10 Things To Do In Pontresina: Switzerland's Prime Mountain Resort!

things to do in pontresina switzerland
Anuradha
Anuradha 
Updated
| 7 min read

An absolutely picturesque town, Pontresina is located in the canton of Graubunden. This quintessentially scenic Swiss paradise is nestled in the verdant alpine valley of Engadine and is home to many Alpine leisure activities and thrilling adventures. The alpine glaciers of Pontresina, the sublime swiss ambiance surrounding this resort town and the exciting activities in this historical place, draw scores of travellers from everywhere.

Diavolezza - Marvellous mountain top views!

1. Mountain top restaurant in Diavolezza

At an altitude of 3000 meters (9842.5 feet), Diavolezza offers a high altitude restaurant, extremely popular with tourists. The ‘roschti’, a national swiss recipe made of potatoes, is a favourite at this restaurant, which also serves a buffet lunch. The restaurant has an excellent service record and the staff are very courteous.

Views of the mountain peaks, including several peaks adjacent to Piz Bernina, and a close-up look at the crevasses, ice falls, and moraines on the glaciers are highlights of the trip. You will be treated to totally dazzling views of the Bernina Massif from atop the great viewing deck.

You can get to St. Moritz by bus and knowing the perfect sense of timing of the Swiss bus service, this is just a 40-minute, spectacular drive.

Diavolezza Mountain

Address: Engadin St. Moritz, Via San Gian 30, 7500 St. Moritz

Website: Diavolezza

Diavolezza Berghaus Restaurant

Address: CH-7504 Pontresina

Website: Diavolezza Berghaus Restaurant

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2. High altitude cross-country trails

Piz Palue Diavolezza Aug 2008
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user sidonius used under CC BY 3.0

For those of you keen on mountain climbing to reach the top, Diavolezza mountain is known for Via Ferrata climbing, which secures climbers to a cable and limits any chances of a slip or fall. Keen outdoor enthusiasts, who love thrilling activities like hiking or climbing can book at the mountaineering school hut at Diavolezza or the Via Maistra, in Pontresina. You will be treated to dazzling views of the Bernina Massif from atop the great viewing deck. These staggering mountain views are a treasure trove of memories that will last for a long time to come!

Pontresina Tourism Info

Address: 7504 Pontresina

Website:Diavolezza Via Ferrata Climbing

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3. Glacier walks

Lago Bianco from Diavolezza
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Murdockcrc used under CC BY 3.0

A thrilling hike awaits you with jaw-dropping views of the glacier, from the Diavolezza mountain top. The hikes around St. Moritz, on permanent glaciers, are quite an adventure and must be taken on with the help of a good guide. This trek is popularly referred to as the Glacier Hike Diavolezza Morteratsch and you can try the glacier hikes here on both the Pers and the Morterasch glaciers.

As an adventure enthusiast, you will have to begin your glacier hike with a train journey up to Bernina - Diavolezza. You then ride on the gondola up to an altitude of 2995 meters (9827 feet), from Piz Bernina. Deep down into the valleys of Bernina, you are bound to rejoice at the icy glacial landscape! Those taking on the challenging glacier hikes will reach the Isla Pesa, hiking via the Pers Glacier and beyond, making your way through the Morteratsch glacier onto Morteratsch station.

Diavolezza is the destination for those who crave the thrills of a mountain trail, filled with enthralling sights and great glacier treks. A one of a kind, amazing holiday in the Alps - you must have this on your Itinerary!

Diavolezza Glacier Walks

Address: Engadin St. Moritz, Via San Gian 30, CH-7500 St. Moritz

Website: Diavolezza Glacier Walks

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Rosegtal - A lush green valley with great outdoor activities on offer!

