Chur to Morteratsch Glacier by train

Switzerland is one of the best countries in the world for train travel, and this route through the Swiss Alps proves exactly why.

What started as a simple train journey from Chur to Morteratsch Glacier quickly turned into one of the most visually impressive parts of my trip. The route winds through alpine valleys, mountain villages, and dramatic landscapes before arriving at the famous Morteratsch Glacier.

If you’re planning a similar journey, this guide covers the train route, connections, scenery, and the hike to Morteratsch Glacier.

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Route Overview

Journey: Chur → Samedan → Pontresina → Morteratsch
Region: Graubünden / Engadin Valley
Type: Regional scenic mountain route

Highlights include:

• Views of glaciers and high alpine peaks
• Alpine valleys and forests
• Traditional Swiss mountain villages

Starting Point: Chur

My journey began early in the morning at Chur, the oldest town in Switzerland.

I arrived at the station just before 8 AM. Like most Swiss railway stations, everything felt calm, organized, and efficient.

That morning my priorities were simple:

• Find coffee
• Find the correct platform
• Don’t miss the train

Thankfully, Swiss train stations make things easy.

Why Chur is the perfect starting point ?

✔ Direct connections from Zurich
✔ Gateway to several Alpine railway routes
✔ Clear signage and easy transfers

Tip: If you’re unfamiliar with Swiss train stations, arriving 15–20 minutes early helps avoid last-minute stress.

Leg 1: Chur → Samedan

Within minutes of leaving Chur, the landscape began to change.

The city faded behind us, replaced by open valleys and rolling hills. Soon the mountains began to dominate the horizon.

As the train continued deeper into the Alps, the scenery became increasingly dramatic.

Outside the window were:

• Rivers cutting through narrow valleys
• Forested mountain slopes
• Small alpine villages with traditional chalets
• Snow-dusted peaks in the distance

Every few minutes the view seemed to shift again. It felt less like a commute and more like watching a travel documentary unfold in real time.

After about two hours, the train arrived in Samedan, where I made the first transfer.

Leg 2: Samedan → Pontresina

Swiss train connections deserve their reputation. Transfers are usually quick, clear, and incredibly punctual.

Changing platforms in Samedan was simple, and the next train toward Pontresina arrived exactly on schedule.

This section of the journey is short but scenic as the train moves deeper into the Engadin Valley.

Within minutes, I arrived in Pontresina.

Leg 3: Pontresina → Morteratsch Glacier

This leg of the journey felt even more alpine. The mountains were closer now, the valleys narrower, the landscapes sharThe final train ride from Pontresina to Morteratsch is short, but it may be the most alpine part of the journey.

The mountains feel closer here. The valley narrows, and the landscape becomes wilder and more dramatic.

Pontresina itself already feels like true high-mountain territory.

From the station you can immediately notice:

• Tall peaks rising in every direction
• Crisp mountain air
• A quieter, more remote atmosphere

From here, I boarded the final train toward Morteratsch.

By now, I was completely glued to the window.

Morteratsch Glacier

The train stops at Morteratsch railway station, just a short walk from the famous Morteratsch Glacier Trail.

This well-maintained hiking path leads visitors directly toward the glacier.

Trail Overview

Distance: ~3 km (one way)
Duration: 45–60 minutes each way
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: Minimal

Because the trail begins right next to the station, it’s one of the most accessible glacier hikes in Switzerland.

Hiking the Morteratsch Glacier Trail

As you walk along the trail, you’re essentially following the path carved by the glacier thousands of years ago.

The valley landscape is shaped entirely by ice.

Along the way you’ll see:

• Rocky moraines left by retreating ice
• Alpine meadows and wildflowers
• Glacial streams flowing down from the mountains

The highlight of the hike is reaching the front of the glacier itself.

Standing near the glacier’s edge is a powerful experience.

The ice surface is rugged and textured, with deep crevasses and streaks of blue. Meltwater streams emerge from beneath the glacier and rush through the valley below.

Even on warm days, you can feel cold air drifting off the ice.

It’s a powerful reminder that glaciers are constantly moving, slowly reshaping the landscape around them.

Few places in the Alps allow you to walk this easily to the edge of a glacier.

How did I plan this trip ?

For this journey, I decided to keep things simple and bought a day pass directly through the SBB Mobile.

The ticket gave me unlimited access to public transportation for the entire day, including trains, buses, and other regional transport across the network.

This worked perfectly for my trip because I planned to visit several places in one day, including Chur, Pontresina, and the trail near Morteratsch Glacier.

Instead of worrying about buying individual tickets for each train segment, the day pass allowed me to simply hop on and off trains throughout the day.

Tips for visiting Morteratsch Gletscher

To make the most of your trip, keep these tips in mind:

1. Wear sturdy shoes
Even though the trail is easy, parts of it are rocky.

2. Bring layers
Mountain weather can change quickly.

3. Start early
Morning visits offer the best light and fewer crowds.

4. Stay at safe distances
The glacier front can be unstable due to falling ice.

5. Bring a camera
The scenery is spectacular throughout the entire hike.