Brusio is located in Val Poschiavo, in the Italian-speaking part of GraubĂĽnden. The Circular Viaduct of the Bernina Railway is a striking destination for a stay that brings together railway engineering, local history, alpine scenery and regional cuisine. Casa Besta and the Museo del Tabacco tell different sides of the local heritage; destinations such as San Romerio and Alpe Pescia lie above the valley.
The Bernina Railway and Cultural History
The Circular Viaduct of Brusio is one of the Bernina Railway’s most important attractions. The railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Rhaetian Railway. Above Brusio, the line overcomes a considerable difference in elevation via the open Circular Viaduct: the structure has a diameter of 100 metres and a double loop.
Brusio railway station is accessible by train or PostBus. From there, a route described as very easy leads to the Circular Viaduct. If you plan to walk the route, check current trail conditions in advance; for your journey, it is advisable to check the timetables.
Casa Besta is Brusio’s cultural centre and houses the local museum. In the 18th century, the building was converted from a farmhouse into a stately residence for two noble families from Valtellina. The new museum layout, completed in 2026, preserves the exhibition of antique musical instruments as well as sections on agriculture and crafts. It also highlights the distinctive features of the border region and the exchange of goods and ideas.
The Museo del Tabacco Brusio tells a different story. Original machines from the 19th century still work today, bringing the history of tobacco production to life through sound, space and atmosphere. The museum presents the entire production process, from plant to product, and places the history of Val Poschiavo in a global context.
The churches also offer a glimpse through time: the Reformed Church of Brusio was built between 1646 and 1661. An organ built by the Serassi company of Bergamo was installed there in 1786. According to dendrochronological findings, the old church of San Romerio dates from 1055. Historically, it served hikers and shepherds who practised seasonal transhumance in summer along the mule track beside the Bernina Pass.
Alpine Destinations and Hiking Trails
San Romerio lies at an altitude of 1,800 metres above Lago di Poschiavo. From the alp, the view extends across Val Poschiavo to Tirano. Other destinations provide a comparison of elevations: Alpe Pescia lies between 1,800 and 2,000 metres, while Capanna Anzana is at 2,050 metres on the Swiss-Italian border between Valposchiavo and Valtellina.
Alpe Pescia is a high-altitude summer pasture in the upper Val Saiento. Alpine cheese and unpasteurised butter are produced there, and the alp is also a destination for hiking enthusiasts. From a car park, you can reach Capanna Anzana on a comfortable ascent of about 45 minutes on foot. Check current access conditions before your visit.
For hikes to San Romerio, the specific route matters: in a notice dated 30 July 2026, the Municipality of Brusio lists the Piaz–San Romerio mule track as closed until further notice. Check its status before making plans. The San Romerio mountain hut offers regional specialities and overnight accommodation from mid-May to the end of October; ask about current availability for your preferred dates.
Chestnut Traditions and Culinary Events
Brusio’s chestnut tradition includes “brasché”, roasted over an open fire in a perforated pan, and “farüdi”, boiled in a pot. These two preparation methods give local food culture a place in your itinerary, even outside the dates of a festival.
The Sagra della castagna takes place every year in mid-October in Campascio and Brusio, combining cultural and gastronomic offerings. Another way to discover local specialities is PaneNeve: this annual culinary walk passes through the Contrade di sopra between La Presa, Cotongio, Garbella and Selvaplana. Along the way, there are about ten stops serving local specialities; individual programme details may vary. Check the dates if you want an event to determine when you travel.
Discover more destinations: Poschiavo, Le Prese.
Go to the overview of the wider region: Bernina.
