The Rhaetian Railway (Ferrovia Retica del Bernina) is one of Europe’s most famous narrow-gauge railway lines. It connects Chur in Switzerland with Poschiavo in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy, crossing the breathtaking Swiss Engadin Alps.

The Bernina Express is a highlight of this railway, offering panoramic sightseeing year-round. Each season transforms the landscape, providing a completely different experience from lush green valleys in summer to snow-covered peaks in winter.

In early December, we embarked on this fabulous adventure. Traveling on the famous red train in both directions, we had the incredible opportunity to enjoy two completely different perspectives through the panoramic windows.

Our journey began in Tirano, a charming town in Valtellina (Sondrio, 429 m). From there, we ascended to the Bernina Pass (2,253 m), a high mountain pass in the Bernina Range, before passing Brusio, nestled in a magnificent valley leading to the Engadine. One of the highlights along the way is the Brusio Spiral Viaduct, a single-track marvel where the train elegantly winds over itself to manage the steep incline.

Along the route, the train crosses 52 bridges and 13 tunnels, ending in St. Moritz (1,800 m), the iconic Alpine resort in Switzerland. On the return journey, we were incredibly lucky our carriage was entirely empty, giving us a private sightseeing experience with uninterrupted panoramic views.

This journey offers some of the most extraordinary alpine scenery imaginable:

Verdant valleys and alpine meadows

Villages perched on vertiginous viaducts

Dense forests and sparkling lakes

Spiral tunnels, ice, snow, and majestic snow-capped peaks

The train even stops for about 15 minutes at a high point, allowing passengers to step out, explore the villages, and capture stunning photographs.

I can only say: a breathtaking, postcard-perfect journey that will stay in your memory forever!