Morteratsch Glacier
Morteratsch Glacier
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
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Fleur Ballini
Paris, France54 contributions
Jul 2023
It’s a lovely walk where time stands still.
The glacier too for that matter.
Yes, no more ice or even a few seracs in the distance and Piz Bernina in the deep blue.
It’s a two-hour round trip walk which is taken from the bottom of the village of Pontresina near the station and takes you into the forest then towards a trace and gravel path for the feet as well as for the bikes.
It goes up a bit but nothing difficult.
For all audiences, even convalescents.
There is information on panels on the state of the glacier over the years which is very informative.
It’s a route that we would like to repeat with pleasure in the fall for a less crowded and equally beautiful walk accompanied by the Rosa Valley next to its neighbor which is also worth the detour.
Skiing, sealskin, mountain biking, foot all visitors are welcome.
The glacier too for that matter.
Yes, no more ice or even a few seracs in the distance and Piz Bernina in the deep blue.
It’s a two-hour round trip walk which is taken from the bottom of the village of Pontresina near the station and takes you into the forest then towards a trace and gravel path for the feet as well as for the bikes.
It goes up a bit but nothing difficult.
For all audiences, even convalescents.
There is information on panels on the state of the glacier over the years which is very informative.
It’s a route that we would like to repeat with pleasure in the fall for a less crowded and equally beautiful walk accompanied by the Rosa Valley next to its neighbor which is also worth the detour.
Skiing, sealskin, mountain biking, foot all visitors are welcome.
Written August 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DLANFRANCHI
London, UK54 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
Take the early morning cable car up the Diavolezza and book a guide for the 10am hike down the glacier - Outstanding views and a multilingual guide from the Bergschule in Pontresina ensures that the 5 hour hike is as safe as these things ever can be - crampons are provided for the steeper ice sections but the scree slopes are probably more challenging (45 degrees and slippery) so some care is required. Price was not entirely unreasonable for Switzerland.
Written August 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tarparrie
New York City, NY7 contributions
Jul 2017
For accessibility to a glacier, the Morteratsch Glacier might be the best. By train or road it is easy to get to, with ample parking (if you get there early) or a train station right at the bottom of the walking trail to the glacier, with the benefits of a decent restaurant.
It is a bit of a walk, but flat on a wide well maintained path. periodically there are sign posts that document that which has been lost as the glacier retreats, until you get to the final observation point.
That point is still a decent hike fro the glacier itself, but is deliberately set back for safety reasons. A raging torrent of water is pouring out from under the sides of the valley which are ice and because of the thawing any proximity to them is at risk of rock fall from above.
Beyond the customary cautionary sign, there is a foot bridge over the glacial river to the unmaintained, natural loose rock that can be hiked all the way to the actual glacier tongue. Some of the more enthusiastic (?) hikers have been seen to then venture up onto the glacier itself.
The Morteratsch Glacier is just one of three glaciers that once worked their way into the valley and merged, but each have retreated back. The complex is still a spectacle to be enjoyed even with a little sadness realizing that like the dinosaurs these are now increasingly retreating and to vanish in the future.
It is a bit of a walk, but flat on a wide well maintained path. periodically there are sign posts that document that which has been lost as the glacier retreats, until you get to the final observation point.
That point is still a decent hike fro the glacier itself, but is deliberately set back for safety reasons. A raging torrent of water is pouring out from under the sides of the valley which are ice and because of the thawing any proximity to them is at risk of rock fall from above.
Beyond the customary cautionary sign, there is a foot bridge over the glacial river to the unmaintained, natural loose rock that can be hiked all the way to the actual glacier tongue. Some of the more enthusiastic (?) hikers have been seen to then venture up onto the glacier itself.
The Morteratsch Glacier is just one of three glaciers that once worked their way into the valley and merged, but each have retreated back. The complex is still a spectacle to be enjoyed even with a little sadness realizing that like the dinosaurs these are now increasingly retreating and to vanish in the future.
