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
446 reviews
Excellent
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87
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rapha_y_nici
Zurich, Switzerland5,948 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Even this majestic glacier has decreased it‘s size drastically, it‘s definitely still worth a visit! It‘s easily accessible by hike either from Pontresina or even closer from Morteratsch train station. Highlight would be to stay for the at the SAC Boval mountain hut which offers spectacular views. Recommended!
Written 10 July 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.
MilesTegg
Halesowen UK208 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
I visited in 2016, and touched the glacier which then was at the level of the river and valley floor, but now; oh dear.
The valley makes for a nice walk, but knowing what it was like, the end of the valley where the glacier used to be is, well, nasty. We're old, and gave up when we got close enough to see that the glacier was no longer there, but the river at that point now is more of a series of pools that look stagnant and polluted. As I say this was from a distance, so perhaps just the colour due to sediment.
Worth a walk, but don't feel obliged to push it to the end of the valley, you ain't going to get near the glacier.
Along the valley there are markers for where the glacier used to be, scary. But the first two markers near the train station are from the late 19th century, and 100 yards apart so warming isn't all down to cars, planes and coal fire power stations, it's been happening since the last ice age.
The glacier, halfway up the mountain now was dirty, no wonder it's melting.
The valley makes for a nice walk, but knowing what it was like, the end of the valley where the glacier used to be is, well, nasty. We're old, and gave up when we got close enough to see that the glacier was no longer there, but the river at that point now is more of a series of pools that look stagnant and polluted. As I say this was from a distance, so perhaps just the colour due to sediment.
Worth a walk, but don't feel obliged to push it to the end of the valley, you ain't going to get near the glacier.
Along the valley there are markers for where the glacier used to be, scary. But the first two markers near the train station are from the late 19th century, and 100 yards apart so warming isn't all down to cars, planes and coal fire power stations, it's been happening since the last ice age.
The glacier, halfway up the mountain now was dirty, no wonder it's melting.
Written 10 July 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 16 August 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 4 August 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 28 January 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
Sept 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 4 October 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 25 July 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 24 February 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 24 January 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 26 July 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.
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 17 August 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 14 April 2019
Io ci sono andato a gennaio ed era innevato..percorso comunque semplice basta un paio di scarpe da trekking normali
Written 15 April 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 21 November 2018
Salve, la distanza dalla stazione (della ferrovia retica, ternino rosso) al ghiacciaio è di circa 45 minuti.
Written 21 November 2018
Is it advisable for pregnant women and small children?
Written 21 July 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 21 July 2018
Is it advisable for pregnant women and small children?
Written 21 July 2018
Definitely not unless you are very competent skiers.
Written 21 July 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 24 July 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 29 July 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 16 May 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 17 May 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 4 May 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 4 May 2016
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