Bernina Express, the slowest and most beautiful train in Europe

The Bernina Express is apparently a common, direct train that connects the towns of Tirano, Sankt Moritz and Chur. However, as a matter of fact, this means of transport is a lot more and it’s classifiable as a real tourist attraction. The Bernina Express crosses places of incredible beauty and architectural interest, penetrating mountains and valleys. It is no coincidence that the route from Thusis to Tirano was included in the UNESCO’s List of World Heritage Sites.

The Bernina Express covers a distance of about 145 km, connecting areas of different languages and cultures, and going up to an altitude of 2,253 meters. Also known as "the train that climbs the mountain", the Bernina takes about three hours to complete all its journey, thus earning the title of slowest train in Europe. Never mind, because its purpose is not to take travelers to their destination as soon as possible, but to let them admire breathtaking views, between snowy slopes or lush lawns.

There are many important points of interest along the Bernina Express' journey. One of them is the town of Brusio, in the Canton of Graubünden. The municipality is located on a slope on the left bank of the Poschiavino River, where the spiral viaduct of the Rhaetian Railway was built. Lake Poschiavo is instead bordered while reaching the Miralago station, which offers a panoramic view on the lake and the valley.

Beyond the Poschiavo station, the train crosses a wooded tract characterized by close and frequent turns, and then it heads towards the Alp Grüm station, the most scenic one of the entire route. From here, you can indeed see the entire Val Poschiavo and the glaciers placed in front of the station. At the bottom of the Morteratsch glacier’s valley, there is the station of the same name, from which you can admire the peaks of Piz Bernina and Piz Bianco.

The travel on the Bernina Express is considered one of the most fascinating in the world, thanks to the wonders you can admire at every step and turn. You may decide to take this train for an unconventional trip, to spend a romantic weekend in some mountain resort or to make a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Tirano. In any case, traveling on the Bernina Express represents a unique and unforgettable experience.

To travel on standard carriages reservation is not needed, you can go up or down at any station and the ticket can be purchased directly at the station. On the other hand, to travel on panorama carriages you shall book your tickets. The round trip ticket for a second-class travel costs about 52 euro, while the one-way ticket costs about 26 euro. The round trip ticket for a first class travel costs about 90 euro, while the one-way ticket costs about 45 euro. Discounts and facilities are available for children and teenagers aged between 6 and 16 years old and you can purchase tour guides on board. The train service is available throughout the whole year, both in summer and winter, with departure times varying according to the season.