We have 3 nights between Innsbruck and Venice in mid December.
Thinking of travelling to Nauders (on Swiss/Italian/Austria border for a couple of nights first, then by postbus to Pontresina/Tirano - then Tirano to Venice.
Other option is head south from Innsbruck - stay in Bressanone area and then train from there to Venice or bus from Cortina.
Is Bernina route worth the extra travel verses Dolomites? - particularly at this time of year?
Any assistance appreciated.
Leanne
Posted by
Green Bay
21395 posts
Well the Bernina Express is a Unesco World Heritge journey. It is impressive, even in winter. I just wonder if there is a white-out storm on your travel day, how disappointed will you be? A clear day would definitely enhance the experience.
An alternate route from Nauders to Venice, would be to take the bus from Nauders over the Reschen Pass to Malles, then change to a regional train to Merano, then a regional train to Bolzano, then a regional train to Verona, then a Freccia train to Venice. Its just a little faster than going back to Innsbruck, more changes, a tad less money, different scenery.
The route with the Bernina Express (the route, not necessarily the train), takes 10 hours, through Innsbruck takes 7 3/4 hours, through Merano about 7 1/2 hours.
Posted by
NYC area
3018 posts
Hi Leanne,
We've stayed near Nauders in Malles/Mals in the Vischgau/Val Venosta area of the Sud Tirol. My pick would be the Dolomites, no question. Easier and far more stunning scenery wise. Brixen/Bressanone is on the outskirts of the Dolomites, but a very nice old town. We visited a few times, as recently as 12/13 for the Christmas markets. Take a day trip to nearby Ortisei in the Val Gardena to see the town Advent market and the Dolomites. Actually, staying in Ortisei and visiting Bressanone for a day works also. The opening times for most winter season lifts/cable car trips aren't up yet, but there will be some, if not all open. There's nothing like being among the Dolomites.
The Seceda lifts open 12/6 this year.
www.alpenwelt-kunden.com/www/i459_valgardena_skimap/general/
www.seceda.it/eng/skipass-tickets-w.htm#prezziwen
www.valgardena-groeden.com/en/calendar/details/advent-in-ortisei/
We stayed in the village of St. Christina at the Garni Ariston. That was in mid October, not in winter though. The towns/villages in the Val Gardena (Ortisei, St. Christina and Selva) are just a few minutes from one to the next, St. Christina being in the middle.
If interested, we have our photo's of Innsbruck, Bressanone, etc. from our last two winter trips (2010 and 2013) among others at:
www.flickr.com/photos/pjbassplyr/sets
Paul
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
I have nothing to add except to express my enthusiasm for the Dolomites! There is no place like it anywhere else...Bressanone (Brixen) is a lovely town and it is not far to the scenery that you are there to see. Christmas is a fantastic time to go!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I would stick to the Dolomites on this trip, rather than planning a lengthy detour.