This holiday, ride into a world of action and adventure in Switzerland with the Bernina Express

If you thrive in challenges and love the outdoors, bookmark our exciting, hand-picked winter itinerary in Switzerland’s most epic winter destinations. From scenic train rides and vintage gourmet dining cars to sledging in the Alps, we’ve charted a plan via the iconic Bernina Express that’ll thrill your exploratory spirit.

Cosy Christmas nights by the fire-side or indulgent spa holidays aren’t everyone’s cup of hot chocolate. If you identify as an adventurous vacationer, you might already be itching to escape the grind of daily life, explore amazing new landscapes and recharge your batteries with like-minded travellers. With its well-preserved medieval buildings, scarlet-tipped church spires and scrumptious bratwurst and rösti meals, Switzerland may initially seem too demure for an action-packed holiday. But beyond its elegance and global financial might, the country offers more than serene lake gazing and shopping sprees along its many posh streets. 

The famously punctual, independent and well-travelled Swiss wouldn’t want to gate-keep their plethora of exciting experiences on wheels. With easy accessibility and a diversity of adventure options, you won’t have a dull moment. For winter vacationers seeking out authenticity with a dash of adrenaline, we’ve crafted an itinerary via the famous Bernina Express that’ll sweep you off your feet.

Hop on the Bernina Express for a date at the ‘Ballroom of the Alps’ 

Hailed as one of most stunning narrow gauge railways in the world – with the moniker ‘Ballroom of the Alps’ –  the 67-kilometer UNESCO World Heritage Albula line with its spiral loops is the perfect starter to whet your appetite for adventure – the Bernina train ride from Chur to St Moritz. In just under 85 minutes, there will be plenty of jaw-dropping moments. You’ll marvel at the Vorderrhein river valley as the train makes a bend past Reichenau-Tamins and thrill at the sight of sparkling, blue-green glacial waters of the Hinterrhein river.

But don’t get too complacent, because the most striking feature of the ride can strike quickly and announced. After passing the town of Surava, the train approaches the Landwasser viaduct, a landmark 213-foot-high bridge built in 1901 featuring six picturesque arches. Appearing and disappearing in a flash – grab your camera in advance – it leads to more engineering marvels as you swoop through a network of tunnels and bridges in a winding pattern.

Take your taste buds on a ‘Gourmino’ culinary ride

Envision a golden vintage carriage serving gourmet cuisine on an exciting train journey; we bet a sweet Bütschella bun that you’re signing up for this ride right now.

On the scenic journey from Chur to St. Moritz, the luxurious Gourmino dining car – originally crafted in the 1930s – is an all-sensory attraction that invites you to embrace the spirit of gastronomic adventure. Indulge in the authentic flavors of Graubünden with delicious regional cuisine and a sparkling cocktail bar, all available for order as you ride in style through breathtaking Alpine landscapes.

Impeccable service, stylish interiors decor and freshly-prepared, authentic regional specialities served in three spectacular courses will leave you fuelled for more escapades ahead. From just-picked asparagus to Buurametzgeta, a hearty platter of cured meats and seasonal dishes, it’s the sort of sumptuous experience that’ll have you raising a toast to new friends and fellow travellers with a shot of Röteli, a signature Swiss cherry liqueur.

Take the high, spiral route to a winter wonderland 

With population not exceeding 1,000 people, the idyllic Swiss town of Brusio can easily escape your adventure radar, unless you’re on the Bernina Express from Pontresina to Tirano, a ride that takes you to the heart of Northern Italy.

Thrill in unimpeded views of the Morteratsch Glacier and a milky white Lago Bianco glacial lake as the highest railway line through the Alps snakes its way – without the aid of a rack-and-pinion system – to 2,253 metres above sea level. A 15 minute-stop at Alp Grüm serves up cinematic views of the Palü Glacier, turquoise mountain lakes and the entire Val Poschiavo.

Reserve your biggest jaw drops for the Circular Viaduct near Brusio, a 360-degree spiral that enables the train to gain 32 feet (10 meters) in elevation with an impressive seven percent incline. As the train spins through nine elegant stonework arches with a span of 10 meters, the natural beauty and engineering feat will you breathless.

Do the thrilling Toboggan trail 

For an icy adventure, you need to get off the Bernina classic train at Preda train station before it arrives at St. Moritz. A 10-kilometre sledging trail – in a wooden toboggan – a long sled without runner – takes you 400 altitude metres downhill into the scenic valley of Bergün.

The route winds its way with great views of the Maiensäss settlement of Naz and the surrounding mountains, under the viaducts and through the snowy landscape until it slowly flattens out. For a truly daredevil experience, take the chairlift to Darlux for a faster, 4.5 km toboggan run with tighter bends and more inclines.

Book your adventure here