Travel idea: the Bernina red train
Dear guests.
Exploring Valtellina in summer is exciting and fun.
There is certainly no shortage of experiences and travel ideas.
We dedicate this posting to introduce you more about the Bernina Train,
thanks to an interview with Cristina Turella.
We look forward to seeing you!
Summer is finally here too 😊
A hug Wilma & family
Good morning Cristina, tell us a little bit about yourself .
.
I have been a tour guide for 30 years, Valtellina is my home. I love everything art and history, I love our land and its culture. I am passionate about theater and I am also involved in theater projects in schools. I am originally from Tirano, a town that borders Switzerland. It has always been a crossroads of art of faith and history. From here you can breathe in all ns valleys including those of the Swiss territory. Since 1505 the shrine of Our Lady, has been the centerpiece of Tirano’s life. This religious building in pure Lombard Renaissance style exalts the cult of the Virgin. At a time when Protestantism was literally knocking on our doors, and when Mary was not mentioned, the shrine became a very strong identity element for the people of the Valley.
THINKING OF TIRANO ONE CANNOT HELP BUT THINK OF THE LITTLE RED TRAIN. WE KNOW THAT YOU ARE AN OFFICIAL GUIDE TO THIS HERITAGE AS WELL.
..
Exactly. This is an emotional journey that activates all the senses to enjoy the journey and the scenery. The train departs from Tirano at 429mt above sea level to reach 2253mt at the delightful Bernina Hospice stop, and then reaches St Moritz, the pearl of Engadine social life, with breathtaking views.
WHAT MAKES THE TRIP SO SPECIAL?
..
One crosses an incredible territory: in a few minutes one reaches Switzerland by entering Val Poschiavo where Italian is still spoken and then reaches the Engadine territory (garden of the Inn) where Romansh is spoken. Before reaching altitude, one encounters small villages and among the roofs of the houses one can distinctly see bell towers with contrasting architecture because they belong to the two religious denominations that have coexisted peacefully for centuries. Nature is also at opposites. From the palm trees of Tirano one goes to the perennial ice of Morteratsch.
I then love the small wooden train stops, the coniferous forests, the local wildlife that approaches the railroad track in search of food from travelers. In short, to travel on the little train is to be on board a unique train in Europe, on the highest European transversal. One travels on a narrow-gauge track that is, with one-meter wide tracks and facing a 7% gradient for about 2/3 of the way (60km)
ONE OF THE QUESTIONS WE GET ASKED MOST OFTEN IS WHICH STOP TO GET OFF AT?
That’s right. You will have the option of getting off, making a short visit and catching the next train
Here are a few suggestions
Cavaglia >> in summer I recommend you visit the glacier garden to be able to admire the potholes of the giants geological conformations created by the eddies of water. There used to be a lake that has dried up. The route is well marked.
Pontresina >> From here you can reach Sankt Moritz with a nice walk through the forest of about 40 minutes. Or you can take the horse-drawn carriage (even in winter) into the beautiful Roseg Valley.
Lej da staz >> ideal for a refreshing bath!
.
WHAT TO DO ONCE YOU GET TO SANKT MORITZ?
In Sankt Moritz you will be greeted by the lake of the same name. You’ll be able to visit St Moritz Bad, abutting the lake, the equestrian sports center and stroll along the lake. In St Moritz Dorf, on the other hand, you will be able to admire prestigious hotels and stores. You will be able to reach this area by escalator (follow the snowflake 😉 cross the entire parking lot and reach the escalator that rises from 1700mt to 1856 at Badrutt Palace Hotel).
In the square you will catch a glimpse of the statue of St. Maurice, the Protestant church and the leaning bell tower, and what remains of the old St. Maurice church The houses are embellished with “sgraffiti,” designs imprinted with awls in the fresh plaster, which make Engadine houses unique.
What season do you recommend?
Every season is special. My favorite is winter when this red line crosses walls of snow. The red color was really meant to stand out in the snow. But this is also a fabulous time of year. At each lake you discover a new color given by the bottom and composition of the water. The most famous are the White Lake and the Black Lake. Just between these in the summer there is a beautifully visible boundary between the basin that flows into the Adriatic Sea and the Black Sea. The waters head in opposite directions. Needless to say, the colors of autumn are magical! There is so much to tell, especially about history, traditions! I hope this experience will be as bright as the St Moritz sun logo registered since 1930! Cristina
Contact us to get in touch with Cristina!
