National GeographicOct 23, 2026
The High-Altitude Wonders of a Ride on the Bernina Express
This gravity-defying rail journey through the Swiss Alps is a portal to the past, which brings you up close to mesolithic and medieval history—and a window onto the rapid changes this dramatic ...
19 things in this story
- Swiss National ParkSightZernez, SwitzerlandStrict conservation area, part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve
- Bernina ExpressPlaceChur, SwitzerlandFour-hour rail journey through the Swiss Alps to Tirano, Italy
- Canton GraubündenNeighborhoodChur, SwitzerlandPine-scented peaks, home to skiers and fondue
- Bernina RailwayPlaceChur, SwitzerlandUNESCO World Heritage status train network completed in 1910
- Rhaetian RailwayPlaceChur, SwitzerlandOperates the narrow-gauge railway line within Canton Graubünden
- Landwasser ViaductSightChur, SwitzerlandSix-arch viaduct over the Landwasser River, constructed in 1901
- Landwasser TunnelSightChur, Switzerland692-foot long tunnel through the mountain
- Brusio Circular ViaductSightChur, SwitzerlandInnovative nine-arch stone-masonry viaduct
- Alp Trupchun trailTrailZernez, SwitzerlandEasy four-mile route in Swiss National Park, open May to December
- Alp Grüm stationSightOspizio Bernina, SwitzerlandStop to observe Palü Glacier on the descent from Ospizio Bernina
- Bernina Diavolezza stationSightOspizio Bernina, SwitzerlandAccess point for Diavolezza Gondola
- Diavolezza GondolaSightOspizio Bernina, SwitzerlandClimbs nearly 10,000 feet for skiing, hiking, and glacier access
- VR Glacier ExperiencePlaceOspizio Bernina, SwitzerlandImmersive 3D journey through glacier history at Diavolezza Station
- MorteratschSightChur, SwitzerlandStop for flora and fauna sightings
- Ospizio BerninaSightChur, SwitzerlandHighest trans-alpine railway station in Europe at 7,392 feet
- Engadine LinePlacePontresina, SwitzerlandTrain line to access Swiss National Park from Pontresina
- Hotel Parc Naziunal Il FuornRestaurantZernez, SwitzerlandGateway stop for Swiss National Park
- National Park CenterMuseumZernez, Switzerland
- Swiss Post Auto BusPlaceZernez, Switzerland