Bernina Pass

The Bernina Pass links the Upper Engadine with the Val Poschiavo in the canton of Graubünden, climbing from the Pontresina side to 2,328 m and dropping to the Italian speaking valley that runs on to Tirano in Italy. The pass road is 37 km with a maximum gradient of 10%, and it is one of the highest Swiss passes open all year.

Lakes sit at the top, among them Lago Bianco and Lej Nair. The Bernina railway crosses the pass on its own line, topping out at 2,253 m at Ospizio Bernina station. Trains have run over the top in summer since 1910 and in winter since 1913, and Lago Bianco is the reservoir that powers the line.

The Bernina was never a great European trade route, but from 1512 it carried traffic between the Engadine, the Valtellina and the Republic of Venice. After a fatal avalanche closed the western route in winter, the eastern route was widened between 1842 and 1865, and the road has been kept open in winter since 1965.

• The north side from Samedan is gentle, 20 km at an average of 3%.
• Near the top the road runs beside Lago Bianco and Lej Nair, with the Bernina railway on its own line nearby and Ospizio Bernina station at 2,253 m.
• The Diavolezza cable car leaves from the Engadine side of the pass.
• The south side is the steep one, 17 km down to Poschiavo at an average of 7.5%, and the valley carries on to Tirano in Italy.
• Best way to experience it: drive or ride it yourself, in your own car or bike or a hire vehicle, or join one of the guided tours that cross the Swiss passes.

• The Bernina is open all year. Winter tyres are compulsory for the whole winter, snow chains can be ordered for short periods and the pass can close. The Alpenpässe status page posts the current state.
• Heavy vehicles may tow trailers between Pontresina and San Carlo only from 15 April to 15 November.

• Last verified: 3 November 2026
• Official link: https://alpen-paesse.ch/en/alpenpaesse/berninapass