Getting there at a glance
- By train
- Bever station on the Albula line; approx. 3–3.5 hrs from Zurich HB
- By car
- Via the A13 to Thusis, then the Julier or Albula Pass; approx. 2.5–3 hrs from Zurich
- Nearest airport
- Zurich (ZRH), approx. 200 km
- Altitude of Bever
- 1,708 m above sea level
Arriving in the Upper Engadine with ease
The Engadine lies in the far south-east of Switzerland and – despite its altitude – is easy to reach all year round. Which approach is best depends on where you are coming from and whether you need a car on site. Three routes lead into the valley: the train, the car over the passes, and flying to the edge of the region. Here is an overview of all the options.
By train – the most beautiful option
Bever has its own station on the Albula line of the Rhaetian Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Zurich you travel via Chur and Filisur through spectacular spiral tunnels and across the famous Landwasser Viaduct straight into the Upper Engadine – usually changing in Chur or Samedan. There are also convenient connections from Basel, Bern and Ticino. The journey is not a necessary evil but part of the experience: the line is considered one of the most beautiful mountain railways in the world, and the Glacier Express uses the same tracks.
Travellers coming from Italy reach the Engadine via the equally impressive Bernina line from Tirano. Once here, the closely knit bus and rail network takes you comfortably to all the neighbouring villages, so you can manage well in Bever without a car.
By car – flexible over the passes
By car you reach Bever via various routes depending on the season. Coming from Zurich and Chur, the way usually leads over the Julier Pass (around 2,280 metres), which is kept open all year and is therefore the reliable winter route. In summer the Albula and Flüela passes are appealing alternatives with wide views; the Albula Pass is closed in winter. The Bernina Pass from Val Poschiavo, on the other hand, is open all year round.
If you would like to use the car-carrying train: the Vereina Tunnel connects the Prättigau with the Lower Engadine year-round and regardless of the weather, from where the valley road leads to Bever. Travellers from the south come over the Maloja Pass from Italy. In deep winter, allow a little extra time and make sure you have winter tyres.
By plane
The nearest international airport is Zurich, from where it is around three hours by car or train. The airports of Milan-Malpensa and Bergamo are also an option for travellers from the south. The regional Engadin Airport in Samedan lies right in the valley but is used mainly for private and sport aviation. If you fly, the most comfortable way to cover the final leg is by train.
Parking and arriving right at the house
Chesa Michel has seven parking spaces of its own: four in the building’s underground garage (not suitable for SUVs with a roof box), two outdoor spaces right in front of the house and one space in an external garage nearby. A space can be added during online check-in – CHF 10 per car and night. If all are taken, there is public parking at Bever station. Location & directions to Chesa Michel
Getting around on site
Public transport is very well developed in the Upper Engadine. Buses and trains run at regular intervals, and Bever station is just a few minutes’ walk from Chesa Michel. This makes excursions to the lakes, the mountain railways or the neighbouring villages easy even without your own car.
More inspiration in the Journal – or view the holiday apartments and check availability.
