Lej Languard

Lej Languard is a small high-alpine lake at 2,594 m above sea level, set above Alp Languard near Pontresina in the Upper Engadine (canton of Graubünden, Switzerland). The name is Romansh, where "lej" means lake. The water sits in a rocky bowl along the route towards the Piz Languard massif (3,262 m).

Where is Lej Languard?

The lake lies in the high part of the Val Languard, above the top station of the Alp Languard chairlift. The area is known for ibex, which you may spot on the slopes. Piz Languard rises over the whole valley and is one of the easier three-thousand-metre summits in the Engadine, with views of the Bernina group.

How do you get to Lej Languard?

The lake can only be reached on foot. There are two main options:

• From Pontresina (starting at Santa Maria church): about 2 hours 10 minutes.
• From the Alp Languard top station: about 1 hour 15 minutes. The chairlift from Pontresina takes you up to the station.

The path climbs a steep ramp onto the high plateau of Plaun da l'Esen, and the lake then appears in its rocky hollow. Sources give slightly different heights for Alp Languard itself (roughly 2,262 to 2,325 m), but they all agree on 2,594 m for the lake.

What will you see there?

Rock walls, stony slopes and the stillness typical of ground above the tree line. The lake makes a good halfway stop on the way to the Chamanna Georgy hut (3,175 m), which stands just below the Piz Languard summit. Some hikers return to Pontresina via Chamanna Paradis.

Where can you eat and rest?

Food is available at the Alp Languard station, the Chamanna Paradis hut (about 2,540 m) and Chamanna Georgy. If you plan to visit the huts, add at least an hour to your outing. Alp Languard also has an ibex-themed playground for small children, which makes the walk to the station a sensible option for families.

When should you go?

High Engadine trails are most comfortable in summer and early autumn, once the snow has left the paths. Chamanna Georgy is open from late June to late September. Before setting out, check current chairlift hours and trail conditions with the Pontresina tourist office. Bring a warm layer, because the weather changes quickly at almost 2,600 m.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to walk to Lej Languard? About 2 hours 10 minutes from Pontresina, or about 1 hour 15 minutes from the Alp Languard station.

What is the altitude of the lake? 2,594 m above sea level.

Are there mountain huts with food nearby? Yes: Chamanna Paradis, Chamanna Georgy and the catering at the Alp Languard station.

Is it a good hike with children? The full route from Pontresina is long and steep, but the section from the Alp Languard station is shorter, and a playground for little ones waits at the station.