in every direction. The lakes on the valley floor glisten in the light, deep blue in the summer, locked in ice during the winter. And you can experience a 5-star comfort in this unique setting. Suvretta House extends a cordial welcome to families with children. At the Kiddy Club, the little ones can frolic to their hearts’ delight under the supervision of trained kindergarten teachers, play with other children, or try their hand at arts and crafts. And with the Teddy Club, they even have their own restaurant.
Best mid-range hotel: Hotel Europa St. Moritz 4*
Best for peace and quiet
The Hotel Europa St Moritz enjoys a quiet location at the edge of the village of Champfèr, only 3 km from the legendary, world-famous spa town of St Moritz.
The rooms are generously and elegant furnished and equipped with TV and Internet access with a wide choice of videos and music. Most rooms offer a balcony or a terrace with a beautiful view of the Engadine mountains. Hotel Europa St. Moritz features free access to the spa and indoor swimming area. There is also a fitness centre which can also be used for free.
Best budget hotel: Hotel Chesa Spuondas 3*
Excellent location
Situated in an idyllically calm and natural area in Suvretta, 2 km from the centre of St. Moritz, the Hotel Chesa Spuondas offers you a unique historic yet friendly atmosphere. The Chesa Spuondas provides lots of activities for kids and features a play room. Forest, meadows, woods and streams surround the hotel and the lakes of Lej Marsch and Lej Nair are only 10 and 20 minutes’ walk away. It is a 5-minute drive to Lake Silvaplana where kite surfing, windsurfing , fishing and sailing are possible. Samedan Golf Course is a 10-minute drive away.
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