Rail itinerary · Valais, Graubünden & Italy
Swiss Alps Rail Week
A week of Switzerland's two greatest panoramic crossings: the Glacier Express between the Matterhorn and St. Moritz, then the Bernina Express down into Italy.
Glacier Express · Kabelleger / David Gubler · CC BY-SA 4.0
The plan
Day by day
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01
Arrive in Zermatt
Settle in beneath the Matterhorn and walk the village. Collect Glacier Express reservations for tomorrow if you have not booked already.
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02
Glacier Express: Zermatt → St. Moritz
A full day across the Alps — Oberalp Pass, the Rhine gorge and the approach to Filisur. Eat in the dining car or bring a picnic; either way keep the window clear.
Glacier Express -
03
St. Moritz → Chur
A relaxed morning in St. Moritz, then downhill to Chur on the same Albula line you rode yesterday — see it in the opposite direction.
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04
Bernina Express: Chur → Tirano
Over the Bernina Pass at 2,253 m, past Alp Grüm and the circular viaduct at Brusio, finishing among palms in Italy.
Bernina Express -
05
Tirano → home
Italian coffee in the piazza, then trains toward Milan and connections onward — or extend into the Italian lakes.
Before you go
Good to know
Reserve both panoramic trains as soon as dates are fixed — cars are small and popular.
Swiss Half Fare or a travel pass can cover the non-panoramic legs between the two crossings.
Open a window on the regional trains if you want photographs — the panoramic cars are sealed.
The collection
Journeys used
Timings and services change — check each operator's timetable before you travel.
Photography credits
- Glacier Express — Kabelleger / David Gubler · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Bernina Express — Kabelleger / David Gubler (http://www.bahnbilder.ch) · CC BY-SA 3.0
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