Across the Swiss Alps: Klosters to Tirano

Travel to the well-known ski resort of Klosters, deep in the Swiss Alps.  The easiest way to arrive is by train and thus the first scenic highlight of your trip.  Trains run regularly to Landquart, from there the famous red trains of the Rhaetian Railway take you through the Prättigau to Klosters (approx. 40 minutes).

Enjoy a choice of walks, hike on the Via Valtellina, passing green alpine meadows and Lake Davos before reaching Davos. Alternatively take the Gotschnagratbahn train up to loftier heights and walking along the panorama trail to the mountain station of the Parsennbahn train before descending to Davos.

Valley hike via Valtellina: 11 km, Ascent/Descent: 600/500 m

Panorama Trail: 11 km, Ascent/Descent: 600/150 m

Take the train to the Davos Monstein train station (approx. 15 minutes) and cross the lofty Wiesener Viaduct, which towers over the Landwasser River, 90m below it. Hike through the Zügen Gorge to the mountain village, Filisur. Take the Rhaetian Railway to the historic picture-perfect town of Bergün (approx. 20 minutes). Stroll through the mountain village as you are transported back in time,  marvel at its traditional houses decorated with ornate frescoes and large bay windows.  

Ascent/Descent: 550m/750 m 

>>> The Zügen Gorge is closed until further notice due to the risk of falling rocks. The municipality of Davos does not expect it to open soon.

Here are two alternative hikes:

• Hike from Davos Wiesen to Bergün, approx. 14 km (640/460 metres in altitude): Here, take the train from Davos to Davos Wiesen in the morning (instead of Davos Monstein), hike along the viaduct trail and on to the Walser way to Filisur, and join the Via Albula to Bergün.
• Viaduct circular hike, approx. 14 km (360/360 m ascent): Take the train from Davos to Filisur in the morning. In addition to the world-famous Landwasser Viaduct, learn about the accessible Wiesner Viaduct, the Cavja Viaduct, and the Schmittner Viaduct. After the tour, take the train to Bergün.

Today, you have a choice of walks. For an easy option, hike the trail following the railway line, cross lush alpine meadows, walk along rocky slopes, and marvel at the engineering of the railway line. The trail ends in Preda. Embark on a small loop walk to the crystal-clear Lake Palpuogna before boarding the train to Pontresina.

More adventurous hikers can embark on a stage of the Via Albula: Take the train from Bergun to Preda in the morning. Walk past the Palpuogna Lake, and cross the Alp Weissenstein (Crap Alv) to reach the beautiful mountain lakes Crav Alv Laelets. Find an idyllic place to take a break before tackling the last few meters to the pass, and with a bit of luck, you can spot an ibex high up on the mountainside. Descend steeply to the village of Bever. From here, you take the train to Pontresina (20min).

In the Engadin town of Pontresina, admire the painted historic houses in the evening or watch the alpine glow on the hotel's terrace with a glass of wine or Swiss beer and recharge your batteries for the next day.

Railway Trail: 11 km, Ascent/Descent 600/760 m

King's Stage: 16 km, Ascent/Descent 700/760 m

Today is one of the highlights of the trip. Cross the Bernina Pass to the traditional Mountain Hotel, Alpe Grüm.  This day can be divided into three hiking sections and you can decide which section you would like to hike or experience by train. 

All sections can be hiked individually or in combination. You can shorten parts of the hike with the Rhaetian Train at any time during the day and thus have full flexibility as to what you want to experience on that day. 

Pontresina - Morteratsch: 8.5 km, Ascent/Descent 250/180m 

Morteratsch - Bernina Pass:11 km, Ascent/Descent 400/250 m

Bernina Pass - Alpe Grüm: 7 km, Ascent/Descent 150/350 m 

Today's stage meanders from Alpe Grüm down into the Italian-influenced Val Poschiavo. Start your day hiking towards the milky-blue Palü Lake. In the high valley of Cavaglia, take a detour to admire the Glacier Garden, where the glacier water has carved shapes into the rock. From Cavaglia the hiking trail winds its way over the idyllically located Maiensassen and down into the lush green valley of Poschiavo.

In Poschiavo you will be greeted with an Italian Dolce Vita flair, enjoy an ice-cream on the Plazzo Centrale. In the evening try the local charcuterie, such as Luganighe with a chilled glass of Veltliner wine.

Ascent /Descent: 100/1100 m

On the last day of hiking, enjoy a flat hike through the green Val Poschiavo where you can soak up the warming rays of the Italian sun. Hike to Lago Poschiavo on dirt roads and winding riverside paths. Watch as the Bernina Express train makes its way round the world-famous circular viaduct of Brusio. Take the train over the circular viaduct and continue slightly downhill towards Italy and the border town of Tirano. Enjoy a final beer in Tirano where hikers, cyclists and rail enthusiasts alike meet to finish their adventures.

Ascent /Descent: 350/600 m

It is difficult to say goodbye to this unique journey. If you want to relive the route you have just hiked, take the Bernina Express back to Landquart admiring the trails just hiked.  

We would be happy to book a train ticket for the Bernina Express for you. Please do not hesitate to contact us