History of the The Bernina Express

The Bernina Express is a scenic train route that runs through the Swiss Alps, offering one of the most stunning…

By Staff , in Switzerland , at October 11, 2024 Tags: switzerland, trains

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The Bernina Express is a scenic train route that runs through the Swiss Alps, offering one of the most stunning and famous railway journeys in the world. It connects Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city, to Tirano, in northern Italy, crossing the Bernina Range of the Alps. The train is part of the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) network and operates along the Bernina Railway and part of the Albula Railway, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The history of the Bernina Express is intertwined with the development of mountain railways in Switzerland and the effort to connect remote alpine regions with the rest of Europe.

Early History and Development of Swiss Mountain Railways
The late 19th and early 20th centuries were a period of rapid development in Swiss railways, particularly in building railway lines through challenging alpine terrain. Switzerland, with its towering mountain ranges and picturesque landscapes, became a prime location for tourism, which spurred the construction of railways to bring visitors to remote areas.

The Albula Railway (Opened 1903)
The Albula Railway, one of the two lines that form the route of the Bernina Express, was constructed between 1898 and 1903 by the Rhaetian Railway (RhB). It runs from Thusis to St. Moritz, passing through the Albula Tunnel and crossing numerous bridges and viaducts.

The Albula Railway is known for its engineering feats, such as the Landwasser Viaduct, an impressive stone bridge that crosses a deep gorge and is one of the most iconic landmarks of the route. The line also features spiral tunnels and tight curves to navigate the steep alpine terrain.

Tourism and Engineering:
The development of the Albula Railway was partly driven by the growing tourism industry in Switzerland. Tourists were increasingly attracted to the natural beauty of the Alps, and railways made these previously inaccessible areas reachable. The Rhaetian Railway capitalized on this by offering scenic journeys through the mountains.

The Bernina Railway (Opened 1910)
The Bernina Railway, the southern part of today’s Bernina Express route, opened in 1910. It was originally built to connect St. Moritz to Tirano, in Italy, and it faced even more challenging terrain than the Albula Railway, requiring innovative engineering solutions.

Construction and Challenges
The Bernina Railway was constructed between 1908 and 1910. At the time, it was the highest railway crossing the Alps without the use of a tunnel (like the Gotthard or Simplon tunnels). The highest point of the route is at the Bernina Pass, reaching 2,253 meters (7,391 feet) above sea level.

The railway was designed to operate year-round, despite the harsh winter conditions, including heavy snowfall. To deal with these challenges, it was built as a narrow-gauge railway, which allowed for tighter curves and easier navigation of steep inclines and narrow passes. The line also included tunnels, avalanche galleries, and impressive bridges, such as the Brusio Spiral Viaduct, which helps the train descend smoothly into the valley.

Electrification:
One of the remarkable features of the Bernina Railway was its early use of electric power. While many railways were still using steam locomotives, the Bernina Railway was electrified from the start, running on hydroelectric power generated by local dams and rivers. This made it an environmentally forward-thinking project for its time.

Merging with the Rhaetian Railway and Creation of the Bernina Express
The Rhaetian Railway took over the Bernina Railway in 1943, merging the two networks into a single system. This merger facilitated the creation of longer scenic journeys that connected multiple regions of Switzerland. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that the Bernina Express was formally launched as a tourist train.

Tourist Train and Scenic Route:
The Bernina Express was introduced in 1973 as a special service for tourists, showcasing the spectacular alpine scenery along the route. Unlike local trains, the Bernina Express operates with panoramic windows, giving passengers uninterrupted views of the mountains, valleys, and glaciers.

The full route of the Bernina Express begins in Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city, passes through the ski resort town of St. Moritz, and ends in Tirano, Italy. Along the way, the train crosses some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Alps, including the Engadin Valley, the Morteratsch Glacier, the Bernina Range, and the Poschiavo Valley.

UNESCO World Heritage Status
In 2008, the Albula and Bernina lines of the Rhaetian Railway were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing their cultural, historical, and engineering significance. This status has helped elevate the Bernina Express’s reputation as one of the world’s great train journeys.

The UNESCO designation emphasizes the remarkable achievement of building and maintaining these railways in such challenging alpine terrain. The combination of engineering marvels and natural beauty along the route contributes to its global significance.

The Bernina Express Today
The Bernina Express continues to be one of the most popular tourist attractions in Switzerland, renowned for its scenic beauty and engineering achievements. The train operates year-round, with each season offering different vistas—snow-covered mountains in winter, blooming wildflowers in spring, and vibrant autumn foliage.

Unique Features:
The Bernina Express travels over 196 bridges and through 55 tunnels on its journey between Chur and Tirano.

The Brusio Spiral Viaduct, where the train loops around a spiral bridge to handle the steep descent, remains one of the most photographed parts of the route.

Panoramic Windows: The Bernina Express is equipped with special panoramic windows to maximize the views of the Alps, making it a favorite for photographers and tourists alike.

Connection to Italy: The southern terminus of the Bernina Express is in Tirano, Italy, making the train a unique transnational journey through the Alps. In Tirano, passengers can transfer to Italian rail services to continue their journey to destinations like Milan.

Legacy and Impact:
The Bernina Express has left a lasting legacy as one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys, attracting visitors from around the globe. Its combination of natural beauty, impressive engineering, and rich history makes it an iconic symbol of Switzerland’s deep connection to its mountainous landscapes and its leadership in mountain railway construction.

The route has also contributed to the growth of eco-friendly tourism, as the train is powered by hydroelectric energy and offers an environmentally sustainable way to explore the Alps. It remains a prime example of how railways can harmonize with their natural surroundings while offering practical transportation and unforgettable experiences.