The Comunità Montana Valtellina di Tirano is a mountain community located in the Province of Sondrio, Lombardy, Italy. Its administrative center is Tirano. This area encompasses a beautiful stretch of the Valtellina valley, from Teglio and Aprica up to Grosio, with the Adda river flowing through it. It's a region that showcases the best of Alpine nature, offering a blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and cultural traditions.
The community is made up of 12 municipalities: Aprica, Bianzone, Grosio, Grosotto, Lovero, Mazzo di Valtellina, Sernio, Teglio, Tirano, Tovo di Sant'Agata, Vervio, and Villa di Tirano. Tirano itself holds a historically significant position due to its strategic location, which led to its fortification by Ludovico il Moro and the construction of beautiful noble palaces in the 16th and 17th centuries.
The area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering numerous hiking trails through forests, opportunities for e-biking, and in winter, skiing in places like Aprica. The local gastronomy is also a highlight, with the region being known for its buckwheat, wines, and traditional Valtellinese cuisine.
The Bernina Express is an iconic panoramic train operated by the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) in Switzerland. It's famous for its breathtaking journey through the Swiss Engadin Alps, connecting Chur (or St. Moritz) in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy. Much of its route, particularly the Albula and Bernina lines, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its exceptional engineering and integration with the landscape.
Key features of the Bernina Express:
Panoramic Views: The train features special panoramic coaches with enlarged windows, offering unobstructed views of the stunning Alpine scenery.
Engineering Marvel: It's an engineering marvel, climbing to a remarkable 2,253 meters (7,392 ft) above sea level at the Bernina Pass without the aid of a rack-and-pinion system. The journey crosses 196 bridges and viaducts and passes through 55 tunnels, including the famous Brusio Spiral Viaduct, a unique circular structure that allows the train to gain or lose elevation in a compact space.
Diverse Landscapes: The route takes passengers from glacier-capped peaks and pristine mountain lakes (like Lago Bianco and Lej Nair at the Bernina Pass) down to the palm trees of Tirano, showcasing an incredible diversity of landscapes.
Journey Duration: The full journey from Chur to Tirano takes approximately 4 to 4.5 hours. From St. Moritz to Tirano, it's around 2.5 hours.
Year-Round Operation: The Bernina Express operates all year round, offering different experiences depending on the season – from snowy winter wonderland to vibrant summer greenery and the colorful hues of autumn.
Cultural Significance: It's not just a scenic train; it's a cultural experience, connecting different regions and languages (German, Romansh, Italian).
Tirano Connection: Tirano serves as the Italian terminus for the Bernina Express, making it a crucial hub for tourists traveling between Italy and Switzerland. From Tirano, an optional Bernina Express bus service connects to Lugano in Switzerland, extending the scenic journey.
The Bernina Express is a truly unforgettable experience, often described as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.
