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Pontresina

Pontresina is a quieter, more authentic alternative to neighboring St. Moritz, sitting at 1'800 m in the Upper Engadin at the foot of Piz Bernina (4'049 m) -- the only 4'000-meter peak in the Eastern Alps. Known as a mountaineering and glacier hiking base, it offers guided glacier treks on the Morteratsch glacier, one of the largest ibex colonies in Switzerland, the Bernina Express railway, and over 580 km of hiking trails, all with 322 sunny days per year. Zurich to Pontresina takes approximately 3 hours 20 minutes by train via Chur.

Pontresina is a quieter, more authentic alternative to neighboring St. Moritz, sitting at 1'800 m in the Upper Engadin at the foot of Piz Bernina (4'049 m) -- the only 4'000-meter peak in the Eastern Alps. Known as a mountaineering and glacier hiking base, it offers guided glacier treks on the Morteratsch glacier, one of the largest ibex colonies in Switzerland, the Bernina Express railway, and over 580 km of hiking trails, all with 322 sunny days per year. Zurich to Pontresina takes approximately 3 hours 20 minutes by train via Chur.

En bref : Pontresina est un village de montagne elegant a 1'805 m dans la Haute-Engadine (Grisons), situe a l'entree du Val Bernina et a seulement 7 minutes en train de Saint-Moritz. Moins cher et plus paisible que son illustre voisin, Pontresina offre un acces direct au glacier Morteratsch, d'excellentes randonnees, une tradition d'alpinisme centenaire et un microclimat ensoleille exceptionnel. Point de depart ideal pour le Bernina Express.

En bref
Region Haute-Engadine, Grisons
Canton Grisons
Altitude 1'805 m
Population 2'100
Acces Saint-Moritz : 7 min (RhB) / Zurich : 3h 30min / Tirano : 2h 30min (Bernina Express)
Swiss Travel Pass Entierement valable pour les trains RhB
GPS 46.4953, 9.9006

Les 5 incontournables

1. Randonner au glacier Morteratsch

Le sentier du glacier Morteratsch (1h depuis la gare de Morteratsch, un arret en train depuis Pontresina) mene au pied de l'un des glaciers les plus accessibles des Alpes, sous le Piz Bernina (4'049 m), seul 4'000 des Alpes orientales. Des panneaux indiquent le recul du glacier au fil des decennies. Gratuit.

2. Observer les bouquetins

Pontresina est l'un des meilleurs endroits de Suisse pour observer les bouquetins dans leur habitat naturel. Des excursions guidees a l'aube sont organisees par l'office du tourisme (CHF 20). Les colonies vivent sur les pentes au-dessus du village.

3. Emprunter le Bernina Express

La ligne de la Bernina (Pontresina-Tirano), inscrite au patrimoine mondial UNESCO, traverse des paysages glaciaires, franchit le viaduc helicoudal de Brusio et descend dans les vallees italiennes. Billet regulier couvert par le Swiss Travel Pass.

4. Explorer le village historique

Pontresina possede des maisons engadinoises decorees de sgraffites, l'eglise Santa Maria avec ses fresques medievales et le Musee alpin (CHF 8) retrracant l'histoire de l'alpinisme dans la region.

5. Ski et luge a Diavolezza (2'978 m)

La Diavolezza offre un panorama grandiose sur le Piz Bernina et le Piz Palu. La descente glacier de 10 km vers Morteratsch est legendaire (avec guide). Telecabine aller-retour : CHF 58.

Source : ch.tours | Derniere mise a jour : mars 2026

Planifier

Itinéraires dans null

Plans de voyage sur plusieurs jours pour profiter au maximum de votre visite.

1
Jour 1
moderate

10-Day Complete Switzerland — The Ultimate Itinerary

2
Jour 2
moderate

10-Day Grand Tour of Switzerland — The Complete Circle

3
Jour 3
moderate

3-Day Bern & Region Explorer — Capital, Cheese Country & Alpine Lakes

Questions fréquentes

Tout ce que vous devez savoir pour visiter Pontresina.

### Is Pontresina worth visiting?

Yes, Pontresina is one of the best mountain villages in Switzerland for active travelers. It offers glacier hiking, ibex watching, the Bernina Express railway, and access to some of the most dramatic high-alpine scenery in the country -- all in a more authentic and affordable setting than neighboring St. Moritz. The Engadin's exceptional sunshine (322 days per year) and dry climate make it reliable in any season.

How many days do you need in Pontresina?

Two to four days is ideal. Day one: Morteratsch glacier trail and Diavolezza cable car. Day two: Val Roseg (on foot or by carriage) and village walk. Day three: Bernina Express to Tirano (Italy) and back. Day four (optional): Alp Languard to Muottas Muragl hike, or guided glacier trek. Active visitors could easily spend a full week.

How do you get to Pontresina from Zurich?

Take an IC train from Zurich HB to Chur (1h 15min), then change to a Rhaetian Railway train toward St. Moritz, alighting at Pontresina (2h 10min from Chur). Total journey: approximately 3 hours 20 minutes. The Albula line from Chur is a UNESCO World Heritage scenic route. Free with the Swiss Travel Pass.

What is the best time to visit Pontresina?

June to October for hiking and glacier treks, with July--August offering the warmest weather. Late September to mid-October is magical for the golden larch forests. December to April for skiing and cross-country skiing, with the Engadin's famous sunshine making winter sports exceptionally pleasant.

Is the Swiss Travel Pass valid for Pontresina?

Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass covers all trains to Pontresina (SBB and RhB), local Engadin buses, and the regular Bernina line trains. It provides 50% discounts on the Diavolezza cable car, Alp Languard chairlift, and Muottas Muragl funicular. Only the Bernina Express panoramic supplement (CHF 14) is extra.

What is the difference between Pontresina and St. Moritz?

St. Moritz (7 minutes away by train) is a glamorous resort focused on luxury hotels, designer shopping, and international events. Pontresina is a mountaineering village focused on alpine sports, nature, and outdoor activities. Pontresina is quieter, more affordable (hotels are typically 20--40% cheaper), and feels more authentically alpine. Both share the same ski area and Engadin landscape. Many experienced visitors prefer Pontresina as a base.

Can you walk on the Morteratsch glacier?

You can hike to the glacier tongue on a free, well-marked trail (3 km, 50 minutes from Morteratsch station). Walking on the glacier itself requires a guided tour with crampons and safety equipment, offered by the Pontresina Mountaineering School from CHF 85 per person. Unguided glacier walking is dangerous and strongly discouraged due to crevasse risk.

Is Pontresina good for families?

Yes, Pontresina is excellent for families. The Morteratsch glacier trail is suitable for children aged 5 and above. The ibex-watching tours are child-friendly. The Val Roseg horse-drawn carriage ride delights all ages. In winter, cross-country skiing and snow hiking offer alternatives to downhill skiing. The Engadin's sunny, dry climate means reliable outdoor conditions.

Tags hiking skiing swiss-travel-pass budget luxury family trains lakes mountains food winter summer