ViaValtellina, Stage 5/8

Surrounded by an impressive mountain landscape from Pontresina through the Val Bernina and up to the Bernina Passm watershed between the Black Sea (Lej Nair) and the Adriatic Sea (Lago Bianco). Insight into the effects of climate change in Pontresina and Morteratsch.

From the Pontresina, Gitögla bus stop, the hike initially leads through Pontresina. Near the start, the hiking trail becomes a mountain trail, which characterises almost the entire route. Alternating between stretches of forest and open meadows, it gains elevation through a long series of ascents and descents. Over the 17 kilometres, around 700 metres of elevation gain must be tackled.

At Morteratsch, the trail continues uphill. A little later, it passes directly by the Cascada da Bernina. The surroundings then become increasingly open. At the small Lej Nair near the top of the pass, the waters part ways: the lake drains via the Inn into the Black Sea, while neighbouring Lago Bianco drains into the Adriatic.

After the Berninapass, the mountain trail climbs one last time. Shortly before the destination, the highest point of the hike is reached at around 2,270 m. After just under five hours, the hike ends at Ospizio Bernina; the stop of the same name and the station buffet are located directly on the route.