Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Bernina Express

Today we got to experience the Alps as we went through the Bernina Range into Italy. 
From St. Moritz we climbed to an altitude of 2,091 meters (7,435 ft) at the Alp Grum Station where we had a view of the Palu Glacier and as we came down we could see the Palu Lake.  This area is the divide between the German Swiss and the Italian Swiss Alps.  Snow at this altitude can be over 20 feet high.

We descended into the Valposchiavo Valley along Lake Palu, across the border into Italy and the town of Tirano.  The descent was steep!  At one point the train made a complete circle, going under the viaduct/bridge.
Tirano is home to the Salis Palace, a 17th century home with painted fresco ceilings and walls.  Most have been restored to their original colors.  Quite pretty.

The return ride was an older train with no A/C so with windows open we enjoyed the mountain air.  This train line is one of three UNESCO World Heritage Railroads.

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