Le Prese lies at the northern end of Lake Poschiavo in Valposchiavo, at an elevation of around 965 m above sea level. The village connects the lake with the Bernina Railway and has a local history shaped in part by herbal production and spa traditions. Several route options are available for the Le Prese–Miralago walking trail. If you are considering an overnight stay in Le Prese, you can first decide whether the lake, the railway, walks or local culture should shape your stay.
Getting here by Bernina Railway
Le Prese has a Bernina Railway stop. The red train provides connections to both Le Prese and Miralago. At Le Prese station, you can buy tickets from the Ferrovia retica ticket machine and the VendaAutomat. The station offers step-free access to the platform and a boarding aid for travellers with disabilities. Check the latest information about station services and the boarding aid before travelling.
Walking routes of different lengths
The Le Prese–Miralago walking trail starts and ends at Le Prese station. You can choose between 2.8 km along the railway line, 4.5 km on the shady left-hand side of the valley, and 7.3 km around the lake. The shortest option follows the railway line; the others offer either a route along the shady side of the valley or a circuit of the lake. This lets you choose according to the distance and route you prefer. Check local conditions before setting off.
At Lake Poschiavo
Le Prese lies on the quiet shore of Lake Poschiavo. You can swim in the lake in summer. Fishing is also possible, although local rules and permits may apply. Favourable winds invite you to go surfing on the lake, though conditions vary. Swimming is therefore explicitly a seasonal option; local requirements may apply to fishing, and surfing conditions can change.
Herbs and spa history
Le Prese is known for producing tea herbs. A guided tour of the village covers stories about herbal production and the place’s former importance as a destination for spa and health tourism. Albergo Le Prese is also part of the village’s history: it was established in 1855 on the shore of Lake Poschiavo as a thermal centre and was a retreat for the upper classes in the 19th century.
A seasonal visitor experience takes you through the herb fields of Erboristeria Biologica Raselli. Lunch made with products from Valposchiavo is served before the visit. Check the dates before planning your trip around it. A cultural publication from 2019 also mentions five Crotti sotto roccia in Le Prese and describes this type of building as characteristic of the southern side of the Alps.
Cycling and hiking trails
The Granpanoramica Poschiavina runs from Le Prese along secondary roads with both paved and unpaved surfaces through the Praderia, the broad, flat valley floor in this area. A stage of the Via Albula/Bernina leads from Le Prese to Tirano. Its section from Le Prese follows the former cantonal road, which is open to cyclists and hikers. The route descriptions differ in character: the Granpanoramica includes secondary roads and a mix of surfaces, while the Via Albula/Bernina follows the former cantonal road, now open to cyclists and hikers.
Discover more destinations: Poschiavo, Brusio.
For the main travel overview: Bernina.
