Diavolezza Morteratsch glacier hike

Walk on a glacier

Walking on a glacier and experiencing this world of ice up close requires expertise. For that reason, it should really only be attempted by people who have lots of experience of hiking in the high Alps. But if you aren’t such an expert, don’t worry: “average” hikers can go onto the two glaciers and into the valley safely under the guidance of the Bergsteigerschule Pontresina (mountaineering school).

The glacier hike starts at the Berghaus Diavolezza. Then you go down the steep slope from the lateral moraine to the Pers Glacier. When you are standing on the Pers Glacier, you will be standing below Piz Palü. The sun terrace of the Berghaus has a great view of Piz Palü, but the view from below is simply breathtaking. As you go from the Pers Glacier to the Morteratsch Glacier, you will be walking on scree once again. The view here, encompassing this stony labyrinth and the four-thousand-metre peak Piz Bernina is indescribable. The route continues on the Morteratsch Glacier to the glacier tongue, which is the end of the Morteratsch Glacier. From there, your path takes you on the moraine and then on the hiking trail to the Rhaetian Railway station of Morteratsch.

From mid-June to October

The glaciers and climate change

The VR Glacier Experience visitor centre at the Diavolezza valley station explores climate change using the Morteratsch Glacier as an example. There are four virtual tours that cover the water resources in and around the Morteratsch Glacier, the water balance, the flora and fauna, and the MortAlive project, which aims to slow the retreat of the glacier by artificially adding snow. Entry is free of charge.