Bernina Pass (2,328 m) – Sunrise over a legendary Swiss alpine pass

The Bernina Pass, at an altitude of 2,328 metres, lies south-east of the picturesque Upper Engadine valley and is one of the highest and most impressive alpine passes in Switzerland. Driving up the winding road, you are greeted by a breathtaking panorama stretching from the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the green valleys below. Early in the morning, when the first rays of sunshine illuminate the mountain peaks, you feel as if you have entered another world.

The road leads from the Bernina Pass to Italy in a south-easterly direction. You will soon reach the border, and below the saddle, a road branches off to the free trade zone of Livigno via the Forcola di Livigno – another Alpine pass. If you continue along the main road, you will reach the Italian border a few kilometres before Tirano. This route takes you through unspoilt landscapes and allows travellers to experience the vast expanses of the southern Engadin.

Heading north-west, you cross the pass to Pontresina and from there continue to the Albula Pass. Following the road further, you finally reach St. Moritz, the famous centre of the Engadine high valley. The route there offers an almost endless panorama: sweeping views of the rugged peaks and the crystal-clear waters of the mountain lakes, especially along the Three Lakes Route along the Inn. If you continue further, after the Maloja Pass you will reach Bregaglia, the picturesque valley that leads down to Lake Como – a true paradise for nature lovers.

The roads of the Bernina Pass are excellently constructed: generous curves and well-maintained lanes make the journey pleasant and fast. The route to St. Moritz, which is almost like an ‘Alpine motorway’ for motorcyclists, has its own unique charm. St. Moritz is located at 1,822 metres, only about 500 metres above sea level, which makes this route particularly fast and attractive for motorcyclists. However, those travelling to Tirano must be prepared for a longer, more winding route. But this route is also easy to navigate and offers its own scenic beauty.

The Ospizio Bernina – more than just a rest stop

A highlight of the Bernina Pass is the Ospizio Bernina, a rustic accommodation that not only serves as a restaurant and bar, but also offers simple rooms and apartments. Particularly noteworthy is the famous Bernina Express, which travels here in all its glory along the Alpine railway line. The sight of the Swiss railway winding its way elegantly through the high mountains is reminiscent of a miniature railway landscape and attracts many railway enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

If you have time, you should definitely consider taking a trip on the Bernina Express. We particularly recommend a trip from the mountain station down towards St. Moritz to the Morteratsch stop, where a picturesque show dairy with a cosy beer garden awaits visitors. Here you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery and fortify yourself with local specialities.

The Ospizio Bernina also offers excellent cuisine and is therefore not only a worthwhile stopover for day visitors, but also a recommended place to stay overnight. The Ospizio is a real insider tip as accommodation, especially for participants in our Alpen-Marathon Challenge 2025: the rooms are surprisingly inexpensive by Swiss standards and offer breathtaking views – the sunrise over the Upper Engadine in particular is an unforgettable experience.

Unforgettable tours and impressive Alpine passes

Our TV report on the Upper Engadine and the surroundings of St. Moritz has captured many fascinating stories about the land, its people and its culture. Of course, this report also covers the famous Alpine passes such as the Bernina Pass, Albula Pass, Splügen Pass and Maloja Pass. Each of these passes has its own history and charming features to offer.

For those planning their own tour – whether with friends or alone – our interactive Alpine Pass Atlas is the perfect planning aid. The atlas covers almost 500 alpine passes and offers detailed information on sights, hotels and special highlights along the routes. With the interactive function, you can put together your own individual tours, discover new passes and download the GPS data or share it directly with friends.

The Alpen-Marathon Challenge 2025

If you want to take on a real challenge, you can tackle the Alpen-Marathon Challenge 2025 with us. Together with Harry's Bike Tours, we offer a tailor-made programme that includes a comfortable yet challenging tour of some of the most beautiful and challenging alpine passes. Our ‘Alpen-Marathon 7 | 6 | 50’ is designed for those who want to get the most out of their adventure in the Alps.

The Bernina Pass and the surrounding passes are a real highlight for anyone who wants to experience the majestic beauty of the Swiss Alps. Whether by car, motorbike or train, this region offers unforgettable experiences and countless opportunities for adventurers and nature lovers alike.