Bernina Express

The line runs from Tirano in Italy over the Bernina pass to Switzerland, climbing from about four hundred metres to 2,253 at Ospizio Bernina, the highest transalpine crossing by rail, and it does it without rack and pinion: the gradients, up to seven per cent, are managed by adhesion alone, with spiral tunnels and looping viaducts gaining height. The Brusio circular viaduct is an open spiral in the open air. In Tirano the train runs through the streets alongside cars before reaching the mountains. The Rhaetian Railway's Albula and Bernina lines were UNESCO-listed in 2008.

What to look for

• The Brusio spiral - an open circular viaduct in the open air.
• The street running - the train sharing roads in Tirano before climbing.
• The Ospizio Bernina - the summit at 2,253 metres by adhesion alone.
• The glacier views - the Morteratsch ice on the descent to the Engadine.

When to go

Year-round; winter gives snow scenery and summer gives open panoramic cars. Seat reservation is compulsory on the named express service in most seasons.

Practical notes

Panoramic cars have sealed windows that reflect and are poor for photography. Reservations are required and cost extra. Most of the route is in Switzerland.

Nearby

The Valtellina runs west; the Stelvio pass is northeast.

Key facts