St. Moritz to Tirano (Italy) via the pass at 2,328m. Open year-round but bring chains in winter. Takes about 1-1.5 hours without stops.

You're driving alongside massive glaciers and turquoise alpine lakes at over 2,000m - it's absolutely spectacular on a clear day. The descent into Italy through Poschiavo valley is gorgeous, going from snow and rocks to palm trees in Tirano.

Must-Stop Places:

Lago Bianco – Right at the pass summit. Big parking area with stunning views of the glacier. There's a hotel/restaurant (Ospizio Bernina) if you need a break.

Diavolezza – About 10 min detour off the main road (clearly signed). Huge parking lot at the cable car base. If you have time, the cable car ride up is incredible – you'll see glaciers from 3,000m.

Poschiavo – Charming Italian-style town about 15km past the pass. Easy parking, great for lunch with proper Italian piazzas and restaurants. My pick for a meal stop.

Good to Know: Alp Grüm (that famous viewpoint) is train-only – you can't drive there. The road gets busy with tour buses in summer, and you'll pass the famous Montebello railway curve but can't really stop for photos. Still totally worth it for the overall experience though - plenty of other pullouts for pictures.

For Lunch: Either grab something at Ospizio Bernina (convenient), head down to Poschiavo for Italian food (best variety), or eat at Diavolezza if you're doing the cable car anyway.