Piz Bernina

Piz Bernina reaches 4,049 metres, which makes it the highest summit of the Eastern Alps and the only peak over four thousand metres in the range - the next four-thousanders west are in the Valais. It stands on the Italian border above the Morteratsch and Scerscen glaciers. Its famous feature is the Biancograt, the north ridge: a long, narrow, symmetrical snow arete rising to the Piz Bianco fore-summit, so clean in shape that it is one of the most recognisable lines in the Alps and among the most photographed. The normal routes are glaciated and technical, and the mountain is climbed with a guide from the huts over two days. From Diavolezza the whole massif is visible without leaving the terrace.

What you actually see

• The Eastern Alps' only 4,000er - 4,049 metres on the Italian border.
• The Biancograt - a symmetrical snow arete to the Piz Bianco fore-summit.
• Two big glaciers below - the Morteratsch and Scerscen systems.
• A view without climbing - the whole massif from the Diavolezza terrace.

When to go

June to September for an ascent; any clear day for the view. Two days to climb.

Honest expectations

This is a serious high-altitude climb on glaciers with crevasse risk, not a walk - it requires a guide, equipment and acclimatisation. Hut places book out. For most visitors the honest plan is the view from Diavolezza or the Bernina railway.

Nearby

Diavolezza faces it; Pontresina and Morteratsch are at the foot.