Hiking Trip in Switzerland's Bernina Alps - 7 Days

Highlights

• Stroll the waterfront and high street of charming St. Moritz
• Embark on circuit hikes in the surrounding Alps
• Trek to the gorgeous Lunghin Pass and overnight at mountain refuges
• Catch a ride on the famous Bernina Express train

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Zürich, Transfer to St. Moritz

Welcome to Switzerland! This mountainous Central European nation offers memorable outdoor excursions no matter the time of year. This weeklong adventure involves a multiday Alpine trekking adventure in Switzerland's beautiful southeast and begins when you arrive in Zürich. You'll then transfer by car or train to St. Moritz, your hub for these grand mountain hikes.

Nestled in the Engadin Valley of the Swiss Alps, this exclusive ski resort features prominently in Olympic history, as it's hosted the Winter Games twice. Also, when the town's eponymous lake is frozen over, it hosts polo, cricket, and horse racing on snow. In addition to their well-maintained cross-country ski slopes, nearby mountains like Corviglia, Diavolezza, and Corvatsch attract skiers and snowboarders from around the world.

You'll get to experience the surrounding nature soon enough. For now, check into your hotel, after which you can spend the rest of the day exploring the town. If you like, take a scenic stroll on the waterfront, or indulge in some retail therapy at the luxury shops and boutiques on Via Serlas, St. Moritz's main street. There are also plenty of gourmet restaurants here that would make a nice dinner option.

Day 2: Circuit Hike from Maloja to Lunghin Pass

Rise and shine! Time to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trail. In the morning, transfer by bus to the nearby village of Maloja. Located on the shores of Lake Sils, this is the hub for hikes to the famous Lunghin Pass. Sitting at an altitude of 8,150 feet (2,484 m), the pass is a geographical wonder in that it's the triple watershed divide of Europe. That means rainfall here can flow into three different seas: the Mediterranean, the North Sea (via the Rhine), and the Adriatic (via the Danube).

Upon arrival at Maloja, you'll begin the hike. The out-and-back route takes six hours, during which you'll ascend 2,788 feet (850 m). Throughout the trek, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the Engadin Valley and surrounding mountain peaks. On a clear day, these gorgeous vistas extend all the way into Italy and Lake Como. At the end of the hike, you'll check into your hotel in Maloja.

Day 3: Hike to Roseg & Glaciers

The journey continues this morning with a transfer by cable car up Mount Furtschellas to a trailhead leading to the Alpine haven of Roseg. This five-hour trek will take you along mountain trails around the lush Val Roseg to the scenic Surlej Pass. From here, you'll enjoy Instagram-worthy views of the imposing Tschierva Glacier and the surrounding Bernina range.

As you go, you'll also be treated to views of the region's most famous natural wonder, the awe-inspiring Roseg Glacier, which spans 2.5 miles (4 km) in the Berninas. At the end of the hike, you'll check into your accommodation in Roseg.

Day 4: Hike to Bovalhütte Refuge

After an early breakfast, you'll set off from Roseg on a 5-6-hour hike to Bovalhütte. This mountain hut is a major stopping point on hikes around the Bernina Alps, and the route to get there is nothing short of breathtaking. The trail will take you down into the lush meadows and winding streams of the Roseg Valley. Then, it's an ascent alongside a glacier that offers great views of the steep slopes of Piz Palü and Bellavista. At the end of the day, you'll arrive at Bovalhütte, a mountain refuge offering overnight accommodations for hikers.

Day 5: Hike to Saoseo Refuge & Bernina Express

You're in for a treat, as this morning, you'll embark on a full-day hike that includes a scenic train trip. Leave the Bovalhütte in the morning and hike down to the mountain to the Saoseo mountain refuge. It's a six-hour hike total, but partway down, you'll arrive at the Morteratsch railway station.

Located at 6,220 feet (1,896 m) in the Pontresina region, you'll board the famous Trenino Rosso (Bernina Express), which takes you to Lagalb at 6,889 feet (2100 m). The route covers just 1.5 miles (2.5 km) and takes a mere 10 minutes or so, but during that brief time, it delivers some of the best Alpine views in the region.

After the train ride, you'll pick up the hike again on an easy path down to the Minor Valley. After reaching the turquoise waters of Lake Minor, continue the descent into mountain pastures and through forests to the high meadows of the Val da Camp. From there, it's a short way to the Saoseo refuge (6,512 ft/ 1,985 m), where you'll overnight. 

Day 6: Hike the Saoseo Refuge Loop

This morning, you'll leave on a scenic loop trek around the refuge. It's an easier hiking day (about 4.5 hours total) and focuses mostly on the Alpine scenery and surrounding lakes. You'll also travel down a path that winds between larch and arole forests on your way to the glassy waters of Lake Saoseo. The hike ends back at the refuge.

Day 7: Return to St. Moritz via Bernina Express, Depart

Time for the final push! Leave in the morning on a six-hour descent. Not only does this route feature great natural scenery, but you'll also pass by ancient stone houses. Eventually, you'll arrive in the village of Poschiavo. There, you'll once again board the Bernina Express, this time traveling back to St. Moritz. Upon arrival, you'll transfer back to Zürich, where you'll catch your flight home. Adieu!

More Great Switzerland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Switzerland? Check out these other Switzerland itineraries, explore different ways to spend a week in Switzerland, or discover the best time to visit Switzerland.