Bernina Express. From snow-capped peaks to palm-tree paradise. mystsnet.com

Transcription

1 Bernina Express. From snow-capped peaks to palm-tree paradise. mystsnet.com

2 From snow-capped peaks to palm-tree paradise. The Bernina Express is the most spectacular of all Alpine crossings. It seamlessly connects the cool north with the warm sunny south, effortlessly overcoming the steepest gradients. This is one of the most beautiful rail trips in the world. Crossing the Alps with the Bernina Express is an unforgettable experience. From Chur the crimson-red train first winds its way through the Engadine region up to the 2253-metre Ospizia Bernina, with its simple but welcoming rooms and spacious restaurant. Near Filisur the train crosses the 65-metre high legendary Landwasser viaduct dating back more than 100 years. The journey continues through no fewer than 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges, easily overcoming the 7 percent gradient, without resorting to rack-and-pinion technology. By the time the first glaciers sparkle in the distance, few passengers will still be staying in their seats. This remarkable route continues through the Val Poschiavo, crossing into Italy s Valtellina winegrowing region. The Albula and Bernina lines between Thusis and Tirano (in Italy) comprise a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site as an outstanding technical, architectural and environmental ensemble. Spectacular views along the way include the magnificent Montebello Curve. Basel Zürich St.Gallen Genève Neuchâtel Lausanne Luzern Chur Bern Davos Andermatt Interlaken Montreux St.Moritz Brig Locarno Tirano Zermatt Lugano History The first direct railcar service from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in neighbouring Italy was launched in Later renamed the Bernina Express, the cross-border route enjoyed such great popularity that only 10 years later the rolling stock had to be renewed. Large panorama windows were introduced in some railcars in 2000, and only six years later throughout the entire train. Today passengers enjoy air-conditioned comfort and freedom of movement as they discover the many scenic splendours along this remarkable route. Between 1984 and 2012, the number of passengers more than tripled saw the additional attraction of the Bernina Express Bus, which in summer travels from Tirano along palm-lined Lake Como to Lugano back into Switzerland. 2

3 Route highlights. En route from Chur to Tirano (Italy) the Bernina Express comprises the following highlights and excursion attractions: Domleschg Region. The Domleschg is a region renowned for its countless castles, due mainly to its strategic position on the route to three main Alpine passes the Splügen, San Bernadino and Julier. Fortresses were built to control this ancient route, making the Domleschg one of the regions in Europe richest in castles. The largest is Schloss Ortenstein, which is located on a 120-metre rock overhang high above Tomils. Solis Viaduct. In ancient Roman times, according to legend, Saint George escaped his pursuers by making a mighty leap over the Albula River on horseback. The modern form of gorge-crossing is also mighty in its own way. The Solis Viaduct, built in 1902, rises to 89 metres and spans 42 metres making it not only the highest bridge of the Rhaetian Railway but also the widest span of any along the Albula line. Landwasser Viaduct. The Landwasser Viaduct is the most spectacular construction on the 63-kilometre Albula stretch between Thusis and St. Moritz and the most photographed feature of the entire Rhaetian Railway. It comes into view on the right shortly before the village of Filisur, is 142 metres long and rises impressively to a height of 65 metres. The natural stone viaduct extends in a curve over the rugged Landwasser Valley, directly into a tunnel entrance on a vertical rock wall. Bergün and Preda. The direct distance between Bergün and Preda is only six kilometres. But the Rhaetian Railway has to travel more than twice that distance to make the maximum gradient climb of 3.5 percent between the two. To cover the 418-metre difference in altitude, trains have to pass through five loop tunnels, cross four valleys and negotiate many smaller tunnels, viaducts and dams. Engadine houses. Between Bever and Celerina in the Engadine, the traditional farmhouses of the region never fail to fascinate travellers. These mainly three-floor dwellings are characterised by strong stone walls and deep funnel-shaped windows but most of all their stylish Sgraffiti (special facade decoration). The word is derived from the Italian sgraffiare (to scratch) and refers to the technique of this traditional craft. 3

