Reaching Piz Languard (3262m) is an incredible hiking experience in Pontresina, in the kanton of Graubünden. The trail's breathtaking views of the summits towering above the Upper Engadine and Bernina Valleys reward hikers completing the very steep climb to the summit. Made accessible by a lift taking you up to Alp Languard, where I started my hike, the path steepens along the rocky terrain all the way up the south ridge of Piz Languard. Cables affixed to the rock safeguard the climb, leading to spectacular panoramic views from the summit of the stunning Bernina massif. In my opinion the last part of the hike can be a little bit tricky but nothing that an avid hiker can't do. Challenging and fun at the same time. Refreshment can be found at the Chamanna Georgy Hut, which lies below the peak at 3175 meter, as well as accommodation if interested in experiencing sunrise or sunset vistas from the top.
I highly recommend to sleep in Pontresina a day before the hike since the peak is quite high that can cause altitude sickness.
I booked a night in the hut that allowed me to watch sunset and sunrise the following morning. I can only truly recommend doing this way, watching the sun is rising above the horizon at 3262m is one of the most memorable experience of my entire life.
HIKE DETAILS:
Start: Alp Languard after taking the chairlift ( Sesselbahn-Languard) from Pontresina. You can skip the chairlift if you would like to extend the hike with an extra 500 meter of elevations.
From Alp Languard you follow the sign towards Piz Languard that is a bit over 4 km long with approximately 900 meter of elevation change. It can take between 2-3 hours to reach the top.
If you decided to not spend the night in the hut you can hike back the same way to came from.
TIP: as an alternative you can take the number 53 hiking trails back (part of the Bernina-Tour) towards Bernina Dialovezza train station.
It was my choice for the following day and it was an absolute gem of a trail with lots of lakes (the most gorgerous is Lej Languard), huge mountains and no people around.
Either way you decided, you won't regret choosing this hiking trail.
