Hi y’all!
I am so excited I can hardly stand it. I’m finally sitting down to share one of the most breathtaking experiences from my recent trip to Switzerland. If you’ve ever seen a picture of a little red train winding its way through snow-capped mountains and thought, “That can’t be real,” I’m here to tell you that it is very, very real, and it’s even more magical than you can imagine.
I’m talkin’ about the Bernina Express, a train ride that is truly one for the bucket list!
More Than Just a Train Ride
Now, this isn’t your average commuter train. The Bernina Express is a rolling marvel of engineering that travels on a route so spectacular it’s been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. The cars are designed with huge, panoramic windows that curve up into the ceiling, so you don’t miss a single solitary thing. From the moment you settle into your seat, you’re getting a front-row view of the best scenery Mother Nature has to offer.
The Jaw-Dropping Journey from St. Moritz
The train travels between Switzerland and Italy, and let me tell you, the change in scenery will give you goosebumps. My own adventure began in the glamorous alpine town of St. Moritz. And let me tell you, even though it was early May, the peaks were still covered in a beautiful blanket of snow. As the train climbed higher, we were absolutely amazed to look out the window and see people skiing down the glaciers! It was a winter wonderland in full swing.
The real showstopper, though, is the bridges. Y’all, I held my breath more than once. The most famous one is the Landwasser Viaduct. It’s a massive, six-arched stone bridge that the train crosses before heading straight into a tunnel carved into the mountain. It feels like something straight out of a movie!
Another spot that had me mesmerized was the Brusio Circular Viaduct. To handle the steep descent, the train actually does a full 360-degree spiral on an open-air bridge. It’s a brilliant piece of engineering and so fun to experience!
After four hours of being completely captivated by the scenery, we rolled into the charming town of Tirano, Italy, where the air was warmer, and the promise of fresh pasta for lunch was the perfect welcome!
My Tailored Travel Tips for Your Ride
As your travel advisor, I can’t help but share a few tips to make this perfect experience even better:
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Book It Through Me! This is a popular excursion for a reason, and getting the right seats on the right day can be tricky. As a part of the custom Switzerland itinerary I design for my clients at Tailored Travel, I handle all the details, including booking your Bernina Express tickets to ensure you have the best possible experience. It’s just one less thing for you to worry about!
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Expect Multiple Seasons in One Day! Don’t let the calendar fool you. We traveled in early May and I was mesmerized watching people ski on the high-altitude glaciers from my window. Just a few hours later, I was perfectly comfortable without a heavy jacket while enjoying lunch in Italy. Be sure to pack layers!
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Pick the Right Side: If you’re traveling south from St. Moritz to Italy, try to grab a seat on the right-hand side. You’ll get the best views of the Landwasser Viaduct that way!
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Pack Some Snacks: It’s a 4-hour journey, and while there is a trolley service, it’s always nice to have your own water bottle and snacks to enjoy along the way.
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Don’t Forget Your Passport: You are crossing the border into Italy, after all!
Is It Worth It?
In a word: Absolutely. The Bernina Express isn’t just a way to get from one place to another; it’s an unforgettable adventure in itself. It’s a peaceful, beautiful, and utterly awe-inspiring way to see the heart of the Swiss Alps.
Happy Travels!
A Little About Me
Hi y’all, I’m Tara! There’s nothing I love more than traveling the world with my husband, Mike, and exploring the beauty of God’s handiwork. As an avid reader, when I’m not off on a real-life adventure, you can usually find me reading about one! I poured that passion into my business, Tailored Travel, a full-service travel agency where my team and I would be tickled to help you cross off the next destination on your list—including this beautiful place.
Let’s Start Designing Your Dream Trip!
📧 Email: tara@tailoredtravel.vacations
📞 Phone: (423) 641-1070
