Into thin air
From 11–13 September 2026, the Bernina Gran Turismo returns to the Bernina Pass in the Engadin valley for another weekend of historic and modern racing cars tackling one of the most beautiful roads in the Alps. And after last year's outstanding edition, we could not be more excited to join the event. What makes the event so special is the variety: very different eras, different types of cars from pre-war racing machines to modern-day hypercars, and different generations of drivers from road-racing veterans to rather talented teenage beginners, all sharing the same challenging stretch of mountain road. Some automotive highlights of this year's event are a 1955 Mercedes 300 SLR, a 1965 Shelby GT350 and the rally icon Lancia Stratos HF.
5.4 kilometres of bliss!
The 5.4 kilometre course from La Rösa – a historic hamlet in Valposchiavo where time seems to stand still for centuries – to the top of the pass at roughly 1,870 metres above sea level combines fast sections, hairpins and sudden changes in elevation, making it both challenging and rewarding for the drivers, but also unusually good for spectators. You can follow the action from the start, hike further up the mountain to watch the cars roar past between stone pines and moss-covered rocks, or watch the action from the top, where the organisers are making some changes this year. But first things first.
Here's your timetable for the weekend
The weekend begins in St. Moritz, where the cars will undergo public scrutineering at the Kulm Country Club from 9am, allowing a first glimpse of this year's line-up. Later in the afternoon, the competitors will drive over the pass towards Bernina. It is a relaxed way to start the weekend and a good opportunity to see the cars up close before the racing begins. Saturday morning is devoted to two free practice sessions, followed by the first two races from 1.30pm. Both start at La Rösa and finish at the top of the Bernina Pass.
What's new this year
This year, La Rösa will have its own mini Race Village and a second large screen, while the Race Village at the top of the pass will be expanded with a VIP Tent and sponsor activities: Audi and Bovensiepen both promise to bring a selection of very unusual cars, while during the race, drivers will have the opportunity to refuel for free with Synhelion's synthetic gasoline. Throughout the weekend, shuttle buses will run from Poschiavo up to La Rösa and from Lagalb (and Diavolezza) up to Ospizio Bernina, roughly every 20 minutes, complementing the hourly PostBus and train services. Note that there are no shuttles between the start and the top during the race itself. The road will, however, be open to regular traffic during the midday break, from 12:10 to 13:30.
Sunday brings two further races in the morning, with the possibility of an additional practice run depending on the race direction. The awards ceremony takes place in Poschiavo from 1pm. Food and coffee will be available at the Ospizio Bernina, the Race Village and La Rösa throughout the day, and the entire event will once again be streamed live on YouTube and Swiss Sport TV.
Watch out for our coverage
Classic Driver returns as the Bernina Gran Turismo's official media partner, and as JP Rathgen will offer insights about the race, cars and drivers as a co-commentator, our content team will provide you with highlight moments all weekend on our Instagram channel while shooting another feature film to go live soon after the event on our YouTube channel. Subscribe now for early access to the film when it drops.
See you on the pass
The Bernina Gran Turismo has grown since its relaunch under the lead of Ana Engelhorn, the daughter of the event founder Kurt Engelhorn, but it remains refreshingly different from the increasingly common automotive events where the cars feel more like props for social media influencers than fascinating tools for unforgettable driving experiences. Here, the road and the Alps are the main attraction. Meanwhile, the cars are driven properly, the spectators are close to the action but spread out across the topography and the atmosphere remains relaxed, authentic and community-driven.
Last year gave us wonderful weather. Let's hope for more of the same, although anyone who knows the Bernina will understand that this is wishful thinking. In the mountains, September can bring sunshine, rain, cold or even snow, sometimes within the same afternoon. Whatever the weather, we'll be back on the mountain soon. Will we see you there?
Photos: Andrea Klainguti, Keno Zache
