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Incl. arrival and departure night & train transfer
Track the Bernina Express
8 days / 7 nights
from CHF 1490
The hiking trail runs along the Albula and Bernina lines of the Rhaetian Railway and repeatedly provides enchanting views of a 120-year-old synthesis of the arts in a magnificent Alpine landscape. Countless bridges and spectacular viaducts blend harmoniously into the landscape and are rightly listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Highlights
- Landwater viaduct
- Bernina Pass
- Albula Pass
- Alp Grüm
- St. Moritz
- Lake Bianco
Your travel itinerary
Thusis – Tiefencastel – Bergün – St. Moritz – Alp Grüm – Poschiavo – Tirano
Item 1 of 3
Day 1
Arrival to Thusis
Travel by public transport from your starting point in Switzerland to Thusis. Overnight stay in Thusis.
Day 2
Thusis – Tiefencastel
After baggage drop-off, a spectacular trail leads from Domleschg through the Schinschlucht gorge. The climb to the hamlet of Muldain is rewarded with spectacular views. The Solis viaduct and St. Peters church in Mistail dating from the 8th century form more highlights on this hike.
Details: approx. 20 km ↑ 925 m ↓ 770 m
Duration: approx. 6 h
Day 3
Tiefencastel – Bergün
The second section leads to one of the highlights of the Via Albula/Bernina, the impressive Landwasser viaduct. Prior to this it runs alongside the foaming Albula river and then on the «Wasserweg ansaina» to a scenic spot for a souvenir photo of the world-famous RhB Rhaetian Railway viaduct. You then continue past Filisur with its historic village centre. Passing the tanzenden Hexen von Bellaluna (dancing witches of Bellaluna) the trail leads up to the well-kept, historic railway station at Stugl. Finishing point at Bergün with its Engadin houses, a mecca for railway enthusiasts.
Details: approx. 21 km ↑ 1'035 m ↓ 530 m
Duration: approx. 6 h
Day 4
Bergün – Spinas | by train: Spinas – St. Moritz
Hike through a true masterpiece of engineering. The mountain hike follows the banks of the Albula river and several times crosses the railway line, which along this stretch features the boldest of railway routes. The Bahnerlebnisweg (Railway experience trail) illustrates this 100-year-old railway engineering feat.
Past Preda, the mountain hike leads past the crystal-clear Palpuogna lake, over Weissenstein Alp or Crap Alv up to the Fuorcla Crap Alv (2466 m altitude) and steeply down into Val Bever to the idyllic stage destination of Spinas. From here by train to St.Moritz.
Details: approx. 18 km ↑ 1'320 m ↓ 880 m
Duration: approx. 6 h
Day 5
by train: St. Moritz – Morterartsch | Morterartsch – Alp Grüm
Through moorland and Alpine pastures to the Berninapass. One highlight follows another. The Stazerwald forest, Pontresina, the Morteratsch glacier world, Lago Bianco-Lej Nair watershed and Grisons highest mountain, Piz Bernina. After the white glacier waters of Lago Bianco, the route leads up to the fantastic vantage point of Sassal Mason with views of Piz Palü, its glacier seeming almost close enough to touch, the heart-shaped Lagh da Palü, Alp Grüm and Val Poschiavo.
Details: approx. 16 km ↑ 680 m ↓ 435 m
Duration: approx. 4.5 h
Day 6
Alp Grüm – Poschiavo
Worthwhile detour to the glacial mills of Cavaglia, made accessible with great effort. Just like the Rhaetian Railway, the hiking trail winds down the slope to the Poschiavo valley floor.
Details: approx. 10 km ↑ 30 m ↓ 1'155 m
Duration: approx. 3 h
Day 7
Poschiavo – Tirano
Along the way, the massive curved Brusio viaduct will amaze you. The varied route leads through orchards, chestnut groves and vineyards to Italy. S. Perpetua in Tirano gives an excellent overview of the Mediterranean landscape and the town with its venerable palazzi.
Details: approx. 19 km ↑ 380 m ↓ 950 m
Duration: approx. 4.5 h
Day 8
Departure
Return journey by public transport from Tirano to your final destination in Switzerland or extension of your stay (on request).
Tour characteristic
Good stamina is required for the longer stages at the beginning of the tour. The hikes can, however, be shortened without any problems by using the Rhaetian Railway. Some of the hikes lead along narrow and rocky paths. Sure-footedness is particularly important on the descent into Val Bever.
The Via Albula/Bernina with SchweizMobil
Information on long distance hikes in the Engadin St. Moritz region