Morterasch GlacierWalk 8021
Outline Map Area Map Walk Grading
Canton - Graubunden/Grisons - Upper Engadine
Author - Lou Johnson
Length - 6.0 km / 3.8 miles
Ascent - 80 metres / 264 feet
Descent - 80 metres / 264 feet
Time - 2.00 hours
Grade - easy
Click thumbnails for larger images.
An easy walk that is full of interest. There are signs explaining how the glacier has retreated in recent years with markers showing the location of the toe of the glacier for each of the key years. The text is in German but the broad picture can be easily understood from the diagrams.
Start & End - Morterasch station on the Bernina Railway. Trains operate from Pontresina to Alp Grüm with connections from other parts of the Engadine. See Transport Map for the Upper Engadine Region.
Leave the railway station and take the broad track that goes south to the foot of the Morterasch Glacier. You are unlikely to walk alone especially after the arrival of a train as this is a popular walk.
There are no navigational problems. All you need to do is walk along the clear path in the floor of the valley. The glacier gradually gets nearer and you are able to reach and touch the ice! The valley is very scenic and there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the view.
Once you have seen enough, turn back and head the way you came. For those with energy to spare you can return by a different route. This path climbs up to the crest of the moraine and then drops back down to Morterasch through pleasant forest.
Suggested Maps
Landeskarte der Schweiz - 1:50000 - Sheet SW 5013 - Oberengadin - Engiadin'Ota
Landeskarte der Schweiz - 1:25000 - Sheet SW 2521 - Engadin
Oberengadin, Bergell-Puschlav, Wanderkarte - 1:50000
Recommended Books
Walking in the Alps
An outstanding and comprehensive book exploring the walking and trekking possibilities in every Alpine region. Many thousands of possible routes are suggested, from the Maritime Alps of southern France throughout the range to the Julian Alps of Slovenia. Walks vary from undemanding to long and tough, and everything in between.
Tour of the Matterhorn
A guide to the 145km Tour of the Matterhorn, described anti-clockwise from Zermatt and visits 6 valleys via Zinal, Arolla and Breuil, offering spectacular views of 25 peaks of over 4000m. The route also links up with the Chamonix to Zermatt walkers' Haute Route and the Tour of Monte Rosa. Includes two glacier crossings and takes 8 to 10 days.