recommended route
Multi-stage route
Bernina Trek classic (7 stages)
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Val MüraPhoto: Engadin St. Moritz Tourismus AG
What makes the Bernina Trek the perfect hiking trip for all ages, is his variability, as its offers options for leisure, sporty and 'alpine junkie' hikers: The "Classic" route takes you through magnificent alpine scenery, along deep blue mountain lakes, icy glacial streams and snow-capped peaks over seven days. Those who seek and/or need more thrills should choose the "Summiteer" option that adds several peak experiences to the route. However, families with kids as well as groups with hikers of different fitness levels will certainly enjoy the beautiful mountain world while hiking the „Pachific“ route.
More information
Engadin St. Moritz Tourismus AG
Via Maistra 1
CH-7500 St. Moritz
Phone: +41 81 830 00 01
E-mail: allegra@engadin.ch
Internet: www.engadin.ch
Booking
Chamanna Coaz
Phone: +41 81 842 62 78
E-mail: info@coaz.ch
Internet: bernina-trek.ch (in German only)
Author’s recommendation
... the Chamanna d’Es-cha with the oldest stucco ceiling in a SAC-mountain hut (dating back to 1934)
... the Julier region (Chamanna Jenatsch) with its impressive geology ... the Upper Engadin lakescape
... the (almost) omnipresent panoramic view of the Bernina region with the prominent peaks of Piz Palü and Piz Bernina incl. the world-famous Bianco ridge
... the sixth stage of the trek (from Pontresina to Lagalb) which is travelled by the Rhaetian Railway via its UNESCO World Heritage line
... the lovely and warm Puschlav with its unique Italianità and inviting piazzas
Track types
Safety information
The trails which are located at around 2'900 metres above sea level, are both field and high alpine mountain paths. They are marked "red-white-red" according to the standards of the Swiss Hiking Trails Association with yellow signposts as direction signs. For trips of up to 9 hours and up to 1'650 metres of elevation gain, a good fitness level is required as well as surefootedness and a head for heights.In short: the Bernina Trek classic is a moderately challenging trek (mostly T2) and hikers should be in good/excellent physical condition.
Tips and hints
As there is often still a lot of snow at the beginning of June and most SAC huts are no longer staffed at the end of October, the best time to complete the Bernina Trek is from the end of June to the beginning of October.Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Note
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
There are good train connections from all over Switzerland via Chur to the Engadin and to the starting point in Madulain. In the Engadin the public transport network is excellent and can bring hikers to the starting point of some stages or shorten some stages.Parking
Long-term parking is available in Pontresina and St. Moritz, from where you can take public transport (Engadinbus and/or RhB) to the start of the stage. However, it is not recommended to travel by private car.Coordinates
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
Hiking/trekking shoes with high traction rubber soles; trekking poles; weatherproof clothing (rain trousers, jacket and cover); all-weather clothes for a tour of up to 7 days; personal documents (IDs) and cash; small first-aid kit (poss. Ohropax); sleeping bag; camera (if needed); pocketknife; map and GPS tracker; mobile phone; sun protection; head lamp; gaiters, cap and gloves (depending on the season); provisions for a day with energy bars (can be purchased in the valley or in the mountain huts); at least 1.5 L of drinking water; some rope (if needed)
This equipment list is mainly a guide for packing and is not exhaustive. We recommend focusing on the most important things when planning a multi-day tour from mountain hut to mountain hut. The stages cover long distances so the heavier your backpack is, the slower you will be and the more tired you will get. The equipment should fit your individual needs as well as the weather and the duration of the trek.
Statistics
- 7 Stages
Ascent to the Es-cha mountain hut through sparse Swiss pine and larch forests and across warm, sunny mountain hillsides.
From the biodiverse, flowering alpine pastures on the sunny terraces and mountainsides into the wild Val Bever.
Striking passes, alpine scenery close to glaciers, views of the Engadin high valley and of famous mountain ranges (Bernina, Roseg, Julier), ibex, ...
Be inspired by the impressive nature on display during this stage
From the Val Roseg via Pontresina into the Val Morteratsch
From the glacier mountains of the Bernina range to the plant kingdom of the Val da Camp.
The impressive last stage of this long-distance hike starts at the Rifugio Saoseo (1'987 m) and takes you on mountain paths and dirt roads to the ...
Questions and answers
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