Walk Pontresina to Morteratsch
-
View of the Morteratsch GlacierPhoto: Minna Harshbarger, Macs Adventure
Author’s recommendation
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
Allow enough time to complete your walk as the times provided are solely walking times, and breaks have not been included.
Parts of the path are for shared use, for hikers and mountain bikers. Stay alert and make sure to make space for the other people using the trail.
Some of the fields may have cows in; they are not aggressive but take care not to startle them, and pass around them with a wide berth.
In early spring/summer there may still be patches of snow. Walk around where it is possible, and otherwise place your feet carefully and use walking poles if you have them.
Tips and hints
If you wish to cut the day short, you can take the train from Cavaglia down to Poschiavo. Find the train time table for the Rhaetian Railway (Rhätische Bahn) here - https://www.rhb.ch/en/home
Please see the interactive map for notable points of interest. Click the icons on the map for more information.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Follow the trail markers no. 30/33
0.0 km - START in Pontresina, at the post office. With the post office at your back, TURN RIGHT. After a few meters, directly behind the Hotel Abris, TURN RIGHT onto a footpath that leads to Surovas train station following the trail marker no 30/33
0.4 km – CROSS the train tracks and TURN LEFT , continue for 100m until you reach the trail markers 30/33, CONTINUE through the fragrant larch forest on a wide forest path. Ignore all trails turning off the main path.
4.5 km - CROSS STRAIGHT over the junction. (There is a slight detour to a glacier lookout point here if you wish to do this turn right here towards Chünetta and Chamanna da Boval (Bovalhütte) and continue on a path.)
5.5. km – ARRIVE at the Moteratsch train station and the small hotel next to it. From here you can catch the train, continue walking or head up to the Glacier lookout point
To reach the glacier lookout point, CROSS the tracks and follow the wide path.
6.7 km - TURN RIGHT at the fork in the road and climb up the narrow hiking trail. After about 100m of ascent reach a bench, which has the best views of the imposing glacier tongue of the Morteratsch Glacier.
Return the way you came up, or:
7.0 km - From the bench, continue to ascend along the trail. TURN RIGHT at the next junction direction Chünetta and Morteratsch. After 200m at the junction, go STRAIGHT ON. (The Chünetta lookout point is about 10 minutes up the hill, but it is currently very overgrown by trees)
The trail descends a partly stony, rocky path until you come back to the wide glacier path, where you TURN LEFT.
8.4 km - ARRIVE at the hotel at the Morteratsch train station.
From here you can continue walking or catch the train to Alpe Grum
Note
Coordinates
Equipment
Such is the way of Alpine hiking, that you need to be prepared for all seasons and weathers; sturdy hiking boots, warm clothes and a waterproof/wind-break layer are all required, as is plenty of sun-cream and a healthy respect for the sun.
Walking poles will be a big advantage on some of these ascents and descents.
Ensure your phone is fully charged; if you doubt the battery will last throughout the hike, it might be beneficial to bring a power bank.
This walk is isolated with few opportunities to buy food or water so be sure to bring enough with you.
Statistics
- 7 Waypoints
- 7 Waypoints
Questions and answers
Would you like to the ask the author a question?
Rating
Help others by being the first to add a review.
Photos from others