Alp Grüm is a viewpoint overlooking the gorgeous Lake Palü in southwest Switzerland. It’s only accessible by train or foot, giving it a quiet remote feeling even if it’s popular with tourists.
The famous Bernina Express makes a short stop here, allowing passengers can take photos and stretch their legs for a few minutes before continuing to Italy. Regional trains also regularly stop here, not requiring a reservation or advance booking.
While many visitors stay at the viewing area near the train station, we suggest a short walk down to the idyllic Lake Palü, where you can capture gorgeous reflections in the still water.
One of the nicest times to visit is during late October when the larches turn bright yellow and orange. My pictures below are from this time.
Keep reading to learn how to visit Alp Grüm with suggestions on what to do there.
Contents
Quick Info
| Region: | Engadin St Moritz, southeast Switzerland |
| By public tranport: | Alp Grüm train station From St Moritz 1 hour, Zürich 3 hours |
| By car: | Park at Ospizio Bernina and ride train 10 mins to Alp Grüm From St Moritz 20 mins, Zürich 4 hours |
| By public transport: | train to Alp Grüm From St Moritz 1 hour, Zürich 4+ hours |
| Trail: | optional 1 hour |
| Distance: | 2.6 km round trip to lake |
| Difficulty: | easy • 150m up & down |
| Condition: | dirt and paved footpath |
| Elevation: | highest point 2070m |
| Open: | viewpoint accessible open year round |
| Cost: | train to reach viewpoint |
| Services: | restaurants, WC |
| More info: | www.alpgruem • webcam |
Gallery
How to get there
Alp Grüm is located near Poschiavo, in the Engadin region of southeast Switzerland.
You can only reach Alp Grüm by train. The map below shows train route in blue and the Alp Grüm train station (1). The red line is the walking path down to Lake Palü.
By car
If you come by car, drive to the Bernina pass (3) and park in the large lot across the street from Hotel Bernina Hospiz (see on map). It’s about a 20 min drive from St Moritz.
Then a short walk down to the Ospizio Bernina train station, where you can catch a train to Alp Grüm. The train leaves about every hour. It’s a 10 mins journey.
You could also walk from the Bernina Pass to Alp Grüm, shown by the orange line. It’s a relatively easy path: 90 mins • 5.5 km one way • 71m up , 286m down. See trail map.
By train
From St Moritz, you can ride a regional train to Alp Grüm, travel time 1 hour. This train runs hourly. It does not require advance reservations.
This train journey is free with the Swiss Travel Pass. Otherwise, you can purchase train ticket on the SBB Mobile App, ticket machines or ticket offices shortly before your trip.
From Zürich, it takes 4+ hours to reach Alp Grüm (via Samedan). It would be much better to stay overnight in the region than try to do this as a day trip. See my St Moritz itinerary suggestions.
Bernina Express
If you are riding the Bernina Express train from Chur to Tirano, the train stops at Alp Grüm for 14 minutes.
Most people get off the train to enjoy the view and stretch their legs. Just make sure to get back on the train as your Bernina Express reservation is not valid for later trains.
Planning your day
What to do
Most people spend their time wandering around the large viewing area next to the train station. There is a restaurant next to the station and a mountain hut a short walk below the station. Details below.
If you have time and energy, we definitely suggest walking down to Lake Palü, about 1h round trip. It’s also a nice place to have a picnic. Details below.
Note: You cannot swim in this lake. As noted on signs around the lake, it has an underwater current that can suck you into dangerous machinery/pipes.
There are a few longer hikes that start here or lead here. See below for options.
Schedule
If you are on the Bernina Express, you only have enough time to take a lot of pictures and maybe have a coffee at the bar.
If you took the train here from St Moritz or elsewhere, your next train back leaves in about 20-25 mins. After that, the trains come about every hour. I would plan to stay at least 90 mins, which gives you time to walk down to the lake, take pics, and hike back up. If you want to visit the lake and eat at the restaurants, give yourself about 2-2h30.
If you are hiking, check the return train schedules carefully so you don’t get stranded.
Restaurants
Next to the Alp Grüm train station, you’ll find Ristorante Albergo Alp Grüm. They have a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the view. The restaurant is open daily from 8:00 – 18:00. They also have a hotel. They usually close during the off-season, mid November to mid December.
