Hike around the majestic Piz Bernina

The tour leads from the Mediterranean-like town of Poschiavo over the Bernina Pass and the Diavolezza to Pontresina, then continues up to Fuorcla Surlej with views of the Biancograt, Piz Bernina, and Piz Roseg, and down to Sils with views of the Engadine lake landscape. From Sils, follow the Via Engadina to Maloja and continue over the Muretto Pass to the southern side of the Bernina Range on Italian soil, then back to the starting point in Poschiavo.

The route begins in Poschiavo at 1,021 meters above sea level and follows the UNESCO World Heritage route of the Rhaetian Railway to the Bernina Pass at 2,328 meters, via the Cavaglia Glacier Garden with its glacial mills and Alp Grüm, offering the first view of the eastern face of the Bernina massif. A breather on a flat, wide path along Lago Bianco loosens up the muscles for the remaining 700 meters of elevation gain up to the Diavolezza mountain station, where a fantastic view of the Pers and Morteratsch glaciers awaits.

From the Diavolezza mountain station, you can take a leisurely ride down in the gondola, or, if you prefer, hike past Lej da Diavolezza to the valley station. After crossing the main road, the steep ascent to Fuorcla Pischa at 2,835 m begins. On the descent to Pontresina, you’ll find places to eat at the Chamanna Paradies (a detour) and the Alp Languard Restaurant. After leaving the mountaineering village of Pontresina, you’ll enter the lovely Val Roseg at the level of the train station. In front of the Hotel Restaurant Val Roseg, the trail turns right and climbs to Fuorcla Surlej, offering views of Lej da Vadret and the Biancograt ridge of Piz Bernina on the left. After Fuorcla Surlej, the wide trail leads to the middle station of the Corvatsch Railway. The trail continues down a steep section and then traverses the mountainside to Alp Prasüra and down to the cultural village of Sils. Passing the church in Sils Baselgia, the route heads to the left side of the valley along the Via Engiadina, past the “Heidi” village of Grevasalvas, and on to Maloja.

Via the Lägh da Cavloc toward the Forno Glacier, you’ll reach the turnoff to the left toward the Muretto Pass at 2,559 m, on a former connecting route between Switzerland and Italy. A wide trail leads down to Alpe dell’Oro and the Italian village of Chiareggio. Passing through the pastures of Palolungo, Paluetto, and Barchetto, you’ll reach Lago Palù at 1,947 m. From there, the trail climbs again over the Bocchel de Torno and through extensive forests and alpine meadows to the Campascio and Musella alpine pastures. The trail leads through the forest down to the dam of Lago Campomoro. Cross the dam and head up past the lovely lakes to Passo Cancian, where you’ll cross the border again. Here begins the long, steep descent through Selva down to Poschiavo.