If you want to better understand the Engadin mountain world and its glaciers, the history of alpinism, the effect of water, the natural landscape and the culture of this unique high valley, you’ll find a wide range of museums, educational trails, themed hikes and the latest exhibitions that provide interesting information.
The Museum Alpin in Pontresina offers the perfect introduction to alpine issues, as does the free VR Glacier Experience visitor centre at the Diavolezza valley station.
Museum Alpin Pontresina
The Museum Alpin is located in the upper part of Pontresina on the Via Maistra. It was founded in 1971 by the Pontresina mountain guide association. The exhibitions are located in the Chesa Delnon, a stately Engadin house from 1716 – so visitors to the historical premises also get an insight into how life might have been in earlier times. As well as the large hallway, there is also an old parlour, kitchen, pantry, bedroom and the sleeping area of a former mountain hut.
The museum shows how Pontresina developed from a small farm to a mountain health resort. The exhibitions on summer and winter alpinism are a highlight. They offer an insight into the pioneering era of mountaineering – from conquering the Bernina massif to modern alpinism. The exhibition on the development of SAC huts and the mountain experience multimedia show with photos from Jetti Langhans, a local photographer, are also worth seeing. The offer is rounded off with a collection of minerals from the Upper Engadin, Bergell and Val Poschiavo regions, as well as insights into the rich variety of flora and fauna, including the bird collection from Gian Saratz with 133 exhibits. Special exhibitions on alpine issues are regularly organised.
VR Glacier Experience visitor centre
Climate change and its impact on the glacier and its water balance. This question is addressed in an interactive manner at the “VR Glacier Experience” visitor centre by the Diavolezza valley station. Simply put on the virtual reality glasses, dive in and be amazed.
There is a choice of four different virtual reality tours. The first tour provides details of the water cycle from cloud formation to rainfall and how water flows in and around the Morteratsch Glacier. The second shows visitors the constant changes on the glacier from 1875 to 2100. The third tour addresses developments in fauna and the fourth presents the “MortAlive” project, which aims to slow down deglaciation through the production of artificial snow.
The image-packed and educational VR tours leave lasting impressions. You can then consolidate the impressions in a real environment by taking a mountain trip to the Diavolezza. Entrance to the visitor centre is free.
