This Breathtaking Road Trip Route From Switzerland To Italy Is The Most Scenic In Europe

If you're looking for an incredible way to experience both the Swiss and Italian Alps, it's time to plan a trip to the Bernina Pass. The most famous way to travel this route is on a bright red scenic train called the Bernina Express, but you can also travel the road by car. The Bernina Pass road stretches over 30 miles along the border of Switzerland and Italy, from the iconic resort town of St. Moritz (Switzerland) to the Italian town of Tirano. Along the way, you'll be able to experience some of the most stunning views of the Alps and romantic towns that are loaded with history. If you're looking for an unforgettable scenic drive, this route makes for a perfect day trip from either direction.

Surprisingly, the Bernina Pass remains open to traffic 365 days a year, but only vehicles equipped with the proper gear for extreme conditions should attempt the drive. During the winter months, it's safe to expect plenty of heavy snowdrifts on the road, which can be extremely dangerous with all the sharp turns and elevation changes. It is relatively safe to travel on the main road in spring and fall, but many of the most scenic mountain passes will remain closed. The best time to embark on the road trip is between June and October, when the scenic roads are open and the conditions aren't hazardous.

You can begin the road trip from either direction, but ensure that you carve out some time to explore the luxurious resort towns on either end of Bernina Pass. If you're starting in Switzerland, St. Moritz will serve as your jumping-off point, and what a place to start — it is a world-famous destination for winter sports that is ideal for a picture-perfect ski vacation. The Winter Olympics were held there in both 1928 and 1948, and there are multiple sites around the city for tourists to learn about the winter games. Check out the open-air Walk of Fame, the Olympic Stadium, the Olympia Bob Run, and the ice rink, all of which were used in the games.

Winter is the best time of year to go skiing in Switzerland, but the resort town is a beautiful place to visit year-round. St. Mortiz is home to world-class restaurants, gorgeous hotels, and spas fed by natural hot springs where you can soak in healing waters. Popular warm-weather activities include hiking and biking, and the town's beauty makes it ideal for relaxation.

The drive between St. Moritz and Tirano is about 35 miles and can easily be completed in just over an hour. For the best experience, take it nice and slow, enjoying the epic panoramic views as you ascend 7,637 feet. Scenic highlights include thick forests, rocky peaks, and glaciers. Don't be surprised if you constantly want to stop for photos.

Along the winding drive, you'll pass by gorgeous Alpine lakes with bright blue water so vibrant that it almost looks otherworldly. Eventually, you'll reach a large lake called Lago Bianco. If you want to extend your road trip and spend some extra time soaking up the natural beauty, consider booking a stay at Hotel Bernina Hospiz, which overlooks the lake and the mountains. The historic stone Ospizio Bernina train station is located nearby. Once you pass the elegant building with its red accents, you continue straight along the Bernina Pass to reach Tirano.

Tirano is a picturesque mountain town with cobblestone streets and plenty of interesting historic sites. The 16th-century Santuario della Madonna di Tirano was constructed after the Virgin Mary was said to have appeared in a vision, and the intricately designed church houses a fabulous 17th-century Bulgarini organ. Another charming tourist attraction is a bright yellow train that takes visitors on a tour of the town.

If you'd prefer not to drive your own vehicle but still want to experience the beauty of the mountains, the Bernina Express train is an incredible experience. The impressive climb takes you through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges and offers the same epic views as the drive, which you can enjoy through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The railway crossing is the highest in Europe and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site — you don't need to be an expert to understand why.