Diavolezza

Diavolezza, the devils mountain?

Situated on the Bernina railway line, this cable car brings you up to the Diavolezza hut. There, a small cabin was built more than 100 years ago. This was not only a vantage point of mountaineers, but by itself a fantastic viewpoint on the “Festsaal der Alpen” which translated means the “festival hall” of the Alps. Not quite devilish, right?

From the railway station up towards the Ballroom of the Alps

You can easily reach the valley station of the Diavolezza cable car, because it has its own station. You may not expect what to see at the end of the line, when you board the gondola at the valley station. However, the contrast once you exit the terminal building and stand face to face to the majestic mountains of the Bernina group, couldn’t be greater. The “Festsaal der Alpen” was a title of a mountaineering book written by the German author Walther Flaig. Ever since this name has commonly been used to describe this part of the Alps.

In summer, you can marvel the view and do some hiking towards nearby peaks. When you travel here in winter, the Diavolezza region is a true eldorado for skiers and ski-mountaineers alike.

The “festival hall” of the Alps seen from the terrace of Diavolezza

Highlight

Undoubtedly it is the view towards the peaks and glaciers with the famous Piz Palu and Piz Bernina, the latter with the famous Bianco ridge, one of the most beautiful alpine ascents, only for well trained and experienced mountaineers.

Eating and drinking

Indeed, the Berghaus Diavolezza is set amidst the aforementioned “festival hall” of the Alps at almost 3,000 m. Guests can celebrate in the à-la-carte Bellavista panoramic restaurant, the Diavolezza Stuebli or the Diavolezza self-service restaurant. Delight your palate with the traditional, regional Grison and Valtellina specialities.

Good to know

You can join organized glacier hikes and guided tours on the “via ferrata” which are organized by the local mountain guide bureau at Pontresina. A short hike leads to the summit of Munt Pers at 3,202 m.

Duration of the trip

Included is some time at the restaurant for drinks or a meal. Add another 2 ½ hours when hiking to the Munt Pers (one of the hikes). The tour can easily be combined with the train trip over the Bernina Pass.

Season

Year round (except mid October to end November)

A large gondola takes you up to the summit station of the Diavolezza