Self-Guided The Bernina Hiking Tour

This 7 day Bernina Tour is a scenic hiking journey through the stunning landscapes of Switzerland’s Engadine region. The adventure begins in the charming valley town of Poschiavo, where organic farms and local cuisine set the tone for a relaxed start. From there, the trail gradually climbs toward the Bernina Pass, with views of sparkling alpine lakes and the dramatic glaciers of the Bernina massif.

Along the way, hikers pass iconic spots like Alp Grüm, Lake Bianco, and the Diavolezza mountain lodge, where sunsets over snow covered peaks create unforgettable moments. The route continues through peaceful valleys such as Val da Fain and Val Roseg, with sweeping panoramas of glaciers, high mountain passes, and turquoise lakes.

The journey ends near Maloja after days filled with panoramic trails, cable car rides, and classic Alpine scenery. Expect rewarding climbs, fresh mountain air, and some of the most beautiful glacier views in the Alps.

Tour Type

Self-Guided

Level

moderate

Avg. Daily Distance

13 km / 8 mi

Hiking Days

5

Lodging

casual Accommodation

Group size

Min. 4, Max. 12

Highlights

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Alpine Lakes

Hike past beautiful mountain lakes such as Lake Bianco and Lej da Diavolezza, known for their clear turquoise waters and scenic surroundings.

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Scenic Alpine Valleys

Walk through peaceful valleys like Val da Fain and Val Roseg, offering quiet trails, alpine meadows, and impressive glacier views.

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Bernina Railway Scenery

Follow routes near the famous Rhaetian Railway, where iconic red trains travel through dramatic alpine landscapes.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

DayPlacecasual InnsMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1PoschiavoCroce BiancaB
DAY 2Bernina Pass Ospizio StazioneB11 km / 7 mihiking
DAY 3DiavolezzaBerghaus DiavolezzaB12 km / 7 mihiking, walking
DAY 4PontresinaSporthotel PontresinaB14 km / 9 mihiking
DAY 5SurlejChesa SurlejB14 km / 9 mihiking
DAY 6MalojaCroce BiancaB15 km / 9 mihiking
DAY 7DepartureB

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Poschiavo

Your tour begins in Poschiavo, a charming alpine village in the Val Poschiavo region near the Italian border. Most travelers arrive by train on the scenic Rhaetian Railway, known for its impressive alpine routes and sweeping mountain views. As the train descends into the valley, you will pass traditional villages, green pastures, and striking mountain scenery.

After arrival, the day is free to settle into your accommodation and explore the village at a relaxed pace. Val Poschiavo is known for its strong focus on organic farming, and many local restaurants highlight regional ingredients. Take time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the village before the hiking adventure begins tomorrow.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Croce Bianca
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Day 2: Bernina Pass

Today’s hike begins with a short train ride from Poschiavo to Cadera, the starting point of the trail. From here the route gradually climbs toward the Bernina Pass through beautiful alpine scenery. As you gain elevation, wide views open across Val Poschiavo and the surrounding mountains.

Along the route, the red trains of the Rhaetian Railway appear along the mountainside. Near Alp Grüm, impressive views of the glaciers surrounding Piz Palü highlight the dramatic alpine landscape. The trail continues toward the high Bernina Pass before reaching Lake Bianco, where you spend the night in a peaceful mountain setting.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking Distance: 11 km / 7 mi
Accommodation: Ospizio Stazione
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Day 3: Diavolezza

The day begins with a relaxed walk along the lakes surrounding the Bernina Pass. The route then gradually climbs toward Diavolezza, passing the turquoise waters of Lej da Diavolezza along the way. The alpine scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as glaciers and peaks dominate the horizon.

The trail continues toward Munt Pers, a viewpoint linked to a local legend about a mountain fairy. From here, sweeping views of the Bernina massif and surrounding glaciers provide one of the highlights of the journey. After enjoying the panorama, you descend slightly toward the Diavolezza mountain lodge, where you spend the night at around 3,000 meters.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7 mi
Accommodation: Berghaus Diavolezza
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Day 4: Pontresina

After breakfast, a cable car ride brings you down from the high mountain terrain near Diavolezza to the valley below. This convenient transfer helps you begin the next stage of the hike with ease.

From the valley station, the trail leads into the peaceful landscapes of Val da Fain. The route follows gentle mountain paths toward Fuorcla Pischa, passing small alpine lakes along the way. The scenery gradually changes as the trail descends toward the Engadine village of Pontresina. Hikers also have the option to shorten the route by taking a cable car from Alp Languard.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking Distance: 14 km / 9 mi
Accommodation: Sporthotel Pontresina
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Day 5: Surlej

Today’s route takes you from Pontresina into the beautiful Val Roseg. The valley is known for its impressive glacier scenery, with bright ice fields visible along the surrounding peaks. As you walk through the valley, the alpine landscape becomes increasingly dramatic.

The trail climbs toward Fuorcla Surlej, where a spectacular viewpoint reveals the Engadine region. From the pass, you can see Lake Sils and Lake Silvaplana framed by high mountains. After enjoying the panorama, the route continues toward Murtel. From here, a cable car takes you down to your overnight stop near Surlej.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking Distance: 14 km / 9 mi
Accommodation: Chesa Surlej
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Day 6: Maloja

Your final hiking day begins with a cable car ride back to the mountain trails near Murtel. From here the path leads toward Sils Maria through scenic alpine landscapes and open mountain views.

Along the route you pass the small settlement of Grevasalvas, known as the filming location for the first Heidi film. The peaceful setting makes it a pleasant stop during the hike. Travelers may also choose to enjoy a boat trip across Lake Sils before continuing.