A short walk below the train station, you’ll reach Rifugio Restaurant Alpe Palü (see on map). This rustic mountain hut has tables overlooking the view, serving traditional Swiss mountain staples.
What to wear & bring
Check the local forecast and dress appropriately. In summer, it can be very warm on a sunny day. But weather at 2000m can change quickly, so it’s always best to bring at least a fleece or windbreaker, even if the forecast is clear.
From November to March, I would expect cold weather and snow. I would wear waterproof shoes and warm layers. In spring and fall, weather is unpredictable and can be anywhere from from 0 to 22 C. If you are visiting Switzerland, bring layers so you can adjust to the changing conditions.
Photo story of viewpoint
The train drops you off here, the Alp Grüm train station. There is a large dirt area where you can walk around to enjoy the view.
This is the view from the station.
If you came on the Bernina Express, lots of people will be crowded along the walls taking pictures.
This Bernina Express photo frame is popular and may have a line.
The restaurant has a nice terrace overlooking the view.
More of the view from the station.
At the south end of the viewing area, you can see the tracks curving around the mountain. There are some lounge chairs below, which would be nice on a sunny day.
It’s a nice place to take pictures of the train going by, if you are staying awhile.
Walk down to Lake Palü
From the Alp Grüm station, you can see Lake Palü below. You can walk down to the water in about 20 mins and get this nice view.
Trail: 1 h round trip • 2.6 km (1.6 mi) • 150m down & up
See trail map on Komoot • SchweizMobil
The trail down to the lake is not particular difficult. But it does have some steep slopes that could be challenging for those with mobility issues. Best done with comfortable walking shoes that have some tread.
It is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
From the viewing terrace, follow this yellow trail sign, direction Cavaglia.
The trail starts just below the restaurant on the paved path shown below.
After a couple minutes, you’ll cross the train tracks. Make sure to listen for the train so you can safely cross.
The trail looks mostly like this, a wide dirt path. Sometimes the pitch is a bit steep and they usually have handrails on these sections, as show in this pic.
Occasionally you’ll get nice views of the lake as you descend.
Most of the trail in the forest, which can be nice on a hot day.
Some of the path is paved, some has rocks, some is dirt.
Getting prettier every minute.
At this trail sign, follow the path to the right, down to the water. The trail to the left hikes down to the Cavaglia train station.
When you reach the water, you get really nice reflections in the water.
Note how the land drops a bit steeply in the water, so be careful as you walk along the shore.
The path continues across this little dam.
After crossing the dam, you’ll see a second smaller lake. A hiking trail continues from here up to Lake Cavalin above the waterfalls.
Looking back up at Alp Grüm and the train tunnels.
Walk back up the same path to Alp Grüm.
Longer hikes
Here are some hiking options to/from Alp Grüm. This map show the location of the trails.
Trail A & B: Bernina Pass to Alp Grüm
If you are arriving by car, you could park at Ospizio Bernina parking lot. Then hike along the Via Albula/Bernina pass down to Lake Palü. Then hike up to the Alp Grüm train station and ride back to your starting point. This short version is 3h • 8.3 km one way • 355m up, 568m down. See trail map on SchweizMobil.
Or keep hiking, looping above Alp Grüm back to the Bernina pass. This version is 4h30 • 13.7km loop • 640m up & down. See trail map on Komoot • SchweizMobil • OutdoorActive
Trail C: Alp Grüm to Lake Caralin
This is a there-and-back trail from Alp Grüm down to Lake Palü, then up to Lake Caralin. Return the way you came.
Trail: 9km round trip • 4h • 660m up & down. See trail map on Komoot • Schweiz Mobil
Trail D: Alp Grüm to Poschiavo
We did this hike on our last visit. The trail starts at Alp Grüm, hikes down to Lake Palü. Then is hikes down to Cavaglia is In Poschiavo, we caught a bus back to Samedan, then trains back to Zurich.
Trail: 9.7 km • 3h • 1111m descent. See trail map on Komoot • SchweizMobil • OutdoorActive
More ideas for this region
2 responses
Beautiful photography. we are planning to visit Alp Grum on last week of October 27th. Do you think larch colors will last by then? we will be travelling in engadin valley, I hope larches won’t be gone by then
Yes, the larches often last until the first week of November, though they might start losing the needles and getting more deep orange than bright yellow. Enjoy!