Morteratsch Glacier and the Boval Hut

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

This recommended 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 follows an ascending traverse along the Morteratsch glacier’s terminal moraine. Here grand views open to a wall of mountains, including Piz Palu, Bellavista, Piz Bernina and Piz Morteratsch, forming the valley’s spectacular headwall. The Morteratsch glacier spills down from the slopes between Bellavista and Piz Bernia to the valley floor where it is joined by the Pers glaciers, tumbling down the flanks of the Piz Palu massif.

The hike ends at the Boval Hut, situated along the slopes of a rocky knoll with 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 dropping down from the Boval Hut trail to the Morteratsch Glacier trail (Vadret da Motteratsch) and 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.

Elevation Profile

Trail Resources

Trail Photo Gallery / Trail Map

Basecamp(s) Information:
St Moritz

Region Information:
Eastern Switzerland

Other Hiking Regions in:
Switzerland