The Bernina Red Train Express is a train with large panoramic windows that ensure unobstructed views of the ever-changing landscape, running between Switzerland and Northern Italy. It offers one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, connecting Tirano in Italy to St. Moritz in the Swiss Alps. The train climbs more than 1,800 metres, making it the steepest railway journey in the world. The whole route is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
If crossing the Alps by train is on your bucket list, then the Bernina Express is certainly one of the most spectacular ways to do it. Along the way, the Bernina Express rolls over the 65-metre-high Landwasser Viaduct, a single-track six-arched curved limestone railway viaduct, the signature structure of the Rhaetian Railway. This has to be seen to be believed. As the train rolls along, you can see from the front to the back of the train as it curves along the tracks.
Get ready for breathtaking views of mountain peaks covered in snow, alpine lakes, and stunning valleys. Apparently, the best time to visit is spring, as it combines snow-capped mountains, spring flowers, and green valleys. Unless you’re like me and love the cold and the snow (so long as I’m prepared for it, that is).
My wish was to experience it during the winter, which I had the pleasure of doing last February. Despite the snow falling, we were treated to lots of stunning sights during our journey, such as the Montebello Curve, a dramatic horseshoe-shaped curve offering stunning views of the Bernina massif.
As the train navigated this bend, we were also treated to panoramic vistas of the Morteratsch Glacier and the three lakes. Unfortunately, by this stage, the snow became really thick, so we didn’t get to see the glacier in its full splendour, but from what we did see, it was truly spectacular. This section of the journey is one of the many highlights the Bernina Express has to offer, and for this reason, I’d recommend trying to experience it in spring!
The snow didn’t dampen our spirits, though. In fact, it created a magical scene as we watched it blanket the ground, settle on rooftops and trees, and transform the landscape into a winter wonderland.
In fairness, each season brings unique scenery, from blossoming meadows in spring and summer to vibrant autumn foliage and snow-blanketed landscapes in winter.
One of the many highlights for me was the Bernina Pass. This is where the train climbs to its highest point, offering some of the most iconic views of snow-covered peaks, rugged terrain, and alpine lakes.
It’s hard to choose a favourite highlight because the whole journey is magical, but another of mine was the Brusio Spiral Viaduct. It’s a unique circular viaduct that allows the train to manage the steep descent gracefully. It was fascinating to watch and to marvel at the remarkable engineering that it took to create such an exciting and amazing railway that blends seamlessly with the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps.
All in all, the train ride took approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. We were giddy with excitement when the journey came to an end in Tirano, Italy. We had just experienced wonders, from glaciers and lakes on the way up to palm trees on the way down, on one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.
It’s said, you can’t put a price on an experience. In my estimation, this is one experience you won’t mind paying for!!