The pass lies a few kilometres east of Piz Bernina, and south of Val Minor.

The train crosses the pass west of the road at a slightly lower 2,253 metres (7,392 ft) (at Ospizio Bernina) – it is the highest adhesion railway route in Europe.

The pass was an important trade route over the Alps during the Middle Ages.

In 1410 several communities north and south of the pass agreed to work together to maintain the path.

In 1512 the Three Leagues and their Swiss allies invaded the Valtellina region through the Bernina Pass.