Morteratsch Glacier, Alpine glacier in Grisons, Switzerland
The Morteratsch Glacier extends through the Bernina Range, featuring a massive ice formation that spans several kilometers across the mountain landscape.
The glacier has experienced substantial changes since measurements began in the 19th century, with scientific records documenting a retreat of over two kilometers.
The Morteratsch area includes an educational trail with sixteen information points, connecting visitors to local traditions and environmental knowledge.
Visitors can reach the glacier by taking a train to Morteratsch station, followed by a fifty-minute walk along a well-maintained path.
The glacier forefield contains specialized plant species that colonize newly exposed terrain as the ice retreats, creating a natural laboratory of ecological succession.
Location: Canton of the Grisons
Elevation above the sea: 2,477 m
GPS coordinates: 46.40944,9.93167
Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:43
Glaciers represent some of the most remarkable natural formations on Earth. These ice masses form over centuries through the compression of snow and move slowly through valleys and across mountain slopes. They shape landscapes from the Patagonian Andes to Arctic regions and store approximately 70 percent of the world's freshwater. The Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina covers 250 square kilometers and ranks among the few glaciers currently not retreating. The Jostedalsbreen in Norway forms the largest ice mass on mainland Europe at 487 square kilometers. The Vatnajökull in Iceland covers eight percent of the country's land area and conceals several active volcanoes beneath its ice cap. These glaciers serve science as climate archives and demonstrate through their changes the effects of rising temperatures. Many glaciers worldwide continuously lose mass, which has consequences for water supply and sea levels.
Switzerland offers a multitude of remarkable sites in its alpine region. We focus here on the main riches of Switzerland's natural and architectural sites, including mountains, lakes, alpine passes, dams, and tourist attractions.
La Spedla
3.7 km
Piz Morteratsch
2.4 km
Piz Tschierva
3.5 km
Bellavista
4 km
Piz Scerscen
4.2 km
Tschierva Glacier
4.7 km
Cambrena Glacier
5.2 km
Pers Glacier
2.2 km
Munt Pers 3207 m
2.1 km
Sperrstelle Berninahäuser
4.6 km
Crast' Agüzza
4.5 km
Piz Bianco
3.4 km
Piz Cambrena
4.3 km
Pizzo d'Argento
4.9 km
Piz Trovat
3 km
Piz Chalchagn
5.1 km
Sass Queder
3.1 km
Piz Boval
2.4 km
Piz Mandra
3.9 km
Piz Arlas
4.2 km
Piz Spinas
3.7 km
Piz Prievlus
2.3 km
Alp-Schaukäserei Morteratsch
4.7 km
Ova da Bernina Viadukt
4.8 km
Obere Berninabachbrücke
5.4 km
Morteratsch railway bridge
4.7 km
Grand Tour of Switzerland
5.4 km
Biancograt
3 kmReviews
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