morteratsch glacier

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.

This excursion is always worthwhile, in Summer, fall or Winter. It is amazing to see how the glacier has moved in the last century.

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.

We have hiked on glaciers, been at the mouths of glaciers where we leave in the state of Washington, USA. But, never have we see the history of the recession of a glacier so well marked. Impactful.

The walk to this glacier is simply beautiful and certainly one of my favourite things to do in the area. It is sad to see the signposts indicating the erosion of the glacier over time, but in my opinion the glacier is still a majestic sight, and the mountains provide a beautiful backdrop to the journey. We have only visited in winter, but even in snowy and icy conditions it is well worth a trip.

Wish I had the time to visit here more than once. About an hour's walk on flat trail takes you right up to a melting glacier. Fact that it has rocks consistently falling from it was exhilarating (and scary.)Sad that it is receding.

We were fortunate enough to have a perfectly clear blue sky on our very pleasant walk from Pontresina (5.5km) to Morteratsch then up to the glacier (2.5km). We found being so close to this amazing glacier an wonderful experience and were fascinated by the walls of ice with embedded rocks and the evidence of where the glacier has been over the years.It was sad to see the signposts marking the increasing recession of the glacier and particularly over the last four years. This is a must see when in the area.

For those who are not into extensive hikes with lots of elevation gain, the Morteratsch Valley Trail from the train station to the toe of the Morteratsch Glacier is a great choice. The trail is wide and in good condition and ascends gradually along the valley bottom. Early October, when the larches are turning gold, it is an easy and absolutely spectactular half-day walk. Looking for something more demanding, then continue on to the Boval Hut for an even better view of the glaciers and mountains of the Bernina range.

very nice valley but shocking to see how quick the glaciers melt... took some great pictures though.

Summertime pass on the Bernina Railway, but have once skied all the way from Pontresina, which is a good workout! Amazing to see the no of black poles indicating 100 year intervals of the glacier front as it retreats up the valley. Be quick!

Easy to get to. Able to walk right on the glacier (at your own risk). Amazing blue patches of ice. We were able to hear the cracking of ice.

From the Monteratsch Hotel it is about a three km walk up to the base of the glacier. The walking path is very easy walk in summer, alongside the glacial river, through an area covered in wildflowers. The tree line in the valley gives an indication of how deep the glacier once was. Markers all along the valley show the extent of the retreat of the glacier since 1878. Once at the glacier we chose not to climb up any higher, having seen several chunks of ice fall. Another great view of the glacier can be had from the top at the Diavolezza ChairLift

You can get here easily but train, hop off and start hiking! Beautiful views of the Alps and the glacier

Brilliant Hike up to the Boval hut before setting off on a mountaineering adventure. Amazing views camped out amongst the mountains and the amazing glacier

One of the few places where one can learn about the effects of climate change, through a 1 hour walk one sees the retraction of a alpine glacier over a hunderd of years.