Many Bernina Express riders stay aboard from Chur or St. Moritz to Tirano, admiring the scenery through panoramic windows. Yet they miss Alp Grüm—a jaw-dropping stop where only a handful bother to disembark.
Most Bernina Express riders stay aboard from Chur or St. Moritz to Tirano, soaking in the views—yet almost none hop off at Alp Grüm, one of the route’s most spectacular stops.
<h3>Plan Your Railway Journey Before You Travel</h3>
Choose how to reach Alp Grüm on the UNESCO-listed Bernina Railway: it’s 1 h 20 min from St. Moritz or 1 h 10 min from Tirano. Regional Bernina trains mirror the Bernina Express but stop more often—perfect if you want time on the mountain.
The line runs year-round: June–September brings snow-free hikes (8–18 °C), October glows with golden larches, and winter turns the terrace into a snowy lookout. Aim to arrive between 09:30 and 11:00 (or mid-afternoon for dramatic shadows).
Tickets cost roughly CHF 35–70, with extra fees for panoramic reservations. Plan a three-to-five-hour stop so you can wander trails, linger over lunch, and soak in the glaciers, lakes, and jagged peaks that emerge once the train rises above the tree line.
<h3>Step Off the Train and Experience the Mountain</h3>
Don’t just snap Alp Grüm through the glass—step onto the platform. Within minutes you’ll gaze over Val Poschiavo with the Palü Glacier towering behind you. Extra time lets you watch clouds and light reshape the valley, follow easy trails toward Ospizio Bernina (45 minutes to 3 hours), or simply roam the car-free terrace.
Pause at Albergo Alp Grüm for lunch or coffee (main dishes roughly CHF 22–35) while soaking in the panorama. Weather flips fast above 2,000 m, so pack layers and a waterproof shell. Photographers should linger; waiting even one more train often rewards you with fresh light and glacier views.
<b>Helpful Planning Tips</b>
• Download the Rhätische Bahn timetable before traveling so you can confidently choose your return departure.
• Carry water and light snacks if you plan a longer walk, although meals are available at the mountain hotel.
• Wear comfortable hiking shoes, even for short walks around the station, as paths are gravel and uneven in places.
• Bring sunglasses and sunscreen. High-altitude sunlight is considerably stronger than in the valleys.
• Check weather forecasts specifically for Alp Grüm rather than nearby towns, as mountain conditions can differ significantly.
• A comfortable day, including train travel, lunch, refreshments, and light hiking, generally costs around CHF 80–140 per person, depending on your starting point and ticket type.
Alp Grüm
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
Alp Grüm is far more than a railway stop. It is one of the finest opportunities along the Bernina Railway to slow down, leave the train behind, and experience the Alps rather than simply passing through them.
By choosing flexible train services, allowing several hours to explore, and taking advantage of the walking trails and panoramic viewpoints, you'll discover a side of the Bernina route that many passengers never see.
