We are going to Switzerland in May and have a free day when in St. Moritz. We thought that a side trip to the Italian Swiss border for lunch, some shopping then back to St Moritz would be fun. I looked into the Bernina express but I believe the train ride to Tirano is 3+ hours. I’m not familiar with cities in Italy that is close to Swiss border that takes less than 2 hours by train. I know Lake Como is in that area but going to Lake Como by train from St. Moritz, having lunch, some shopping then getting back to St. Moritz would be a long day for both of us. Can anyone give suggestions as to where we can go to in Italy on our schedule?
Thank you for your suggestions.
Posted by
Green Bay
20977 posts
It is about 2 hours and 15 minutes from St Moritz to Tirano. Be aware that you won't get any shopping done in Tirano between noon and 2 pm. Shops will be closed, but lunch spots will all be open. Alternate is to take a bus to Chiavenna, which is a little more than 1 1/2 hours.
Posted by
OP
Kent, Wa
56 posts
Guess this is the place to go if we want pasta. Are there a lot of restaurants, cafes? Close to train station? Thanks for the info.
Posted by
Green Bay
20977 posts
Yes, there are a couple of pizzerias (they also have pasta dishes) right next to the station.
Posted by
OP
Kent, Wa
56 posts
Thanks Sam. Will start researching Tirano.
Posted by
Firenze
500 posts
The only train south from St. Moritz to Italy is to Tirano. There is also a post bus to Chiavenna. Neither Tirano or Chiavenna seem to be the place for serious shopping, they are mid-size towns (Tirano has 9000 dwellers, Chiavenna 7000). The border post at Castasegna between St. Moritz and Chiavenna is known for its fussy border guards. -
Another - more difficult - option could be Livigno, that is actually north-east from St. Moritz. You could get there with a combination of trains and buses, check times very carefully. Livigno is in Italy, but as in winter it can be accessed only from Switzerland, Italy has renounced charging VAT in Livigno and shopping there is tax-free; the whole town resembles a shopping mall, but it is the kind of shopping you find in airports. Also I would expect that when trying to import back goods in Switzerland or Italy you may get checked very throughly - this is why Italian border guards at Castasegna are so fussy. But if you are not a Swiss or Italian citizen you may get away with it more easily.
Posted by
OP
Kent, Wa
56 posts
Thank you all. I think will stick to Tirano. 😊😊