Bernina Express (Rhaetian Railway)
One of the most beautiful UNESCO sites when it comes to its landscape. The Bernina Express, is declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. This is a 122-km railway network connecting Switzerland to Italy, from Chur / St. Moritz - Valposchiavo – Tirano, linking up regions with different languages and cultures.
This little red train negotiates 55 tunnels, 196 bridges then it climbs up the the Bernina Pass, for 61 kilometers until reaching 2256 meters of altitude at its highest point, the Ospizio - Bernina Station, before descending to Italy far below.
The train winds its way gently through splendid scenery, blending ideally with the alpine landscapes around the Albula and Bernina Passes, where you can admire unrestricted views of the unspoilt natural surroundings, glistening glaciers and the Alps at their most impressive from the windows and panoramic glass roof of the wagons.
The Bernina Express, which climbs up the mountains relying only on the natural adhesion provided by the railway tracks, is a rare example of human construction perfectly integrated into the environment.
By alessandra barbieri - Pixabay
The Glacier Express
The Glacier Express travels across the Alps and connects fashionable Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn with the equally sophisticated St. Moritz. On its eight-hour ride, you'll pass through the mountainous Cantons of Valais, Uri and Grisons. The train dives through 91 tunnels and balances over 291 bridges. Unobstructed views of an imposing mountainscape, deep ravines and picturesque valleys – all from the comfort of the coach. The train is not an "express" in the sense of being a high-speed train, in fact, it is the slowest express train in the world.
