Saturday, 29 June 2013

On through the Swiss Alps via the Bernina Pass

It was time to move on from Lake Como, and as we had decided not to travel east to Prague and Budapest (due to the flooding) we decided to head north and on through the east of Switzerland and to have a stop in St Moritz and then onto Zurich.

Leaving Lake Como by regional train, we travelled the length of Lake Como and then headed west along the Italian/Swiss border to the border town of Tirano. The trip along the lake gave us a really good look at the whole area from the window of the train.  We hopped off the regional train at the Italian station of Tirano and walked across the square to the Swiss railway office and purchased tickets for the next train leaving for St Moritz going via the Bernina Pass.

There is the choice of two types of train, the tourist train with large glass windows and roof for viewing.  Going by most of the recommendations, we opted for the regional train with no glass roof but normal opening windows which actually gives a better view and the opportunity for taking photos with the windows open.  


Tirano railway station on the Italian border to one side of the square

On the station of the Swiss railway about to board the train to St Moritz
A few minutes after leaving the station the train began to climb for the journey across the Alps and through the Bernina Pass.  This train journey has recently been put on the list for Unesco world heritage.

As soon as we left and began to climb our jaws were dropping and we ran back and forth from side to side of the carriage everytime we went around another bend. 





The start of the climb.
There are a lot of shots to choose of the journey over the pass but I will try not to get too carried away, suffice to say it was a very pleasant way to spend a few hours.

Climbing up to the height of the snow still on the peaks.




A few of the many tunnels.




Passing trains going in the other direction.


The lakes and waterfalls.





Cute stations.


The highest railway station in Europe on a regional line.


A glimpse of the lower part of the town of St Moritz 



The side view of the hostel with it's sunny courtyard we stayed in at St Moritz.  


After our beautiful trip through the Alps and a one night stop in St Moritz, it was time to head back to the station for the train journey further on through Switzerland and onto Zurich.  

Will fill you in on our stay in Zurich soon.

Cheers

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