4. Superlative mountain views

Val Roseg
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Grindel1 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

A gloriously green valley, cradled by lofty alpine mountain ranges - Rosegtal is a traveller’s delight. The valley is officially a car-free zone and a range of outdoor activities are available, here, for your to-do list. The Rosegtal valley is a unique location, that brings together a plethora of choices if you are a zealous traveller who wants to explore the stunning topography of the Swiss alps. The valley is ideal for mountain biking, skiing, cross-country walking, sled rides and rides on horse-drawn carriages.

An advantage for those staying in Pontresina, the trail begins southwest of Pontresina and spans around 27.4 kilometers (17 miles), into the mountain ranges. This fascinating trek will leave you with enchanting memories and you’ll want to return! The rolling green mountain slopes, scintillating landscapes, snow capped mountain tops and icy glaciers will tick all the boxes on your holiday wishlist. Add to this, you’ll be able to enjoy gleaming water cascades and babbling glacial rivers, so pristine and flowing through woody coniferous trees, lining the rocky slopes.

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5. Glaciers

Vadret da Roseg
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Günter Seggebäing used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The large glacial lake, the Lej-da-Vadret, is located in the upper reaches of the valley. To reach it, you will need to hike 22.5 kilometers (14 miles) from Pontresina and back. The route also takes you along the turquoise waters of the Val Roseg river. The Hotel restaurant and bar, Roseg Gletscher, some miles up, can be reached by horse-drawn carriage. All along, the route is very well drawn out. However, a map and a compass would be handy, just as a precaution.

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6. Bernina Range

Bernina range as seen from Piz Campagnung
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Capricorn4049 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Bernina range of mountains is located in the eastern Alps, south of Pontresina. The Piz Bernina is the highest mountain in the Bernina range, at 4,048.6 m (13,283 ft).The Rosegtal valley offers great views of these mountains and is home to many of the marvellous magical vistas and hikes of Switzerland!

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7. Bernina Mountain Railway - the best of mountain rail travel!

Bernina Express
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Iter1 used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Bernina mountain railway is a metre gauge railway line that connects the spa resort of St. Moritz with the town of Tirano, Italy, via the high altitude, Bernina Pass. Located at 2253 meters (7392 feet), this is the highest pass in all of Europe. This mountain rail track takes the Albula route from Pontresina to Landwasser Viaduct and reaches Chur. From Chur, the mountain rail runs to Tirano, through 25 stops on the way.

This journey takes you through 55 tunnels and 196 bridges, with inclines up to 7 percent. The limitless, eye-catching alpine landscape all along the route has to be seen to be believed! Those of you who enjoy trains will savor the added, enchanting twist of a rail journey to your eventful Swiss holiday.

Bernina Express Train

Website: Bernina Express Train

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8. Muottas Muragl - A hiking delight!

Ausblick von Muottas Muragl
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Joachim Wittwer used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Switzerland is such an amazing holiday destination that often, holidaymakers are spoilt for choice when they have to choose between hikes or mountain views. The Muottas Muragl is a widely acclaimed place for providing fantastic mountain views from atop its vantage view point. A hike up to this beautiful spot takes you through a series of attractive sights, leading to a mountain top restaurant. As you trudge along one of the delightful mountain treks, you’ll see the Il Guot - a symbolic piece of architecture constructed by Timo Linder to mark the centenary of the Muottas Muragl funicular. This is a good place to visit with your kids as it shows water in its various forms, from frigid ice to gentle snow!

Further into your hiking trail, the crystal clear glacier lake, Lej Murgl, welcomes you amidst a beautiful setting. The air of quiet solitude in a picturesque setting is resplendent with the spirit of solemn joy, and will make you feel that you are striding into the arms of heavenly nature. Consider a comfortable stay at the luxurious Kempenski Grand Hotel des Bains, in St. Moritz. The Deluxe Junior suite includes a spacious sitting room and a walk-in closet. The restaurant Enoteca, is one you can’t miss, at the Kempinski St. Moritz, for a charmingly pleasant evening. Exotic Engadin and Mediterranean cuisine are served here.

As you approach the end of your day in this incredible fairy tale setting, the Muottas Muragl leaves you with nostalgic memories like never before!

