Pontresina is an enchanting alpine village in the Canton of Grisons, Switzerland, located in the Engadin valley, just a few kilometres from St. Moritz. At 1,800 meters above sea level, it is renowned for its panoramic position with spectacular views of the Bernina massif and the Morteratsch Glacier. Unlike the more fashionable St. Moritz, Pontresina maintains a quieter, more traditional atmosphere, characterized by typical Engadin-style houses with flowered balconies and frescoed facades (sgraffiti). It is a paradise for hikers, skiers, and lovers of alpine nature.

What Our Local Guides Recommend to See: Nature, Glaciers, and Alpine Culture

• Morteratsch Glacier – Easily accessible via an educational trail that shows the impressive retreat of the glacier. Real Experience: We recommend the scenic train excursion from Pontresina to Morteratsch, followed by a walk to the glacier tongue.
• Val Roseg – A side valley closed to traffic, reachable on foot, by bike, or with traditional horse-drawn carriages. It offers idyllic landscapes and the opportunity to spot wildlife.
• Swiss National Park – Pontresina is one of the gateways to this park, the oldest in the Alps, a protected area where nature is left completely wild.
• Church of St. Nicholas (San Gian) – Suggestive medieval church, a visual icon of Pontresina, located on a panoramic hill.

Gastronomy and What to Taste

• Capuns – Typical Grisons dish: pasta rolls made with spelt flour and filled with dried meat (Bündnerfleisch) or sausage, cooked in broth and served with cheese.
• Maluns – Balls of grated potatoes cooked in butter, served with cheese or sweet sauces, a hearty and traditional food.
• Engadin Nut Tart (Engadiner Nusstorte) – A tart filled with caramelized walnuts, crunchy and rich, perfect to accompany a coffee.

Culture, Events, and Activities

• Mountaineering and Trekking – Ideal base for challenging ascents on the Bernina or for simpler hikes, such as the Alp Grüm Flower Trail.
• Skiing and Winter Sports – Proximity to the Corviglia/Marguns ski area and the Diavolezza/Lagalb area offers endless possibilities for alpine and cross-country skiing.
• Summer Festival – Classical and jazz music concerts are often held, taking advantage of the excellent acoustics of the San Gian church.

Institutional Links

• Official Website of Pontresina Tourism
• Official Website of Engadin St. Moritz Tourismus

Top 5 Recommended Accommodations by Our Travel Designers

• Grand Hotel Kronenhof – Icon of alpine luxury hospitality, a neo-baroque architectural masterpiece with an award-winning spa.
• Hotel Saratz – Historic charming hotel with a large park and outdoor pool, a mix of tradition and modern amenities.
• Hotel Walther – Luxury hotel run by the same family, famous for its excellent cuisine and welcoming atmosphere.
• Sporthotel Pontresina – Perfect for sports enthusiasts, with a century-old tradition and a central location.
• Hotel Steinbock – A more intimate and traditional structure, with rooms furnished in Engadin style.

Top 3 Recommended Restaurants

• Kronenstübli (Grand Hotel Kronenhof) – Refined cuisine in a historic setting. It is a high-level culinary experience.
• Restaurant Saratz (Hotel Saratz) – Offers elegant cuisine with a focus on local and international ingredients.
• Restaurant Engadiner Stübli (Hotel Walther) – Ideal for tasting Grisons specialties, such as Capuns and Maluns, in an authentic environment.