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The glacier tongue is about 2020 meters above sea level and the glacier is about 7 km long. The height difference between both ends is about 2000 meters. The glacier covers an area of about 16 square kilometers.
It is very difficult to properly see the glacier from the train. Also the sun always seems to be in the wrong spot (that's probably why it hasn't melted yet).
Updated Jan 6, 2007
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If you are still fit after hiking to the glacier and back (5 km), you can hike to Pontresina along the river. It's only another 6 km. It's pretty flat most of the way and you can enjoy the view on the mountains and the frozen river. Also you can watch the cross-country skiers on the other side of the river.
Written Jan 6, 2007
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If you take picture where I have taken them, please be aware that the ice can crack anytime and this is not recommended even though lots of people do it. Your insurance may not pay if something happens. So if you do decide to take such pictures, make sure you don't linger longer than necessary.
Now, you only have to walk the 2,5 km back and it's all downhill!
Written Jan 6, 2007
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Congratulations! You nearly made it! Just before the glacier tongue you see the sign that you shouldn't go any further. Well, there are actually hiking trips on the glacier but only - and really only! - with a professional local guide. In spring you can ski down the glacier from Diavolezza for about 1100 meters if you are a good skier.
But if you want more excitment, have a look at the next tip.
Written Jan 6, 2007
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While the path is steeper in some part (mostly in the first half) there are also benches if you need a break. We started the hike at 10.45 am when the first bit of the path was still in the (cold) shadow but the advantage was that there are not so many people around then. The masses will come around lunch time in winter.
Written Jan 6, 2007
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The hike starts at the railway station and is 2,5 km long. It goes slightly uphill. In winter you can also go by cross-contry ski but you have to share the path with the pedestrians and their dogs.
Every now and then you will see a sign telling you in which year the glacier was where. So you can follow its receding.
Written Jan 6, 2007
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This hotel with its popular restaurant is right by the railway station and is frequented by hikers, walkers and cross-contry skiers. When the sun is shining the terrace is always full. But inside there are 3 rooms, one smoking and the other non-smoking.
They have a full scale menu but also serve snacks. If you are just cold, you may want to try a "Buendner Gerstensuppe". This is a traditional rolled barley soup which contains bits of meat. There is vegetarian food too.
There is no toilet at the railway station as such, but a nice one to the left of the restaurant bit which is for free.
Favorite Dish: I ate Krautpizzocheri, a local dish. You may see it on the first photo. And I drank an apple juice.
Written Jan 6, 2007
Address: Morteratsch
Phone: +41 (0)81 842 63 13
Website: www.morteratsch.ch
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You could come here by car, but it's much better and more fun by train. Depending on which train you come and from which direction ie Pontresina or Bernina you may have to press a button so that the train stops because it may be a "request stop". Don't rely on other people doing this especially if you arriving on a winter morning when the sun hasn't reached the whole valley yet. We just pressed the button in time and were the only ones that got off.
Written Jan 6, 2007
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When you go very close to the glacier (which you shouldn't but lots of people obviously do), bare in mind that ice can crack and fall down at any time! So be very careful and don't linger around longer than necessary.
Written Jan 6, 2007
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In summer you can hike to Boval hut above the glacier. The hut is 2495 meters above sea level and is run by the SAC (Swiss Alpine Club) and you can stay there overnight. When the weather is good, you may want to book ahead for this simple dormitory accomodation. The hut has 90 beds and is open all year round but only in the summer months there is a attendant.
From Morteratsch it takes 2 - 2,5 hours to reach the hut depending on the path you take.
Written Jan 6, 2007
Phone: 081 842 64 03 (hut)
Website: www.sac.ch
Welcome to the Morteratsch glacier
I first came here as a kid. Later as a cross-country skier and in December for the 3rd time. Vadret da Morteratsch means Morteratsch glacier in Romansh language. The glacier's tongue starts at a...
Build your own Morteratsch page
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