In Cavaglia, the effects of past glaciation are visible in the numerous giant potholes in the glacier garden. A path along the Cavaglia Gorge leads to more glacial potholes and impressive formations created by erosion. The glacier garden is in Val Poschiavo and can be reached on the Red Train from the nearby Cavaglia railway station. This natural attraction leads to the Bernina line, which connects St. Moritz with Tirano. It is considered the highest transalpine railway line and one of the steepest adhesion railways in the world.
Experience railway engineering
The circular viaduct lies at the southern edge of Brusio and is just a few minutes’ walk from the railway station. Check local conditions before your trip. The Bernina train passes under the seventh arch and makes a complete loop. The viaduct is one of the Bernina Railway’s most significant attractions. The railway is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhaetian Railway. Here, the route itself takes centre stage: the railway’s distinctive design, as well as the connection between St. Moritz and Tirano, shapes its character.
Between high-altitude trails and valley routes
The wider Bernina region is characterised by glaciers, high peaks, alpine lakes, varied valleys and mountain meadows. The multi-day Bernina Tour circles the Bernina Massif in Switzerland and Italy and is suited to hikers and trail runners. Along the way, it passes through three cultural regions: Engadin, Valmalenco and Val Poschiavo. In Val Poschiavo, the signposted hiking trail network stretches from snow-covered Piz PalĂĽ, at 3,905 metres, to Campocologno on the border with Tirano, at 429 metres; in total, there are more than 250 kilometres of marked trails.
The Alta Tensione Trail offers a different perspective: after Lago di Poschiavo, the route heads back down into the valley. On the final flat stretch, it follows the Poschiavino from Le Prese to Poschiavo. This gives you a choice of routes for your trip: a multi-day circuit around the Bernina Massif or a described valley section with named waypoints.
History, art and rural life
The Museo Poschiavino explores the history, art and culture of Val Poschiavo through an extensive collection of documents and historical artefacts. It also documents the lives, work and emigration of the people of Poschiavo. The museum is housed in Palazzo de Bassus-Mengotti, a building of historical and architectural importance dating from 1655.
Casa Tomé offers a glimpse into another era: this alpine farmhouse dates from around 1350 and is one of the oldest and best-preserved farmhouses in the Alps. It has been listed as a protected building since 1993 and offers a glimpse of rural life in the past. At Casa Tomé, visitors can take part in traditional activities such as baking bread in the oven, processing wool, washing clothes by hand, and making butter and cheese.
Mulino Aino also brings traditional crafts and technology to life. This historic, still-operating centre includes a grain mill, sawmill and smithy, all powered by the same water source. It is home to the only hydraulically powered sawmill in GraubĂĽnden. In the Vitruvian grain mill, three millstones grind buckwheat, wheat and maize. Art lovers will find an important collection of paintings, drawings and sketches from the German Romantic period at Casa Console; the foundation regularly hosts chamber music concerts and other artistic events.
San Romerio and local discoveries
San Romerio is an alpine pasture on a hanging terrace 800 metres above Lago di Poschiavo, with views towards Tirano. The mountain church was consecrated in 1106. Historically, the Via Valtellina passed the former hospice of San Romerio, connecting the Austrian region of Vorarlberg with Tirano along its route. San Romerio can be reached in 20 minutes from the Viano-Piaz PostBus stop; the service runs there from Brusio. Check seasonal transport connections when planning your trip. The PubliCar service takes travellers from Brusio to Viano, the starting or ending point of the hike to the church. From San Romerio, mountain bikers can ride along mountain roads and high-altitude trails.
Guided tours offer further insight into local history. In Borgo di Poschiavo, they explore the valley’s eventful history, as well as its cultural, architectural, religious and food-and-wine aspects. A guided tour of Le Prese shares stories about herb growing and the town’s former importance as a destination for health and spa tourism. Pro Tessitura in Valposchiavo is also part of the region’s craft tradition and is one of the last professional artisanal weaving workshops in Switzerland. For dining, the 100% Valposchiavo programme offers a practical guide: participating restaurants serve at least three dishes made entirely with local ingredients.
Discover more destinations: Le Prese, Brusio, Poschiavo, Surselva, Plessur, Glenner, Albula, Landquart.
For the overview of the wider region: GraubĂĽnden.
