Lago Bianco & Bernina Pass
Lago Bianco / Passo del Bernina
The milky-white glacial lake at the Bernina Pass. The railway runs alongside the shore, making it the classic spot to photograph the Bernina Express.
The Bernina Pass stands at 2,328 m, and the railway's highest point, Ospizio Bernina, is at 2,253 m. It is Europe's great watershed: streams flowing north reach the Danube and the Black Sea, while those flowing south reach the Po and the Adriatic. Lago Bianco appears milky white-green due to glacial dust, while the nearby Lej Nair (Black Lake) is dark, creating a striking contrast. You can get off at Ospizio Bernina station and walk along the lake to Alp Grüm, a downhill hike of about 1.5 to 2 hours, where you can photograph red trains running alongside the lake. The weather at this altitude changes quickly, so bring a jacket even in summer.
Opening hours
All day (road may close in winter; railway operates)
Nearby sights
- Alp Grüm
- Diavolezza
- Morteratsch Glacier
- Pontresina
- Val Roseg
- Muottas Muragl
- Lej da Staz
- Brusio Spiral Viaduct