Morteratsch Glacier and the Boval Hut

Distance: 6.7 - 8.0 miles (round trip)

Piz Palu massif, Bellavista, Crast'Aguzza, the Piz Bernina massif and Piz Morteratsch

The hike to the Boval Hut enjoys breathtaking views of the dramatic glacial cirque at the head of the Morteratsch valley, dominated by the Piz Palu and Bernina massifs along with the Morteratsch and Pers glaciers.
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Distance: 6.7 miles (round trip)
Elevation: 6,220-ft. at Trailhead
Maximum elevation: 8,225-ft.
Elevation Gain: 2,005-ft.
Difficulty: moderate-strenuous
More Hikes in:
St Moritz / Eastern Switzerland

Why Hike Morteratsch Glacier and the Boval Hut

The trail to the Boval Hut features fabulous views of the magnificent glacial cirque at the head of the Morteratsch Valley and should be on everyone’s short list when visiting the St. Moritz area.

From the train station at Morteratsch, the trail climbs the valley’s western wall and then ascends along/atop the western lateral moraine of the Morteratsch Glacier. Here grand views open to Piz Palu, the Bellavista ridge, Piz Bernina, Piz Morteratsch and nearby peaks, forming the valley’s spectacular head wall. The Morteratsch glacier spills down from the slopes between the Bellavista ridge and Piz Bernina to the valley floor where it is joined by the Pers glacier, tumbling down the flanks of the Piz Palu massif.

The hike ends at the Boval Hut (8,186-ft.), sitting atop a bench beneath Piz Boval. The hut and areas around the hut feature awesome views of the glacier clad peaks towering above the head of the valley. A motionless river of ice, formed by the combined glaciers, flows along the valley floor.

The hike can be extended by descending from the Boval Hut trail to the Morteratsch Glacier trail and then hiking to the foot of the glacier.

Note: Fix chains are provided along a section of the trail that climbs steep switchbacks with some minor exposure.

See Trail Detail/Full Description