The Albula and Bernina lines of the Rhaetian Railway are one of the most spectacular ways to cross the Alps. It links the north of Europe with the south in a zigzag route, completely without cog railway technology. A particular highlight of the ride is the panoramic view from the Bernina Express as it passes mighty glaciers and Graubünden's highest mountain on its descent from Chur down towards the swaying palms of Tirano. The train makes short work of the 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and slopes of up to 70mm per metre of incline that are found along its route. Since summer 2008, the section between Thusis and Tirano has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site – a milestone in its history. In 2010, the line celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Bernina express bus
Want to experience even more of this unique southern ambience? The new Bernina express bus takes you from Tirano to Lugano (or vice versa), passing through the vineyards of the Veltlin region and picturesque villages and along Lake Como on the way.

Ideal for: bon vivants, culture lovers and families

Sightseeing attractions: The UNESCO World Heritage route, with the Landwasser Viaduct and the winding tunnels between Bergün and Preda, the Circular Viaduct at Brusio, Ospizio Bernina, Alp Grüm, Palü and the Morteratsch Glacier, the Old Town of Poschiavo.

The Bernina Express. An absolute legend. The best connection between the icy north and the sunny south. A connection that runs through thousands of years of culture and the spectacular Graubünden landscape. The flash map of the Rhaetian Railway gives you a detailed overview of each route.

The Bernina Express runs between Chur, the oldest town in Switzerland, and the village of Tirano, in the picturesque region of Veltlin. That is the basic description of this highly pleasurable experience – but one that does not mention the 55 tunnels and 196 bridges, or the up to one-in-seven inclines that are tackled without the aid of rack-railway technology. Or the glaciers and palm trees, the important cultural sites and picturesque villages. Or even the feeling of freedom that you experience in the observation cars, with their awesome panoramic views of the unique surrounding countryside.

You can click on the interactive flash map to discover more about the sites of cultural interest and outstanding natural beauty that are to be found along the Albula and Bernina lines. The map also shows the routes of the Rhaetian Railway, together with all their tunnels and bridges. However, the interactive map, which you can zoom in and out of at will, does not just offer an innovative overview of the Albula and Bernina lines. It is also a comprehensive work of reference, but without the need to make laborious searches or scroll through page afer page of text. One click is all it takes to display the required information. The superimposed text windows can also be enlarged and reduced as required.

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