The Engadin is known for its breathtaking scenery, impressive glaciers, and countless outdoor activities.
One particularly fascinating tour is the winter hike from Morteratsch to the glacier tongue – a unique experience that offers spectacular insights into the alpine world.
Even more impressive are the glacier caves that form as the glacier retreats. It is best to explore the caves as part of a guided tour, as some of the entrances and exits are dangerous.
Travel memo Hiking tip:
Winter hike near Pontresina: from Morteratsch station to the tongue of the Morteratsch Glacier.
- Distance: 6.5 km
- Duration: approx. 2 hours
- Ascent/descent: 150 m
- Starting point: Morteratsch railway station (1,896 m above sea level)
End point: Morteratsch glacier tongue (approx. 2,050 m above sea level)
- Difficulty/fitness level: moderate, good footwear required
- Getting there: By public transport or car to Morteratsch railway station (paid parking available)
- Best season: December to March
Morteratsch Glacier Cave Tour – a winter adventure with wow factor
The glacier caves of the Morteratsch Glacier are an absolute highlight, forming anew depending on weather conditions.
These fascinating ice caves are created by meltwater, which hollows out the glacier from the inside, creating spectacular ice formations in beautiful shades of blue.
Glacier caves – a transient natural phenomenon
As fascinating as the glacier caves are, they are a visible sign of climate change. They are formed when the glacier continues to retreat and the meltwater forms new cavities under the ice.
This phenomenon can be observed not only on the Morteratsch Glacier, but also on other glaciers in Switzerland.
It is impossible to predict when and where the next accessible glacier cave will form. At Morteratsch, mountain guides had to wait over two years before another stable cave became accessible. This makes visiting such a natural wonder all the more special – because it is uncertain how long it will remain.
If you want to visit the glacier caves, you should definitely join a guided tour – not only for safety reasons, but also to enjoy this natural phenomenon to the fullest.
The mountain guides will tell you lots of fascinating facts about the dynamics of a glacier and how such caves are formed. On our own, we would probably not have found all of the caves.
Important information:
- Caution! Due to the risk of collapse and the constantly changing ice structures, we recommend that you only visit the glacier caves on a guided tour. The Pontresina Mountaineering School offers such tours. You can find all the information on their website.
- Safety equipment: The tours are led by experienced mountain guides who provide the necessary equipment (helmet and crampons, which are "ice cleats" that go over your winter hiking boots).
- Best time: The ice caves are most stable in winter, as the cold temperatures cause the ice to flow less quickly. Nevertheless, their structure can change at any time! Particular caution is advised at the entrances and exits, especially in strong sunlight.
A guided tour of these natural wonders at the foot of Piz Palü and Piz Bernina is a unique experience. The deep blue ice, the glittering walls, and the magical light shining through the ice create a breathtaking natural spectacle.
But even without the ice, a trip to this fascinating winter landscape is well worth it – so wrap up warm and let's go!
The guided hike to the glacier caves starts at 9 a.m. at Morteratsch train station.
You will be back at around 1 p.m. and can refuel at the restaurant of the adjacent Hotel Morteratsch.
