Bernina Red Train from Lake Como or Milan: Day Trip to St. Moritz & Maloja Pass
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7–10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average health; involves brief, gentle walks and boarding a train and coach.
Overview
Board the Bernina Red Train in Tirano for a one-day ascent into the Engadin—glaciers and viaducts unfold on a UNESCO railway that reaches 2,253 m. Finish with lakeside St. Moritz, windy Silvaplana, and a panoramic drive over the Maloja Pass.
Bernina Red Train from Lake Como or Milan: Day Trip to St. Moritz & Maloja Pass
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The day begins at Tirano station with a hiss of brakes and a promise: a rail corridor that climbs from vine-clad slopes into an alpine arena. Passengers settle into first-class seats as the Bernina Red Train slips out of the valley. Windows frame a moving postcard—the Adda River threading past stone villages, kilometers of terraced vineyards giving way to pine stands and sudden glacial blue.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Passport and ID
You cross the Italy–Switzerland border—carry a valid passport and any necessary entry documents.
Dress in layers
Temperatures can drop sharply at higher elevations; a light fleece and waterproof shell are recommended year-round.
Window seat for views
Reserve a window-side first-class seat on the Tirano→St. Moritz segment for uninterrupted glacier and viaduct photography.
Comfortable footwear
Short lakeside walks and slippery viewing platforms at waterfalls require grippy, closed-toe shoes.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Alpine marmot
- Ibex (in higher rocky areas)
History
The Bernina line was completed in the early 20th century and is UNESCO-listed for its engineering and cultural significance linking Italian and Swiss alpine communities.
Conservation
Rail travel along the Bernina reduces road traffic in sensitive alpine areas; visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles and stick to marked paths to protect fragile high‑alpine flora.
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Adventure Hotspots in Como
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Passport/ID
Required for crossing into Switzerland and for any ID checks.
Waterproof shell
Protects against sudden alpine rain or spray at waterfalls.
Sturdy walking shoes
Useful for short walks around lakes and viewing points with uneven surfaces.
Sunglasses & sunscreen
High-altitude sun and reflective snow or water increase UV exposure.
summer specific