Written August 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin B
Shipston on Stour, UK333 contributions
Jan 2016
On our last day my wife and I decided to walk up to the Glacier in the late afternoon. We were the only car left in the carp park and only met two other couples on the walk. Its a beautiful location - very peaceful as there is absolutely no traffic and seeing it in the late afternoon / early evening light made it very spectacular. Its an easy walk - well marked - you have no chance of getting lost - and it is very well marked showing how the glacier is retreating - its debatable as to whether its down to global warming as the first measurement were noted before the invention of the internal combustion engine but politics aside there is no doubting how this might glacier is now a shadow of its former self. On the was back we were met by a man with his dogs and sleigh which was a lovely site to see. Really enjoyed the walk and if you are into walking it worth the trek - the whole of the valley is so well served with lots of walking and cross country ski tracks so you could spend a couple of weeks in the area and always cover different walks. Highy recommended
Written January 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Candice T
manila, philippines224 contributions
Sep 2015 • Couples
From the main town street at Pontresina, ask for directions on how to get to the small train station called Seruvas. Morteratsche is just one stop away from there. Preferably check the time of the train before starting on your hike so you’ll know what time you have to get back. Upon getting off the train, use the toilets before starting your hike up to the glacier. It takes about 40 minutes to walk to (without stopping to take photos) one way.
It was foggy in the morning we went and could only see the trees beside us. However, the fog cleared up after a while and we were rewarded with a spectacular view of the glacier in front of us. I was totally awestruck by the beauty of the place. There were streams and mountains around us, and the glacier in front. The hike itself has a slight incline, but anybody can do it! Take a moment to sit down and marvel at God’s magnificent creation while munching away your light snacks upon reaching the end. Make sure to cross the wooden bridge and sit on the rocks to get an even better view. I would forever remember this place.
It was foggy in the morning we went and could only see the trees beside us. However, the fog cleared up after a while and we were rewarded with a spectacular view of the glacier in front of us. I was totally awestruck by the beauty of the place. There were streams and mountains around us, and the glacier in front. The hike itself has a slight incline, but anybody can do it! Take a moment to sit down and marvel at God’s magnificent creation while munching away your light snacks upon reaching the end. Make sure to cross the wooden bridge and sit on the rocks to get an even better view. I would forever remember this place.
Written October 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChristchurchStewarts
Christchurch, New Zealand330 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
We trained from Pontresina to Morteratsch station and then walked on a very easy path up to glacier. We took our time (approx 50 mins one way) with photo stops and to read excellent information boards as we went. Scenery and peaceful environment was inspiring. Thoroughly recommend this outing and it was great to see so many from very young in prams or back packs to those fit but older looking classical people out enjoying this great environment. No toilets and take a water bottle and picnic snack if desired.
Written July 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Orange_Sakura
Brighton, UK161 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
We took the cross-country ski track out here with our guide - it's breathtaking. When you get to the viewpoint you can leave your skis and walk up to the end of the glacier, as well as see an ice cave and the impressive ice 'walls' of the end of the glacier. However, there are posts marking the end of the glacier and the year - it's incredibly sad how fast the glacier has melted and receded - even from the view point in 2010, it has receded a further 100m or so - a stark reminder of what is happening to our climate. That said, this place is not to be missed (while it is still here...) - absolutely beautiful, and definitely worth the ski/walk out here.
Written February 24, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SiuMui
Zurich, Switzerland325 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
Easily accessible with train, 10 min ride from Pontresina. The walk is about 1hr to the glacier, flat easy walking. I especially like the poles posted along the trail, telling you how far did the glacier retreats in time.
Written January 24, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gunillast
Oslo, Norway151 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Lovely walk to the glacier, and along the path you have signs letting you know how the glacier has changed over the years. Highly recommend! The food in the restaurant by the train is very good aswell!
