Advice please on where to stop off between St Moritz and Tirano

[Nicholas43]

We're considering a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Italy via the Bernina Express line (but in an Allegra coach), possibly this September/October. We envisage stopping off for a few days at one of Poschiavo. Le Prese, or Alp Grüm, and then using the Little Red Train to visit the other two. Do forum members have recommendations about which of these three would be the best base? Stay in Poschiavo because there's lots to see there, or choose a quieter place, and visit Poschiavo just for a day?
Also, I am alarmed by this report about bustitution (from the thread in the International section asking for tips for Mulhouse>Venice):

...
Pedantically it's Tirano-Lecco, half-way to Milan. And unfortunately partial bustitution on Edolo-Iseo-Brescia which would otherwise be an alternative.

I can't seem to find (from Trenord) when bustitution is happening. Grateful for any informed source.

 

[eastwestdivide]

Alp Grüm is just the station and its hotel+restaurant, no other habitation. Stunning spot though.

 

[30907]

Poschiavo was very quiet the day we visited but it was a week after the Covid outbreak in Italy, which may well have affected things.

The Trenord bustitution is from now till mid-September, the Edolo one finishes a week earlier., so neither should affect your plans.

 

[Sir Felix Pole]

At Le Prese you have the attraction of the street running of the railway plus the lake - there a few hotels but little more than a roadside village really.

Poschiavo has hotels and restaurants so probably the best bet.

Another excursion would be to Brusio to inspect / phott the 'circular' viaduct - it is a bit of a step from the station though.

 

[eastwestdivide]

Another excursion would be to Brusio to inspect / phott the 'circular' viaduct - it is a bit of a step from the station though.

"bit of a step" - depends on how much you like walking. You could always get off the train at Brusio and walk via the viaduct and onwards down to the next station to avoid retracing your steps uphill.
In fact I did it in the opposite direction walking all the way from Tirano to Brusio, making a day of it (from about 9-3 with lots of photo stops).

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

Best vantage point on the Bernina route is probably Diavolezza via the cable car from the RhB station - one of the very best alpine views.
Unmissable on a fine day.
If you have half a day spare, the Panorama Trail above Pontresina is special, it's a contour-type hike with access by a chair lift at the south end and a funicular at the north. Fine views south, west and north.

Mountain railways operating times in summer | Engadin, Switzerland

Current status and operating times of the Engadin mountain railways at a glance. Here you will find all information about opening times and more.

www.engadin.ch

 

[Nicholas43]

Thanks everyone for all the above, especially the reassurance about bustitution onward from Tirano. Looks like we will have to plan for at least a week in and around Poschiavo!