4 Montebello Curve and Morteratsch Glacier. After Morteratsch, the Bernina Express first passes the Montebello Curve. Then on the right in the direction of travel, the Bernina massif and Morteratsch Glacier come into view. This third-largest glacier in the Eastern Alps lies in the upper section of the Morteratsch Valley. The highest peak in the Eastern Alps the 4049-metre Piz Bernina sets the scene to perfection. Bernina Hospice. The Bernina Pass is just one of the many highlights of a trip on the Bernina Express and at 2253 metres it is the highest-altitude station on the Rhaetian Railway network. Before reaching the Ospizio Bernina the train passes the three small lakes Lej Pitschen, Lej Nair and Lago Bianco marking the watershed between the Black Sea and the Adriatic. Alp Grüm. On Alp Grüm you ll find probably the only restaurant along the route accessible solely by train. Its sun terrace offers fine views of the rugged Bernina massif, the eternal ice of the Palü Glacier and the sunny Val Poschiavo extending into Italy. Just after the train departs, Lake Poschiavo and the distant Bergamo Alps come into view. Lake Poschiavo. In Val Poschiavo one of the most remote regions of Switzerland the Bernina Express runs in close proximity to the waters of Lake Poschiavo. This natural lake was formed by a prehistoric landslide, but a man-made water catchment at the southern serves to regulate the outflow. Today, the two small communities of Le Prese and Miralago are popular vacation destinations. Brusio Circular Viaduct. No other landmark along the Bernina line is as striking as the Brusio Circular Viaduct. From below Brusio, the Rhaetian Railway overcomes an entire altitude level by means of two loops each of 100 metres diameter. The open stretch across the viaduct allows passengers to appreciate fully this remarkable feat of railway engineering. 4

5 Tirano. Tirano lies in the upper Valtellina at the entrance to the Val Poschiavo. The tiny town in the Italian province of Sondrio is renowned for its impressive 16th century Church of the Madonna. This is where the train line terminates, and where in summer passengers change to the Bernina Express Bus to continue their journey to Lugano back in Switzerland. Bernina Express Bus. During the summer season, passengers can prolong their travel experience by changing (across the border in Italy) to the red Bernina Express Bus in Tirano. The route passes through the Valtellina with its Mediterranean-style climate via Sondrio and Morbegno to palm-lined Lake Como. After a short stop in Sorico, the journey proceeds to Lake Lugano, re-enters Switzerland and reaches its destination at Lugano cultural capital of Canton Ticino. Lake Como. Idyllic Lake Como is where many celebrities (among them Brad Pitt) own a vacation residence. In summer Bernina Express Bus passengers too can discover the delights of picturesque promenades, spacious parks and tranquil fishing villages, extending along the western shore as far as Menaggio with its Piazza Garibaldi. From here the bus heads back to Switzerland. Lake Lugano. Lake Lugano lies at Ticino s southernmost point and extends into Italy. The lake is surrounded by several mountains, including Monte Generoso, Monte Brè and Lugano s home mountain, Monte San Salvatore. A leisurely lake cruise is the perfect way to explore this diverse region. The Società Navigazione del Lago di Lugano operates a fleet of 10 motor vessels. 5

6 Facts & Figures. Route Bernina Express Train: Chur Tirano and vice versa St. Moritz Tirano and vice versa (summer season only, May to October) Davos Tirano and vice versa (summer season only, March to October) Bernina Express Bus: (summer season only, March to October) Tirano Lugano vice versa Offer Panorama railcars 1st and 2nd class Minibar with snacks and drinks BEX surprise arrangements Bernina Express Souvenir Shop Bernina Express souvenir certificate, obtainable from the railway stations of Chur, St. Moritz or Tirano on presentation of ticket Onboard library in 1st class Good-to-know audio information in English, German and Italian between Tirano and St. Moritz. Between St. Moritz and Chur in English and Germany only Bernina Express travel guide at your seat Handicapped-accessible toilets and wheelchair seating Eating and drinking The Bernina Express minibar serves a selection of tasty snacks and refreshing drinks The train has no dining car. During lunchtime in Poschiavo or in Tirano (Italy) many restaurants are on offer Surprise arrangements for special occasions can be booked in advance Timetable Bernina Express timetable information is to be found under: mystsnet.com/berninaexpress Travel duration Chur Tirano 4h 13 min Davos Tirano 3h 40 min St. Moritz Tirano 2h 30 min Bus Tirano Lugano 3h 10 min Route length 156 kilometres / 97 miles Route stops Chur Tiefencastel Davos Filisur Bergün Samedan St. Moritz Pontresina Ospizio Bernina Alp Grüm Poschiavo Le Prese Tirano Lugano The Bernina Express reservation supplement applies to the entire itinerary, regardless of which part(s) of the route is or are actually travelled. A separate seat reservation is also required for the Bernina Express Bus. 6

7 Seat reservation and surcharge Surcharge (mandatory) Summer season, 13. May 29. October 2017, CHF 14 Winter season, 11. December May 2017, CHF 10 Bernina Express Bus, 14. April 29. October 2017, CHF 14 Ticket information Individual passenger fares (excluding surcharge) Routes and fare Chur Lugano or vice versa Swiss Travel Pass Swiss Travel Pass Flex Swiss Travel Pass Youth included Swiss Half Fare Card CHF nd class CHF 69 1st class Children aged 6 16 with Swiss Family Card free of charge Without reduction CHF nd class CHF 138 1st class Eurail included Interrail included All prices are subject to change. Points-of-sale Swiss Travel System points-of-sale worldwide: mystsnet.com/wheretobuy Every railway station in Switzerland 7