11 November 2026 · 6 min read · By Francesco, your host in Livigno
Day Trips from Livigno: What to See Nearby
Within an hour or so of Livigno by car you can reach St. Moritz and the Bernina Pass, the Bernina Express from Tirano, the thermal baths of Bormio, the Stelvio Pass, the Swiss National Park in Zernez, the UNESCO monastery at Müstair and the Cancano lakes. Some trips are summer-only, because two passes close in winter.
St. Moritz and the Bernina Pass
In summer the quickest way to St. Moritz is over the Forcola di Livigno and the Bernina Pass: about 45 km, roughly an hour's drive. At the pass there are lakes and a fine view of the Bernina range, then the road drops into the Engadine. In St. Moritz you can walk round the lake and through the centre. You are entering Switzerland, so bring a valid ID document.
The Forcola is open in summer only. In winter you go through the Munt la Schera toll tunnel and then via Zernez: the road is longer, so allow more time.
Tirano and the Bernina Express
Tirano is the Italian end of the Bernina Express, the red train of the Rhaetian Railway that crosses the Bernina Pass and runs down to St. Moritz. The Albula/Bernina line has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. Tirano to St. Moritz takes about two and a half hours. On the Bernina Express you usually need to reserve a seat: timetables and tickets are on the Rhaetian Railway website.
From Livigno to Tirano it is about 70 km via Bormio and the Foscagno Pass, open all year. In summer the road over the Forcola is shorter (about 50 km) but crosses Switzerland. In Tirano, the Santuario della Madonna di Tirano is worth a stop. Getting around by train and bus is covered in how to get to Livigno.
Bormio and its thermal baths
Bormio is about 38 km away, just under an hour by car over the Foscagno Pass, which is open all year (from October to April you must carry snow chains). The old town is small and easy to explore on foot.
The baths are the main reason to go. The Bagni Vecchi, on the road that climbs towards the Stelvio, have historic caves and a panoramic pool overlooking the valley; the Bagni Nuovi are close by. Both are run by QC Terme, and it is best to book ahead on their website. In the town itself there is also Bormio Terme, with pools and saunas. You can go in any season, so it is a good plan for a rainy day: check opening times and closing days before you set off.
The Stelvio Pass
At 2,757 metres the Stelvio is one of the highest road passes in the Alps. From Livigno you drive to Bormio and then climb the SS38, with about 40 hairpin bends on the Lombardy side: around 55 km in all, roughly an hour and a half. At the top there are places to eat and a view of the Ortles glaciers.
The road is only open from late spring to autumn: it usually reopens between late May and early June and closes between late October and early November, depending on snow. On summer weekends it is packed with motorbikes and road cyclists, so set off early. Check that it is open before you go.
The Swiss National Park in Zernez
Through the Munt la Schera tunnel, north of Lake Livigno, Zernez is about 27 km away, roughly 40 minutes. The tunnel is single-lane, with alternating traffic and a toll. Zernez is the gateway to the Swiss National Park, founded in 1914: at the visitor centre you will find exhibitions and suggested trails.
In the park you may only walk on the marked trails. The best time is June to October: in winter the park is closed to leave the wildlife in peace. Bikes are not allowed through the tunnel, but the scheduled bus between Livigno and Zernez carries a few.
Val Müstair and St John's Monastery
Beyond the tunnel, over the Ofen Pass (Pass dal Fuorn), the road drops into Val Müstair, on the border with South Tyrol: about 45 km from Livigno, roughly an hour. In Müstair stands the Benedictine Monastery of St John, founded around 775 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. The church holds frescoes painted around 800, in Charlemagne's time: the richest early medieval cycle in Switzerland.
The church and museum are open all year, with shorter hours in winter: check them on the monastery's website. In summer you can combine the trip with the Stelvio: from Val Müstair the Umbrail Pass climbs to the top of the Stelvio.
The Cancano lakes
The Cancano and San Giacomo lakes are two reservoirs at around 1,900 metres above Valdidentro. You drive up from Premadio, near Bormio, on a road with 21 hairpins that reaches the Torri di Fraele, two medieval towers. From Livigno allow roughly an hour and a quarter.
The loop round the lakes is an almost flat gravel road of about 19 km, good for walking and mountain biking, from June to October. To drive up you need a day ticket (€5 per vehicle in 2026), bought online or at the machines along the road; campervans and caravans are not allowed.
When to go
Summer, from late June to mid-September, is when you can do everything: the Forcola and the Stelvio are open and the trails are free of snow. June and September are quieter, but in early June the Stelvio may still be closed and there can be snow higher up.
In winter the Foscagno (with chains on board from October to April) and the Munt la Schera tunnel stay open. You can still reach Bormio and its baths, Tirano and the Bernina Express, Zernez and Val Müstair; the Forcola and the Stelvio, however, are closed. Before every trip check roads and opening times: they change with the season and the weather.
Ironwood Livigno as your base
Ironwood Livigno is at Via Saroch 767, about 15 minutes' walk from the centre, with one free parking space: handy when you leave early for a day out. The apartment is 90 m², with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, for up to 6 guests. When you get back there is a private infrared sauna and steam bath. On request: breakfast at a partner venue 50 metres away and 2 e-bikes to hire for rides around Livigno.
In July and August we let the apartment from Saturday to Saturday; in June and September 2 nights are enough. For summer 2027 the free weeks are mostly in June and September, while August is almost full: two quieter months, good for day trips. Request your dates.
Frequently asked questions
What day trips can you do from Livigno?
St. Moritz and the Bernina Pass, Tirano and the Bernina Express, the thermal baths of Bormio, the Stelvio Pass, the Swiss National Park in Zernez, the UNESCO monastery at Müstair and the Cancano lakes. All are about an hour or a little more by car.
How far is Bormio from Livigno?
About 38 km, just under an hour by car over the Foscagno Pass, which is open all year. From October to April you must carry snow chains.
Is the Stelvio Pass open in winter?
No. It usually reopens between late May and early June and closes between late October and early November, depending on snow. Check that it is open before you go.
How do you get from Livigno to Tirano for the Bernina Express?
By car it is about 70 km via Bormio and the Foscagno, open all year; in summer the road over the Forcola is shorter (about 50 km) but crosses Switzerland. The train from Tirano to St. Moritz takes about two and a half hours, and you usually need to reserve a seat.
Continue exploring Ironwood Livigno
Ready to plan your stay in Livigno?
Ironwood Livigno is a self-catering apartment in Livigno for 1-6 guests, with a private sauna and steam bath, 100 m from the San Rocco ski lift.