The trail eventually leads to Maloja Pass, marking the end of the hiking route. Surrounded by lakes and mountains, Maloja offers a scenic conclusion to the Bernina Tour.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking Distance: 15 km / 9 mi
Accommodation: Croce Bianca
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Day 7: Departure

Your tour concludes in Maloja after breakfast. From this quiet alpine village, travelers begin their onward journeys through Switzerland. Regular bus connections link Maloja with nearby St. Moritz, where rail services connect to major Swiss cities and international airports. The journey out of the Engadine region offers one last opportunity to enjoy the alpine scenery.

For travelers wishing to extend their stay, additional nights can be arranged in Maloja or nearby destinations. Otherwise, today marks the end of a memorable hiking adventure through the Bernina region.

Meals: Breakfast

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Dates and Prices

Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.



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Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Additional Inclusions

· Accommodation as mentioned with breakfast · Half-board at the Diavolezza mountain lodge · Daily luggage transfer (1 piece of luggage per person, max. 20 kg) · Subsidy for arrival by train · Cable car rides as per the programme · Carefully elaborated route description · Digital travel documents incl. navigation app

Exclusions

Airport pickup

We recommend to book direclty from airport.

Airport drop

We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Start

Poschiavo

Finish

Maloja

Fly-In

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)

Fly-Out

Zurich Airport (ZRH)

ARRIVAL

Your tour begins in Poschiavo, a charming alpine village in the Val Poschiavo. The easiest way to reach Poschiavo is by train. From Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), travel by train to Tirano in Italy and then continue on the scenic Rhaetian Railway to Poschiavo. From Zurich Airport (ZRH), you can take a train via Chur and St. Moritz before connecting to the Bernina line toward Poschiavo.

The Bernina railway route itself is a highlight, passing glaciers, mountain passes, and dramatic alpine landscapes.

DEPARTURE

Your tour concludes in Maloja. From Maloja, regular bus services connect to St. Moritz, the nearest major transport hub. From St. Moritz, you can take a train to Zurich Airport (ZRH) for international departures. Alternatively, travelers can head south by train through Tirano to reach Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP).

Public transport connections in this region are reliable and scenic, making the return journey just as enjoyable as the hike itself.

The best time to hike the Bernina Tour is during the summer alpine season from late June to mid September, when trails are snow free and mountain transport operates regularly. Daytime temperatures in the Engadine region usually range between 10–18°C (50–64°F) at higher elevations and 18–25°C (64–77°F) in valleys.

July and August offer the warmest and most stable conditions for hiking, while June and September provide cooler weather with fewer crowds. Early spring and late autumn often bring snow at higher passes, and winter conditions make many trails inaccessible.

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Offseason

April

Offseason

May

Mixed

June

Good

July

Best

August

Best

September

Good

October

Mixed

November

Offseason

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

Packing wisely ensures comfort and safety on your hiking adventure. This list covers essential hiking gear, clothing, and travel items to help you handle varied terrain and weather conditions.

Recommended Hiking Clothes & Gear

  • Lightweight hiking shoes or boots with good traction.
  • Moisture-wicking base layers and breathable hiking shirts.
  • Quick-dry hiking pants or shorts.
  • Light fleece or down jacket for cooler temperatures.
  • Waterproof and windproof shell jacket.
  • Sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Hiking poles (optional but recommended on uneven terrain).
  • Small daypack with hydration system or water bottles.
  • Headlamp or small flashlight.
  • Light gloves and beanie for early mornings or high altitudes.

Clothing

  • Layered clothing for temperature changes throughout the day.
  • Full-sleeved tops for sun and insect protection.
  • Comfortable evening wear for lodges or inns.
  • Compact rain jacket for unpredictable weather.
  • Extra socks (preferably synthetic or wool).

Other Necessities

  • Basic first-aid kit with personal medication.
  • Sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent.
  • Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder.
  • Snacks like trail mix, nuts, or energy bars.
  • Plug adaptor and power bank for charging devices.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light — you’ll appreciate it on uphill climbs.
  • Break in your shoes before the trip to avoid blisters.
  • Keep rain gear easily accessible in your daypack.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one daypack. Mark your luggage clearly with your name, address, and phone number.

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend purchasing adequate travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided bike tour allows you to explore independently using our detailed app-based navigation and pre-arranged logistics. We provide route notes via app, luggage transfers, hotel bookings, and emergency phone support. There is no local guide riding with you, so you manage your own navigation and basic bike upkeep.

For self-guided tours, the fitting process is designed to be simple and flexible while ensuring you start with a bike that suits your measurements.

Before Your Tour

When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.

At the Start of the Tour

The setup experience varies by destination:

  • In some locations, you may receive an in-person handover with basic adjustments made by the local partner.


  • In others, especially in more remote regions, you may receive a bike that is pre-set based on the measurements you provided.


All self-guided bikes include basic tools, so you can make simple adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle yourself.

During the Tour

You can adjust the bike as you ride using the provided tools. If anything feels off and you need assistance, our local partners are reachable and will support you as promptly as the location allows.

What to Expect

The self-guided bike fit is practical and rider-adjustable. It ensures:

  • You start with the correct frame size

  • You can fine-tune your comfort easily

  • You have the flexibility to adjust as needed along the route


It’s not an in-depth professional fitting, but it’s perfectly suited for multi-day touring comfort.

We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.

Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.

To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.

A mobile holder is not provided. Since you’ll be using your phone for navigation, we strongly recommend bringing your own sturdy, handlebar-mounted mobile holder to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.

We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.

For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.

Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.

For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.

Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour. Please note, road bikes do not support panniers.

Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.

Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.

It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.

We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.

We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.

On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.

Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.

We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

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