Everyone on board. Red train leaving!

July 10, 2018

Tutti a bordo. Trenino rosso in partenza!

It's not the destination, it's the journey that counts. The experience on the famous Bernina red train fully embodies this thought: 122 kilometers of rails, from Tirano to Chur, which pass over 196 bridges , under 55 tunnels , cross streams, border lakes. What's more relaxing than letting yourself be lulled by the roll of the train on the tracks? For Italian tourists, the journey of the Bernina Express normally starts from Tirano , in the province of Sondrio, on the border with Switzerland. Those who choose to arrive here with the Trenord railways will be able to enjoy the landscape from the Lecco area, when the train heads towards the mountains accompanying the soft bends of Lake Como . Here, this is the moment to rest a little, before the emotions of the red train. Once in Tirano, just go to the station of the Rhaetian Railway , right in front of that of the Italian railways, and wait for the whistle of the station master. Thus begins the adventure. The older ones will follow the route from the map printed on each table; the little ones can play and count the horses grazing in the meadows , observe cars and tractors patiently waiting for the train at the level crossing, look for – and there really are – the many families of roe deer that populate the woods before the convoy climb towards the glaciers. After leaving Tirano, the Bernina Express climbs up to the Ospizio Bernina , located at an altitude of 2253 metres, to then descend to St. Moritz and continue towards Coira crossing the Albula Valley . The circular viaduct of Brusio is the emblem of the line: an entire loop to climb in height, while the children wave goodbye to the last carriages that seem to be chasing the locomotive. Lake Poschiavo is one of the surprises that open up after a narrow passage: Le Prese and Miralago , the two villages overlooking the stretch of water, are today very popular tourist destinations, ideal for walks and restful stays. In Alp Grüm , on the other hand, there is one of the few restaurants that can only be reached by train: the view is exceptional, of the steep Bernina massif and the perennial snows of the Palü glacier. And here we come to the highest station of the Rhaetian Railway, the Ospizio Bernina. Another dream view is that of the Morteratsch glacier, the third longest in the Eastern Alps. One could continue towards Chur, but many passengers decide to stop in Pontresina, a place famous for welcoming families, at some station of the renowned St. Moritz. Two hours have now passed since the beginning of the journey, and it is right (and necessary) for adults and children to take a break from the journey. In the following days, the Bernina Express could be a good solution to move further along the Engadine valley or simply, at least for this time, to return home. PONTRESINA AND SURROUNDINGS FOR FAMILIES Ibex paradise educational trail In Pontresina, a new universe entirely centered on ibexes, friendly inhabitants of the valley, between information panels and a theme adventure park. For the little ones, the opportunity for a nice walk while admiring the animals. Val Roseg A valley of great charm that begins at Pontresina station. The route is passable with strollers; A horse-drawn carriage service is also available to reach the Hotel Roseg, which includes a restaurant. Alpine dairy in Morteratsch Near Morteratsch station, a dairy in the alpine pasture is ready to reveal the secrets of artisanal cheese making and to organize tastings of local products. Barefoot trails in the wood of Staz Experience nature without shoes, in the Celerina area. Walking barefoot offers benefits for all ages. Routes lasting from 45 minutes to 2 hours and varying degrees of difficulty. Bathing ponds The Lej Marsch in St. Moritz Bad is the ideal lake for a family day out – the area is also equipped with picnic spots – as is the Lej da Staz, which can be reached from St. Moritz with a 20-minute walk. Muottas Muragl The first funicular in the Engadine takes you to one of the most panoramic points in the area, at 2456 metres. The playground awaits the little climbers even in winter. The children's menu in the restaurant attached to the playground is delicious. Bellavita Pools and Spa in Pontresina A really fun aquatic experience. Children go crazy for the 75-metre Black Hole water slide, the little ones play in the pools reserved for them or, outside, in the garden equipped with sand. Taken from Born Mom | by Laura Sciolla Images taken from the site https://www.rhb.ch/