Hiking: Around the Bernina group

The settlement of Maloja lies just below the pass of the same name. Take in the marvellous panoramic views and enjoy a restful night’s sleep before setting off tomorrow.

Today begins with a hike up to the Lägh da Cavloc lake in the Forno valley. Shortly afterwards, the trail, once an old mule track that connected the Valtellina and Engadine valleys, climbs steeply up to the Muretto Pass and the border with Italy. On the Italian side, the paths down to Chiareggio are easy to negotiate.

You leave Chiareggio along a wide hiking trail that takes you steadily upwards through the forest. After a break at the scenic Lago Palù, the path climbs steeply up to the Bocchel del Torno pass, where stunning views of the surrounding peaks open up before you.

However, Lago Campo Moro, the destination of today’s stage, still seems illusive … but never fear! You’ll eventually find it hidden behind a hilltop. A long descent leads down to the valley floor, and you’ll pass numerous Alpine pastures until you reach the lake’s retaining wall. Your overnight stay will be at Refugio Zoia.

As you leave the Alpine pastures behind you today, the landscape becomes more barren and rocky during your ascent to the Campagneda Pass. This hike takes you past a variety of pretty little lakes until you reach the top of the pass and press on to the Pass da Cancian and, in turn, the Swiss border.

As the descent to Poschiavo is quite challenging, you can look forward to being reunited with your luggage, enjoying a tasty dinner and a restful night’s sleep when you arrive.

On the next day, you will take the train up to Cadera, the starting point of your hike to the Bernina Pass. The red trains of the Rhaetian Railway will show you the way up to Alp Grüm. Views of the peaceful Val Poschiavo and the ice masses on Piz Palü accompany you from here to Lake Bianco, where you spend the night on the shores of the lake.

The route on this day will first take you leisurely along the lakes of the Bernina Pass and then turn into a steep uphill climb to the turquoise-blue Lej da Diavolezza. You will then go past the mountain lodge up to Munt Pers. An old legend says that there once lived a mountain fairy on Munt Pers, who gave Diavolezza and the nearby valley Morteratsch their name.

You will find yourself mesmerised not just by the legend but also by the view of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. After the summit attempt, you will descend to 3,000 meters and spend the night in the mountain lodge.

Today, the cable car helps you to cover some altitude differences and brings you back to the valley. An idyllic path leads you into Val da Fain, where you walk on curvy roads up to Fuorcla Pischa. Countless lakes will accompany you on your descent down to Pontresina. If you want, you can cut the tour short by taking the cable car from Alp Languard.

The gleaming white glaciers in Val Roseg will make your hearts beat faster. The climb to Fuorcla Surlej will also ensure an increase in heart rate. As you reach the top, all the splendour of the Engadine will unfold before your eyes.

You will get an unobstructed view of the Sils and Silvaplana lakes and of the proud peaks and glaciers of the Bernina range. From Murtel, you can take the cable car down to your stopover.

The cable car takes you back to the clear mountain air. From Murtel, you will follow a mountain trail that gently brings you down to Sils Maria. Connoisseurs can end the tour with a boat trip – the hike that takes you past Grevasalvas, location of the first Heidi film, is also equally enjoyable. Destination of your hike: the Maloja Pass.