Train lines & Hill climbs.

by Living Our Best Lives

Kilometres Walked : 24

Flights Climbed : 140

Friday 9th June, 2023.

Our hike today led us over the border once again with our destination being Miralago and Lago Di Poschiavo. Setting off nice and early we started off on a steep ascent to the Romanesque church of St. Perpetua. With a big blue sky we were awarded fabulous views over Tirano and The Sanctuary of the Madonna of Tirano whilst also watching the Bernina Express head through on its way up the mountain.

Church of St. Perpetua
Madonna di Tirano & The Bernina Express heading through town.
Through the forest (almost at the border)

Walking through some beautifully shaded forest through to the first village of the day, Campocologno which is also the border between Italy and Switzerland. Our path for the day was basically following the train line that the Bernina Express runs along albeit on structured paths and tracks but also passing through some very pretty Swiss villages. Brusio was the next village that we walked through which is also where the first big loop and viaduct is on the train line. We were lucky enough to see a train go by whilst we were walking past.

The Bernina
And here she comes.
Yes we have just walked up that valley below (I definitely struggled today)
Trying to smile after struggling with the ascent😳

Whilst walking up through the lovely little villages full of Swiss houses with their window boxes full of flowers and pretty gardens was picturesque I can tell you I definitely found it hard going. I’m sure Jason mentioned there wasn’t going to be to much of an ascent😩 I didn’t even take any photos as I was just concentrating on getting one foot in front of the other. The scenery and destination made it all worthwhile though and with sore and stiff bodies we finally made it to Mirilago.

The last stretch before we reached Mirilago.
Yay we made it!
Sitting down on the edge of the lake for a much needed wine🍷
I know, let’s do a lap of the lake as well🤪
A private home on the lake (wow)
So pretty.
We got to walk through two tunnels.
Amazing, just a window to the lake from one of the tunnels.
Still a bit of snow in the distance.
Jason being a big kid.
My turn!
Our legs managed a lap. So worth it.

Well the effort of all those kilometres was well worth it. Switzerland is just beautiful and just like the postcards. With snow capped mountains in the distance and wild flowers in abundance and of course tall pines swaying in the breeze it is a very picturesque place indeed. With wobbly legs we opted to catch the train back to Tirano. (I don’t think we would have made it otherwise) A taste of things to come on Monday when we re board The Bernina and head to St Moritz.

Heading back to Tirano.

Finishing on a high, we have completed our last hike from Italy. Next week we will begin the next adventure in St Moritz in Switzerland. We’ve hiked in some stunning places throughout Italy from the country to the seaside to the mountains. We have also been constantly impressed with the adequate signage on all of our walks and the upkeep of most of the trails. The scenery throughout has completely amazed us everywhere we have been and we look forward to returning in the future to complete more of the wonderful walking trails on offer.🥾