The Bernina Line: from palm trees to perpetual snows
The Bernina Line (Bernina Express) was inaugurated in 1910 and since 2008 has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage. It is the highest train route in the Alps and connects the South and the North of Europe, and was designed to blend beautifully with the mountain landscape.
As part of the Rhaetian Railway in the Swiss canton of Grisons, the departure station is in Tirano, in the middle of the Valtellina at an elevation of 1,400 feet (429 meters). From Tirano the train climbs between the mountains and through wooded forests up to its highest point near Bernina Pass, Ospizio Bernina (hospice Bernina) at 7391 feet (2253 meters). From Ospizio Bernina begins the descent down to the station in St. Moritz (6089 feet/1856 meters).
This route includes ascents and descents with gradients of 7%, but without resorting to a cog (rack) system. It is an spectacular journey, from palm trees to perennial glaciers, through forests, pastures, small villages, over rivers and next to alpine lakes. In fact, thanks to a special snowplow, the Bernina Line can travel in winter, as well as in summer.[/vc_column_text]
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St. Moritz, glamour at high altitude
St. Moritz is a gem of the Engadine Valley, in the Swiss Canton of Grisons. Situated at 6089 feet (1856 meters) above sea level, St. Moritz has a dry and sparkling climate which, also thanks to glamour charm of the town, is defined the “champagne climate”. A destination preferred by the world jet set, St. Moritz has much to offer to lovers of outdoor activities throughout the year: a beautiful alpine environment with lush woods, the numerous peaks of the Bernina group, and its lake, which in the winter becomes a track for horse races and for the polo matches. There is also the Spa resort, known since antiquity, plus the Casino.
