Road to the largest glacier of the Bernina massif
The Morteratsch Glacier is the largest glacier in the Bernina massif, located in the area of Sv. Mořice in the Swiss Alps. The road to it is gentle and pleasant, suitable for even less able pedestrians. Along the way, individual stops are made with educational boards, which shows the retreat of the glacier from 1900.
View of the river Ova da Bernina
Right from the parking lot, where we got off the bus, we had a view of the beautiful bed of the river Ova da Bernina. The river flowing from the Morteratsch glacier – Ova da Morteratsch – flows into this river only a few meters away.
Waterfall of the river Ova da Morteratsch
Just a few meters before the confluence of this glacial river with the river Ova da Bernina is this waterfall. It can be seen on the way from the parking lot towards the glacier. The amount of water so close to the glacier itself indicates that melting glaciers is really a very fast process.
Swiss trains
In the center of this location (there are two restaurants, two parking lots and a few houses) we will find a stop of the famous Bernina express called Morteratsch. It is therefore possible to get there by train from St. Moritz. The path leads through the famous stone viaduct Landwasser formed by six arches.
Road to the glacier
Very soon, on the way to the glacier, we begin to have a view of the glacier itself, which glows white in the distance.
Flora
The road is lined with larch, green alder, azalea, limba pine and many species of mountain herbs.
Reaching the glacier itself
If we come to the glacier itself, we get an almost unexpected view. The retreat of the glacier is incredibly fast.
Ice melting
At the glacier you can see directly how the ice melts. In addition to the huge amount of water that flows out from under the glacier, even in warmer weather, considerable pieces of ice break off.
View of the glacial valley
If we stand with our backs to the glacier, we can enjoy the view of the glacial valley of the U-type. The walls of the valley are dotted with numerous waterfalls and abraded rocks. In the background you can see the opposite peak of Piz Albris.
Last look back at the Morteratsch Glacier
On the way back, we look back once more to the glacier and we can see it in all its beauty. Such a view never gets tired.
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