When you think of Switzerland, what comes to mind? Beautiful wooden chalets perched on hills covered in emerald colored grass, flanked by mountains as far as the eye can see? Or perhaps you envision the iconic snowcapped Matterhorn towering in the distance as you happily take a bite of your Tolberone chocolate. Whether you think of its landscapes, beautiful and historic towns, or how to experience Switzerland without breaking the bank, Pontresina is a laid-back and underrated village that offers stunning views of the Swiss Alps sure to dazzle its visitors.
Located just five miles from the Engadine Valley luxury resort town of St. Moritz, Pontresina is easily accessible and worth the visit. Driving from St.Moritz will take less than ten minutes and offer mountainous views along the way, and due to Switzerland’s extensive and reliable train system being one of the best in the world, tourists can also book a ticket and arrive at Pontresina’s train station in less than ten minutes as well. For those feeling ambitious and looking to get their steps in to earn their next fondue meal, an hour-and-a-half walk is also perfectly manageable from St.Moritz to Pontresina.
Pontresina is nestled over 5,000 feet above sea level among numerous mountain peaks in the Upper Engadine Valley, so regardless of where you’re situated in this tiny vibrant town, you’ll have stunning views of the Bernina massif, along with other beautiful scenes straight out of a storybook. Surrounded by Swiss pine and larch forests, Pontresina is the perfect place to escape typical tourist spots on your Switzerland trip in this outdoorsy paradise.
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A small Swiss spa town filled with charm, culinary delights, and gorgeous architecture
Swiss village surrounded by pine trees – Agustavop/Getty Images
Pontresina, known for its stunning architecture, is filled with 17th and 18th-century old Engadine stone houses with decorated facades, as well as Belle Epoque-style hotels from the 19th-century that are dripping with opulence sure to make your visit special. As you marvel at the town’s lovely architecture, be sure to make your way to the Burial Church of Santa Maria, a short walk outside the town’s main area. Located on a hill behind Pontresina, it offers gorgeous views and houses many old medieval wall frescoes. Pontresina has the highest Ibex population in the Alps, so you may just come across some while walking around.
Foodies that love to get the most out of their food tourism experiences will be thrilled to hear that the Pontresina Promenade is filled with culinary delights sure to wow their tastebuds. Every type of food from street food, to Michelin Star restaurants can be found on what is dubbed as the “gastro mile” within Engadine Valley.
Take in the relaxed ambiance of the Bar & Smoker’s Lounge at the luxurious Hotel Walther, where visitors can kick back, indulge in a drink and cigar in a lounge where old milk buckets drilled with holes hang over the bar, and a live pianist treats visitors to laid-back tunes. For a cozy vibe in a traditional setting, make your way to the Berninahaus, located at the bottom of the Bernina, offering tasty Italian specialties such as risotto, pasta, and snacks.
Pontresina offers outdoor enthusiasts endless hiking opportunities
Autumn views of mountain and glacier – Fedevphoto/Getty Images
With bright blue skies that meet snow-capped peaks, it’s easy to see why visitors to Pontresina are spoiled with endless outdoor beauty. During the summer, hitting the walking trails is a must. Pontresina is bursting with over 360-miles of hiking trails that will ensure you exceed your step goals. The moderate point-to-point hike through the Roseg Valley treats hikers to a sweeping display of wildflowers along the alpine river, Ova da Roseg, as they make their way towards Hotel Restaurant Roseg Gletscher, where hikers can stay in a dormitory for about $113.00 per night for a single bed.
Pontresina turns into a winter wonderland covered in snow and teeming with skiing and snowboarding opportunities, such as the five-mile glacier run, which is enough to make an Olympic athlete jealous. A trip to the top of Diavolezza via cable car at over 9,800-feet, gives travelers an unforgettable experience with epic views of Piz Palü, Piz Bernina, and Morteratsch Glacier. Once at the top, you’ll come across Berghaus Diavolezza, a chalet with dormitories starting at $267.00 per night that include breakfast, as well as dinner. The property even has a hot tub to soak away the chill while taking in the scenery.
Pontresina is also one of the major stopping points along the Bernina Express route, which snakes through valleys showcasing towering mountains and quaint villages through large panoramic windows. An effortless way to explore the best of Switzerland on a scenic train ride is with the Swiss Travel Pass, allowing tourists to hop off in Pontresina, enjoy the village, then proceed along the route using regional trains whenever they choose to continue their journey through the Swiss Alps.
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