Have you ever imagined crossing the Swiss Alps on a train journey that combines comfort, history, and breathtaking scenery? That’s exactly what you’ll experience aboard the Bernina Express from Tirano to St. Moritz, one of the most spectacular railway routes in the world.
Departing from the charming Italian town of Tirano, the Bernina Express begins its climb through the mountains and treats passengers to stunning views. Get ready to see deep valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and snow-covered peaks. You’ll find yourself glued to the window, eager to capture every moment.
The Bernina Express route is so unique that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition highlights its cultural and natural importance, something you’ll immediately understand once the journey begins.
Why Is St. Moritz Famous?
St. Moritz, a destination synonymous with glamour, stunning landscapes, and winter sports, is a must-visit spot for those who love traveling in style.
Located in the heart of the Engadine Valley in the Swiss Alps, St. Moritz captivates visitors with its crystal-clear lake surrounded by snowy peaks and dense forests. The town has hosted the Winter Olympics twice (in 1928 and 1948) and is famous for the phrase “champagne climate,” a local expression that describes its exceptionally pure and refreshing air.
Celebrities in St. Moritz
Icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, and Brigitte Bardot used to spend their winter holidays here, enjoying the exclusive atmosphere and privacy. That made St. Moritz a preferred retreat for those seeking discretion along with luxury.
Best Time to Visit
The period between December and March is perfect if you want skiing activities, thanks to the thick layers of snow. During this time, the town looks magical, the lake freezes, and everything turns white. We visited in winter and highly recommend it—not only for the beauty of St. Moritz but also because the train ride from Tirano becomes simply SPECTACULAR. We had never seen anything like it!
Meanwhile, the summer months, from June to September, are ideal for hiking trails and enjoying the region’s natural beauty without the winter chill.
👉 Tip: If you want to check the weather in St. Moritz in real time, you can follow the live webcams here: St. Moritz Webcams
How to Get to Tirano
We drove to Tirano in Italy and left our car in the free parking lot at the train station. Be careful—street parking is paid by the hour, so look for the station parking lot located on the left side of the tracks, which is free of charge.
If you’re considering car rental in Italy, we recommend DiscoverCars. The site makes it easy to compare prices and reviews, and we always find good deals. We’ve used it several times and really liked the experience.
Valuable tips for drivers Driving in Italy: Essential Tips for Car Rental, Tolls, Parking, and ZTL Zones and How to Rent a Car in Italy: Complete Guide for Travelers
How Much Does the Bernina Express Cost?
The Bernina Express ticket from Tirano to St. Moritz costs €77.98 round trip in second class and €134.68 in first class. These prices change frequently, and when we traveled, we paid a little less because it was low season.
We chose second class and really enjoyed it because you can open the windows fully, which makes it perfect for photos and videos.
We boarded the 7:48 am train, arriving in St. Moritz at 10:23 am (a 2h35 journey) and returned in the late afternoon. You can also hop off at different stations if you want to explore along the way—we did this on our return to Tirano.
For booking train tickets, we recommend Omio. This popular platform across Europe makes it easy to compare prices and schedules from major train companies. We’ve used it many times and always found great options.
If you don’t have a car to reach Tirano, there are excursion options departing from Milan:
Things to Do in St. Moritz
Lake St. Moritz
As soon as you leave the station, you’ll see this lake. It offers mountain views and is the center of many outdoor activities. In winter, it becomes a natural ice-skating rink, while in summer, sailing and windsurfing are popular choices.
Muottas Muragl
For an unmatched panoramic view, head up to the lookout point at Muottas Muragl. Here, you can marvel at the vastness of the Alps and capture postcard-worthy photos.
Take the historic funicular up the mountain, and even during the ride, you’ll get a preview of the spectacular landscapes awaiting you at the top.
At the summit, the 360-degree views of frozen lakes and snow-covered peaks will take your breath away. It’s the perfect spot for photos and to soak in nature’s beauty. Muottas Muragl is also the starting point for several hiking and cross-country skiing trails, making it popular in both winter and summer.
If you enjoy art, you’ll also find an open-air sculpture trail where you can admire works of art while surrounded by alpine scenery. And when hunger strikes, the panoramic restaurant serves delicious dishes with a view you’ll never forget.
This excursion is worth it if you plan to spend more time in town, since it’s further away (check the map above). If you’re only doing a day trip, it might feel a bit rushed.
Corviglia
This is a paradise for winter sports lovers, famous for its flawless ski slopes and stunning views. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities such as alpine skiing, snowboarding, and even snow hiking.
The Corviglia ski resort has hosted international competitions, including two Winter Olympics. With over 155 kilometers of slopes, it offers challenges for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The slopes are well maintained, providing ideal conditions for practicing sports.
Beyond sports, Corviglia also has restaurants with spectacular views of snow-covered mountains—you can visit even if you’re not skiing, just to enjoy the panorama.
Via Serlas
The main shopping street in St. Moritz, lined with luxury boutiques and local stores, offers a premium shopping experience.
Conditorei Hanselmann
Visit this traditional confectionery in town, where you can sip coffee, taste a wide variety of pastries and breads, or enjoy a meal with a beautiful view.
Other Useful Tips
- Everything in St. Moritz is quite expensive. If you don’t want to spend much on lunch, buy snacks and drinks at the supermarket near the train station and have a picnic at the park. That’s what we did—we bought wine and sandwiches, had a picnic overlooking the frozen lake, and it was unforgettable!
- Always check the weather forecast before planning outdoor activities.
- Buy your tickets in advance and arrive early at the station, because trains leave on time.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll walk a lot around town. It’s worth strolling around the lake since the scenery is surreal. If visiting in winter, wear waterproof shoes.
Our Final Thoughts
St. Moritz is more than just a winter destination—it’s a place where luxury meets adventure all year round. No matter the season you choose, this Swiss town will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Enjoy every moment of the Bernina Express journey, the scenery is stunning, and the experience is absolutely worth it!
If you love great travel tips, don’t miss:
Milan, Italy: What to Do in 1 Day
Tuscany Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit
Dolomites Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit in Italy
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