The Morteratsch Glacier (Vadret da Morteratsch) near Pontresina in the Engadin, Graubünden, is the largest glacier by area in the Bernina Range. Roughly 6 km long, it is famous as one of the most accessible glacier tongues in the Alps, reachable on a flat, easy valley walk. The 'Gletscherweg' glacier trail from Morteratsch station is lined with year-marked posts and 16 information panels that vividly document a retreat of about 2.5 km since around 1900. As of 2026 the ice continues to shrink rapidly (the neighbouring Pers Glacier has already detached), making this an easy, family-friendly day trip and a striking, first-hand lesson in climate change.
The glacier tongue and its milky glacial lake — one of the closest glacier views you can reach on foot in the Alps
Year-marked posts and 16 information panels charting the glacier's dramatic retreat
The wild glacier forefield where vegetation has recolonised ground left bare by the retreating ice
The scenic ride itself on the UNESCO-listed Bernina line of the Rhaetian Railway
Panoramic views over the glacier and Bernina peaks from the nearby Diavolezza cable car
Good to know
SafetyNever walk out onto the ice alone — crevasses, unstable ice and meltwater make it genuinely dangerous. If you want to trek on the glacier, go only with a certified mountain guide. Wet rocks and gravel near the tongue can be slippery.
SeasonThe walk to the tongue is best roughly late June to October; in winter the area turns into a snowshoe / cross-country route. At around 2,000 m the weather changes fast, so bring a wind- and waterproof layer, warm layers, and sturdy footwear even in high summer.
RulesAccess is via the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) Bernina line and you need a valid ticket. The Swiss Travel Pass is accepted; the panoramic 'Bernina Express' requires a seat reservation, but the regional trains that stop at Morteratsch do not. Confirm current fares and timetables before you go.
MannersThis is a protected area: stay on the marked trail, carry out all your rubbish, keep noise down in the quiet natural setting, and note that drone flying requires a separate permit.
CautionTourist scams are rare here, but buy tickets only from official RhB counters, machines or the official app and avoid marked-up resellers. Watch your belongings on busy trains and at hubs like St. Moritz, and agree the meter/fare before taking a taxi.
Practical info
Take the Rhaetian Railway Bernina line to Morteratsch station (one stop from Pontresina); the flat gravel trail starts right at the station and reaches the glacier viewpoint in about 50 minutes each way. The trail itself is free, but train and cable-car (Diavolezza) fares should be checked for the latest rates; in summer you can also visit the alpine cheese dairy (Schaukäserei) near the station and the Boval SAC mountain hut.
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