lavender

Figured we'd take the regional train from Tirano to Switzerland instead of the Bernina Express for a day trip from Varenna.

Which is the best destination to arrive and spend a little time before taking the return trip?

Have read some opinions that St Moritz is lacking and Pontresina may be a better choice as destination. Pros and cons?

Also is it possible to break the journey along the way and then catch another train continuing on using the same ticket?

If this is possible, where do you suggest breaking the journey?

Thanks.

PalenQ

why go to a town - get off at the summit stations Alp Grum or Bernina Ospiz and take a walk around the glacial-fed lake to the glacier - walk between the two stations - this will be more awesome than either tiny Pontrsina and a St Mortiz that leaves many underwhelmed.

The highlight of the Bernina Pass Railway is at the summit - have a drink on the sun terrace at either station's hotel (not sure which one has a hotel but one does) - the best scenery is here - going to Pontresina is not nearly so remarkable.

Dukey1

The "downtown" section of the St. Moritz "village" (if you can really call it that) seemed pretty sterile to us when we overnighted there some years ago although that may have changed.

I am sure there are other more "sterotypically Swiss" locations you could visit on your day trip. Also, IMO, the rail ride up from Varenna to Tirano isn't all that pretty, either. As I recall you don't really get that many lake views; the real spectacular stuff starts after you wind your way back and forth as you rise high above Tirano and cross into the more mountainous terrain.

Hope you enjoy your day out.

swandav2000

hi lavender,

I liked Pontresina more than St. Moritz -- but then I just like nature and being close to it more than I like built-up areas.

Pontresina sits above the train station, so you'll have to catch a bus or walk uphill to get to the town. Better yet, get off one or two stops before the town and walk into Pontresina through the forests.

A good stop might be Poschiavo, a lovely little Italian-type town, or Le Prese on Lake Poschiavo.

Have fun as you plan!

s

PalenQ

Do you want to see a Swiss city or lovely natural areas - those resort towns are nice but there is little to do in them - folks use them as a base to hop to the hills - again I'd suggest just getting off the train somewhere nice and doing an easy hike - it's already a long day and going down to Pontresina or St Moritz would add about two hours all told on a day return visit.

PalenQ

You do not say when you are going but if in nice weather the local trains from Tirano to the Bernina Pass and on to Pontrsina or St. Moritz have some open-air platform cars - with only low rails - I've ridden these and they are totally awesome - like levitating thru awe-inspiring scenery.

HappyTrvlr

We stayed in charming Pontresina and much preferred to St. Moritz.

PalenQ

They do not want to stay - they are on a return day trip from Varenna - what is there to see in Pontresina itself - I just recall a very nice smaller town in a verdant lovely surroundings.

lavender

Thanks for replies.

We will be travelling first week in June-

Not necessarily looking to stop off and "do" anything other than take in scenery, possibly have a picnic lunch?

Can you use the one ticket to hop on and off maybe once along the route before reaching the final destination?

PalenQ

Can you use the one ticket to hop on and off maybe once along the route before reaching the final destination?>

Yes but ask that when you buy your ticket at the Swiss station in Tirano - the Italian station is just across a square and you walk the short distance to the Swiss station - ask there about that when buying your ticket.

The sun terrace at the summit stations would make an appetizing picnic spot or anywhere along the trails up there.

Consider just buy a ticket to Alpe Grum or Bernina Ospizo - lollygagging around there and then head back - saves money and time - the best scenery is at the summit stations.

PalenQ

https://www.google.com/search?q=alp+...=1600&bih=1075

You could spend some lovely hours at the summit and do the easy walk around the lake to the glacier as so so many Europeans at least do - the reason they come up here. Bring a picnic - no real food shops IME but the sun terrace/cafe.

WeisserTee

First, don't do this on a Sunday. Esp. if you get off at Poschiavo. Everything (or almost everything) will be closed.

Generally, speaking in early June some places may be closed even on weekdays. We had a couple of hours to kill in St. Moritz on an early June day while waiting to take the bus to Lugano. I took a short walk into town. Lots of stores, cafes, etc had signs up saying they were closed until mid-June.

Second, if you get off at Pontresina, there is an excellent wine shop a very short walk from the station along the street into town. Stop in and pick up a bottle of good Swiss pinot noir. If they're open, that is!

kja

I don't know if the connections would work for you, but you might consider going magnificent Muottas Muralg.

lavender

Thanks all , will file away suggestions, pack a picnic and hope for a clear day.

PalenQ

It will be cool at the summit area - about 7,600 feet elevation.