All Aboard the Bernina Express: A Family-Friendly Alpine Adventure
The Bernina Express is one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world, with its breath taking views of the Swiss and Italian Alps. It’s a train journey that adults can’t help but appreciate, but what about kids? Is the Bernina Express enjoyable for children? In this article, we’ll explore how kids can have a great time on the Bernina Express.
First, let’s talk about the Bernina Express itself. The train runs from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy, passing through some of the most stunning scenery in the world. The journey takes around four hours and crosses 196 bridges, goes through 55 tunnels, and reaches a maximum altitude of 7,391 feet above sea level. It’s a marvel of engineering and a feast for the eyes.
So, how can kids enjoy this experience? One of the best things about the Bernina Express is that it’s not just a train ride, it’s an adventure. Kids will love the thrill of traveling across bridges and through tunnels, especially when they can look out of the window and see the stunning scenery passing by. They’ll be captivated by the snow-capped mountains, the glaciers, the valleys, and the streams.
One of the most exciting parts of the journey for kids is crossing the Landwasser Viaduct. This spectacular bridge is 213 feet high and 440 feet long, and the train passes over it at a slow speed, giving kids plenty of time to take in the views.
One of the highlights of the Bernina Express journey is the full glass windows of the first-class carriage, which offers a panoramic views of the stunning Alpine scenery. This is a great option for families with kids who want to take in the views while staying warm and comfortable. The carriage is also a great way to get up close to the glaciers and snow-capped peaks, which are truly breath taking. Kids will love the novelty of riding in a special carriage with such amazing views, and parents will appreciate the comfortable seating and convenience of not having to worry about the weather. Overall, the first-class glass carriage is a fantastic way to experience the Bernina Express with kids.
If your kids love trains, they’ll also be fascinated by the Bernina Express’s technical features. The train has a unique rack-and-pinion system that allows it to climb steep gradients and navigate tight curves, making it one of the most impressive engineering feats in the world.
In addition to the train ride itself, there are also plenty of opportunities for kids to explore the towns along the way. Tirano, for example, is a charming Italian town with a historic centre and plenty of shops and restaurants. Kids can enjoy a gelato or pizza and soak up the atmosphere of this delightful town.
In conclusion, the Bernina Express is an incredible experience for the whole family, including kids. The train journey is an adventure that kids will never forget, with plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning scenery, cross bridges, and travel on their unique first class carriage. The technical features of the train will also fascinate kids who love trains, and the towns along the way offer plenty of opportunities for exploration and fun. So, if you’re planning a trip to Switzerland or Italy, be sure to add the Bernina Express to your itinerary, and give your kids an experience they’ll never forget.