Lej da Pischa

Lej da la Pischa (Lej da Pischa, also called Pischasee in German) is a high-alpine lake above Pontresina in the Engadin valley, canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. It sits in a rocky basin below the Fuorcla Pischa pass, in ground shared with ibex. No road reaches it, so the visit is a hike.

Where is Lej da la Pischa?

The lake lies between the Val da Fain valley and the Alp Languard area, high above Pontresina. The name is Romansh, where "lej" means lake. Trail descriptions put Fuorcla Pischa at 2,848 m above sea level. The plateau around it is a broad stretch of stone with cairns and several small ponds.

How do you get there?

Most walkers start at the Bernina Suot stop, served by bus and by the Bernina railway. From the stop, follow the pass road briefly toward Diavolezza, then turn onto the path through Val da Fain. The narrow stretch below the pass is secured with ropes. From the other side you can set out from Pontresina or ride the chairlift to Alp Languard to shorten the walk.

This route is stage 3 of the "53 Bernina Tour", running from Diavolezza over Fuorcla Pischa to Pontresina. Graubünden Tourism lists about 10.9 km, roughly 4.5 hours of walking, around 800 m of ascent and a high point near 2,860 m. It is rated as demanding.

What will you see?

• A stony high-mountain landscape with small lakes and cairns marking the way.
• Ibex. The cliffs of Piz Albris hold one of the biggest ibex colonies in the Alps, so sightings are common.
• In Val da Fain: alpine flowers and marmots.
• Further along: Lej Languard, and about 30 minutes beyond it the Paradis hut, known for its cakes.

When should you go?

Summer and early autumn are the walking season. Snow can linger on the pass into summer, so check conditions at the Pontresina tourist office before setting off. Bring hiking boots, extra layers and enough water, since the only refreshment on the route is the hut near the end.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive to the lake? No. Only footpaths lead there, from Pontresina, Alp Languard or Bernina Suot.

Is it the same as Lej da la Pêsch? No. Lej da la Pêsch is a separate lake near Samedan, and Lej Nair lies below the Lago Bianco dam.

Is the hike hard? It is demanding. The narrow rope-secured path needs a steady step, and the climb adds up to several hundred metres.

Will I see ibex? Probably. The Piz Albris area is one of their main habitats in the Alps.