Written July 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dale W
Stourbridge, UK128 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
We stopped off on the way back to St Moritz, and should have allowed longer. Even so you can get a really good view of the glacier after a very short walk. We will be sure to spend more time there on our next visit to get all the way up to the glacier.
Written June 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
La fermata del trenino del Bernina a Morsteratsch presenta dei box o dei posti per lasciare le valige in caso si volesse fare L’escursione sul ghiacciaio senza problemi?
Written August 17, 2022
ciao...vorrei sapere se il sentiero che porta al ghiacciaio è innevato...partiamo tra una settimana e faremmo l'escursione lunedì di pasqua o martedi...
temperatura diurna? abbigliamento e scarpe consigliate?
grazie
Written April 14, 2019
Io ci sono andato a gennaio ed era innevato..percorso comunque semplice basta un paio di scarpe da trekking normali
Written April 15, 2019
Salve! Quanti minuti a piedi dista la stazione del treni dal ghiacciaio? La stazione è servita da un treno normale o soli dal trenino rosso del Bernina? Perche vorrei fare il sentiero a piedi da Pontresina al ghiacciaio passando per la Val roseg, e poi tornare indietro con il treno. Grazie
Written November 21, 2018
Salve, la distanza dalla stazione (della ferrovia retica, ternino rosso) al ghiacciaio è di circa 45 minuti.
Written November 21, 2018
Is it advisable for pregnant women and small children?
Written July 21, 2018
There are two different ways to see the Glacier, you can go up to Diavolezza and then walk down the Glacier or Ski down in Winter, you have to check wether the trail is open or you can go to Morteratsch by car or by train and walk up towards the Glacier on a trail.
So I would not recommend the first, the second option should be o.k., the trail goes towards the Glacier mainly up, but you can always turn around, when you get tired. The trail gets you very close to the Glacier and the hike is beautiful. At the Railwaystation is a nice restaurant.
Written July 21, 2018
Is it advisable for pregnant women and small children?
Written July 21, 2018
Definitely not unless you are very competent skiers.
Written July 21, 2018
Hi,
Thank you all for the reviews on TripAdvisor. I'm planing to go on Bernina Express (from Chur) on next weekend. Just thought of getting down from Pontresina in the return to Chur and walk to see Glacier. Is that possible to walk from the rail station or other public transport available ?
Also is that walk too difficult ?
Many Thanks,
BanM
Written July 24, 2016
Yes, you can walk to the glacier from Pontresina. Either from the Pontresina RR Station or better, Pontresina Post bus stop. I would guess the nice walking path is about 2 km.
There is a trunk line station if you want to do a short ride to Morteratsch and you can pick it up near the Hotel Walther which is near the Pontresina Post bus stop.
Written July 29, 2016
Buongiorno a tutti. Avrei intenzione ai primi di Luglio di arrivare al parcheggio dove finisce la strada con la mia moto.
Qualcuno mi può dare delle info a riguardo del pagamento per le 2 ruote?
Prezzo- valuta disponibile - durata- etc. etc. Grazie. Marzio
Written May 16, 2016
Il prezzo per le due ruote non lo so, per le auto è abbastanza caro. L'euro viene accettato dai parcometri. Un'ultima cosa, il pagamento va fatto anticipato, per cui considera che fra andata e ritorno impieghi meno di 2 ore, 30 minuti per qualche foto sono sufficienti e aggiungi quanto tempo vuoi fermarti in più.... (io ho pagato inutilmente per 5 ore).
Written May 17, 2016
We will be on a tour that does the walk to the glacier at the end of June (2016). What is the weather likely to be like, and will I need hiking boots or will sturdy walking shoes be ok?
Written May 4, 2016
I'm not sure what the weather will be like in June - I can only think it will be warm or hot and very lovely.
You will be fine with sturdy walking shoes - the paths are very good - its only if you decide to go off the path that you would need proper walking boots.
Hope this helps - its a beautiful place to visit
Written May 4, 2016
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