Self-Guided The Bernina Hiking Tour

Tour type

Self-Guided

at your own pace

Hiking days

5 days

Total hiking distance

66 km

~13 km/day

Level

moderate

Start / End

Poschiavo

ends Maloja

Group size

4–12

participants

Accommodation

Casual Inns (3-4★)

Best season

Jul – Aug

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.

Highlights

Alpine Lakes

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

Scenic Alpine Valleys

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

Bernina Railway Scenery

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

7 Days from $1,995

Free cancellation · Up to 60 days before group departure

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Day	Place	casual Inns	Meals	Distance	Activity
01	Poschiavo	Croce Bianca	B	-
02	Bernina Pass	Ospizio Stazione	B	11 km / 7 mi	hiking
03	Diavolezza	Berghaus Diavolezza	B	12 km / 7 mi	hiking, walking
04	Pontresina	Sporthotel Pontresina	B	14 km / 9 mi	hiking
05	Surlej	Chesa Surlej	B	14 km / 9 mi	hiking
06	Maloja	Croce Bianca	B	15 km / 9 mi	hiking
07	Departure	-	B	-

Meals: B = Breakfast · L = Lunch · D = Dinner

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

Detailed Itinerary

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: B

Accommodation: Croce Bianca

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: B

Hiking Distance: 11 km / 7 mi

Accommodation: Ospizio Stazione

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: B

Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7 mi

Accommodation: Berghaus Diavolezza

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: B

Hiking Distance: 14 km / 9 mi

Accommodation: Sporthotel Pontresina

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: B

Hiking Distance: 14 km / 9 mi

Accommodation: Chesa Surlej

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: B

Hiking Distance: 15 km / 9 mi

Accommodation: Croce Bianca

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: B

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

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 directly from airport.

Airport Drop

We recommend to book directly 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 if you prefer extra support on uneven terrain.
Small daypack with hydration system or water bottles.
Headlamp or small flashlight.
Light gloves and a beanie for early mornings or higher 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 the trail.
Break in your shoes before the trip to avoid blisters.
Keep rain gear easy to access 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:

UK Residents: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Travel Advice.
US Residents: US Department of State Travel Advice.
Australian Residents: Smartraveller.
Canadian Residents: Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories.
New Zealand Residents: SafeTravel.
Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Check for updates close to departure to avoid last-minute issues.

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, 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 through our reservation form. 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. Keep your emergency contact number and policy number accessible while traveling.

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. We recommend comparing policies and choosing the one that best fits your needs. A useful place to start is Insured Nomads.