The Bernina Line of the Rhaetian Railway is part of the UNESCO world heritage. In around two hours, the red regional train travels from Pontresina through high-alpine landscapes, past glaciers and down to Poschiavo and the palms in the Italian town of Tirano. Along the fascinating rail route there are scenic sights, starting points for hiking tours and bike routes as well as guesthouses. With the “hop-on/hop-off” offer from the Rhaetian Railway, there’s nothing to stop you enjoying your own personal mountain adventure at the Bernina Glaciers experience. Regardless of whether you travel the route from the north or the south.
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Pontresina station
Travel in a private horse-drawn carriage or the horse-driven bus up to the Hotel Restaurant Roseggletscher. Alternatively, the “Fix shows you his world” adventure trail takes you to the nicest places in the wildly romantic side valley of Pontresina. A lovely experience in nature for the whole family.
The Ova da Bernina wild water ravine with attractive locations and a circular adventure route is currently being developed as a new local recreation area at the foot of the Bernina Glaciers experience.
Around 1,800 ibexes live in the ibex paradise on Piz Albris near Pontresina. On the Alp Languard (summer operation and access with the chair lift) with the all-year round ibex promenade at the edge of the valley, you’ll find out all you need to know about the heraldic animal of Grisons and enjoy the great mountain panorama.
The popular holiday village of Pontresina is a place for mountaineering with a history of traditional tourism. Along the lively promenade are grand hotels, traditional Engadin houses, sports shops and a rich gastronomic offer. The mountaineering school offers guided glacier tours. The exciting history of the Bernina region and alpinism are explained at the Museum Alpin.
Surovas station
The Swiss Stone Pine Trail from Bernina Glaciers with its three interactive trails in the magical Taiswald starts here. In summer the Camerata, the Pontresina spa orchestra, plays its concerts in the heart of the Taiswald just like 100 years ago. Every day at 11 am on the Tais concert square in good weather. Free entrance.
Morteratsch station
The popular Morteratsch Glacier Trail takes you to the foot of the glacier where you can experience the decline in the glacial ice over the past decades close up.
The wild “Ova da Bernina” mountain stream runs along a steep waterfall path with viewing platforms.
The Gletscherhotel Morteratsch serves regional dishes – inside and on the lively sun terrace.
The Morteratsch alpine cheese dairy is located on an idyllic clearing between fir trees and pastures. Cheese and meat platters are served on wooden tables; cheese is produced on the open fire in the hut. The Morteratsch campsite with the public Bernina Glaciers adventure playground attracts visitors.
Bernina Diavolezza station
Starting point to the panorama highlight on the Diavolezza. The viewing platform and Glacier Experience Trail provide unique views of the glacier world and the four-thousand metre peaks of the Bernina massif. In the valley station you’ll find the interactive “VR Glacier Experience” visitor centre.
If you want to head a bit higher, you can take on the Piz Trovat vie ferrate or book a climbing tour and a guided glacier hike at the Pontresina Mountaineering School.
Ospizio Bernina station
At 2,253 metres above sea level, this is the highest point on the Bernina route and can be conquered without any gears. At the station you’ll find a lot of rail history and a great view of Lago Bianco and the Cambrena Glacier.
Experience the magical reflection of the outside world in the camera obscura from Bernina Glaciers. The installation is located slightly above the rail station, directly on the Bernina Pass.
Alp Grüm station
On the south side, before the red train winds down in long loops towards Poschiavo, is the small settlement of Alp Grüm. The ideal place to enjoy lunch in the eponymous restaurant or the Casa Alpina Belvedere up on the spur – the view of the landscape formed by the Palü Glacier is breathtaking.
Cavaglia station
This high plateau formed by ice is home to the Cavaglia Glacier Garden with its rich alpine vegetation and the fascinating glacial mills. A visit to this natural wonder created over centuries is an unforgettable experience. Not to be missed: the “Orrido di Cavaglia” gorge trail.
Poschiavo station
The small town imparts a Mediterranean way of life in the midst of an alpine environment. The townscape with its narrow streets, historic houses, lovely squares and an important art museum is a place of national heritage. Yet Poschiavo also offers culinary pleasure and cultural treasures.
Hop-on/hop-off along the train line
Tickets can be bought from the Rhaetian Railway machines, online or from all major stations. Trains on the Rhaetian Railway (part of the UNESCO world heritage) generally travel each hour in both a northern and southerly direction.
Tip: on the Bernina line you can travel on regional trains, open viewing wagons (Carozza Panoramica/Vagun panoramic) as well as the nostalgic train of the Bernina railway at the normal ticket price. Trips in the panoramic wagons of the world-famous Bernina Express cost extra.
More about the Rhaetian Railway train experiences:
www.rhb.ch