Muottas Muragl

Website: Muottas Muragl

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9. Bellavita adventure, bath and spa suites - A wholesome refresher!

Spa
Source: Pexels

At Bellavita, the total rejuvenating package offered at this popular spa resort, in its awesome alpine setting, is the significant highlight. What makes Bellavita spa unique is its cottage-like accommodation. The rooms here are designed with sleek, beachy decor and have a luxurious, plush look.

The spa has 30 rooms and parking spaces - a great advantage on hectic weekends. It’s also moderately priced at approximately USD 580 for 2 nights. Included at the spa resort is a 25 meter (82 foot) swimming pool for adults, a 75 meter (246 foot) water slide for kids and a paddling pool and sand pit for infants. So, here you can find an ideal place for your family to relax and unwind!

Bellavita Adventure Bath and Spa

Address: Via Maistra, 7504, Pontresina.

Website: Bellavita Adventure bath and spa

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10. Museum Alpin - Interesting exhibits!

Das Alpine Museum der Schweiz in Bern
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Alpines Museum used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The exhibits at the Museum Alpin are based on interesting themes, including wildlife and environment. This small museum houses an old, well maintained Engadiner house, with original fittings, furniture and other artifacts. The museum also includes exhibits on local topics of interest such as the history of alpinism, the development of tourism at this location, mining, hunting and wildlife. You can complete the museum tour in anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. An informative tour and time well spent, certainly!

Museum Alpin

Address: Via Maistra 199, 7504 Pontresina, Switzerland

Website: Museum Alpin

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Annual events on the calendar in Pontresina

SCHWEIZ ENGADIN SKIMARATHON 2012
Source: Photo by Flickr user Ethreon used under CC BY 2.0
  1. Sinfonia Engiadina - The Oberengadine (During December):

    The Sinfonia Concerts held every year between christmas and the New Year are a big draw with the crowds at Pontresina.

  2. Bun di Bun an - The New Year Apero ( During January) :

    This refers to the New Year’s celebrations, in Pontresina. Many events are organized to mark the New Year celebrations, annually. All information about these events are made available only at the onset of the New Year. Your New Year is certainly bound get off to a blazing start with the lively celebrations here!

  3. The Engadine Ski Marathon (During March):

    The Ski Marathon is a big event for ski enthusiasts, held during March annually, in Pontresina. This is one of the most closely followed winter events, in Pontresina.

  4. Swiss Iron Trail - The hardest and highest one-stage trail race taking place in the lofty Alps (During August):

    A tough adventure race in the mighty Swiss Alps, the Swiss Iron trail is, by far, the most challenging run through one of the most picturesque routes of Pontresina, in the Swiss Alps.

Sinfonia Engiadina

Address: ENGADIN St. Moritz Mountain Pool, Via San Gian 30, CH-7500 St. Moritz

Website: Sinfonia Engiadina

Bun di bun an:

Address: Via Maistra 133, CH-7504 Pontresina

Website: Bun di bun an

The Engadine Ski Marathon

Address: Engadin Skimarathon, Quadratscha 18, CH-7503 Samedan

Website: The Engadine Ski Marathon

Swiss Iron Trail

Address: Swissalpine, Postfach 536, CH-7270 Davos Platz.

Website: Swiss Iron Trail

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Pontresina - A Holiday Haven!

Pontresina is Switzerland’s favourite holiday destination for many holidaymakers around the world. This idyllic Swiss town offers a range of activities, splendid landscape views and memorable train journeys that take you to a mesmerising new world, altogether! The gorgeous mountain views of Diavolezza or the exciting glacier walks at Rosegtal valley can both be a part of your Swiss sojourn in one of the most bewitching landscapes of the world.

You have ample choices of the best places to stay and visit in Pontresina. This is also home to the best spa resorts in Switzerland and a superlative Express Railroad that takes you on a splendid journey through an amazing alpine wonderland!

Make the most of your Swiss super holiday, in Pontresina!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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