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Glacier · St. Moritz, Grisões
Morteratschgletscher
Glacier of the Bernina massif that descends toward Pontresina, with an easy 2.9 km trail from Morteratsch station and information points explaining the retreat of the ice.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Morteratschgletscher
The Morteratschgletscher, Vadret da Morteratsch in Romansh, descends from the Bernina massif toward Pontresina. The glacier tongue can be reached on foot from Morteratsch station on the Bernina line, at 1,896 m.
The Gletscherweg Morteratsch is an easy 2.9 km trail of about 50 minutes, gaining 130 m through the valley carved by the glacier. Along the way, 16 stopping points explain the ice retreat over the decades.
The glacier has been retreating for more than a century, and the distance between the station and the ice increases every year. In summer, from the end of the trail it is about a 30-minute climb to near the tongue; walking on the ice is only allowed with a guide.
In winter there are snow walks up to near the glacier. Beside the station there is a hotel with a restaurant and a campsite.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 to 3 hours round trip, with stops.
Best time
In the European summer, from June to September, when the trail is usually snow-free and you can reach near the glacier tongue. In winter, the walk is on snow.
How to get there
From St. Moritz, take the Bernina line train to Morteratsch station, about 20 minutes. The trail starts next to the station.
Tip
Stay out of ice areas and the unstable banks near the tongue. From the Bernina Express, the Montebello curve just after Morteratsch shows the glacier from a distance.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Morteratschgletscher
How long does the Morteratsch trail take?
About 50 minutes one way for the 2.9 km Gletscherweg, plus around 30 minutes in summer to get close to the glacier tongue.
Is the Morteratsch trail difficult?
No. It's easy, with 130 m of ascent.
Can you touch the glacier?
You can get close to the glacier tongue in summer. Walking on the ice only with a guide.