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Piz Kesch

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Piz Kesch (also known as Piz d'Es-cha) is the highest peak in the Albula Alps and the highest point in the canton of Graubünden north of the Inn river, reaching an elevation of 3,418 meters. Located between the Albula Pass and the Flüela Pass, it is a dominant massif that stands out in the regional landscape. The mountain is glaciated, with the Porchabella Glacier on its northern flank being the most significant. Geologically, Piz Kesch is remarkably complex, consisting of sedimentary rocks like limestone and dolomite resting atop a crystalline basement. The first successful ascent was made on September 7, 1846, by Johann Coaz and his party, a feat that marked a milestone in the exploration of the Grisons Alps. Today, the mountain is a favorite for ski touring and mountaineering, with the Kesch Hut of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) serving as a key base for summit attempts. From the top, climbers are rewarded with views of the Bernina Range to the south and the Silvretta to the north.

Location: Switzerland
Top sights: Piz Blaisun · Piz Forun · Piz Alvra
Nearby: Engadin (8 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-10	-10	-6	0	5	9	11	11	7	2	-3	-9
Rain mm	55	47	61	81	120	129	129	145	99	99	102	65

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The highest mountain in the Albula Alps is often approached from Bergün or Madulain via SAC huts like the Kesch Hut. Access requires longer approaches through the scenic valleys of Graubünden.

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Best season

The main season for hikers and mountaineers is between July and September. In winter and spring, Piz Kesch is a well-known destination for demanding high-altitude ski tours in the Alps.

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Terrain & paths

The terrain includes both marked hiking trails and high-alpine, partly glaciated passages to the summit. Rocky ground and steep ridges characterize the landscape of this impressive region.

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What to bring

High-altitude equipment including crampons and an ice axe is often required for the final summit climb. Regular hikers should at least possess excellent mountain boots and wind protection.

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Parking

Public parking spaces are located in the valley towns of Bergün or Madulain at the station or in the center. Many visitors use the Rhaetian Railway to reach the starting points sustainably.

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Safety

Maximum caution and rope security are often advisable, especially on the summit ridge and glaciers. One should obtain detailed information about current crevasse conditions and weather before starting.

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Time needed

Due to the length of the approach, the tour is usually planned as a two-day trip with an overnight stay in a hut. The actual summit climb from the hut often takes about 4 to 5 hours.

Geography

Coordinates

46.62000, 9.87000

Facts

Piz Kesch stands at 3,418 meters, the highest in the Albula range.
The first recorded ascent was on September 7, 1846, by Johann Coaz.
The Porchabella Glacier covers the northern slopes of the mountain.
It is located on the drainage divide between the Inn and the Albula rivers.
The Kesch Hut (2,625m) is a popular stop on the Kesch Trek route.
Its geology features a complex mix of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Piz d'Es-cha North2 km · EExplore →

Zuoz7 km · EExplore →

Engadin8 km · SExplore →

Bergün9 km · WExplore →

Pontresina15 km · SExplore →

St. Moritz15 km · SExplore →

Piz d'Albris16 km · SExplore →

Piz d'Err16 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Piz Kesch (3)

Piz Blaisun 📍 landmark

Piz Blaisun is a peak in the Piz Kesch area.

Piz Forun📍 landmark

Piz Forun is a pyramidal peak in the Albula group of the Swiss Alps.

Piz Alvra📍 landmark

A mountain peak located near the Albula Pass in Switzerland.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Piz Kesch?

The highest mountain in the Albula Alps in Graubünden, at 3,418 meters.

Is Piz Kesch accessible for hikers?

The summit requires a high-altitude tour with climbing sections and glacier crossing.

Where can you stay overnight nearby?

The Kesch Hut (SAC) is a modern and popular base for mountaineers.

Is there a glacier there?

Yes, the Porchabella glacier is located on the north side of the mountain.

Which town is the best starting point?

Bergün or Madulain are good starting points for the approach.

Piz Kesch: where is it located?

Piz Kesch is located in Switzerland.

Piz Kesch: what is there to see?

Highlights include Piz Blaisun, Piz Forun, Piz Alvra.

Piz Kesch: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Piz Kesch: why is it worth visiting?

Piz Kesch (also known as Piz d'Es-cha) is the highest peak in the Albula Alps and the highest point in the canton of Graubünden north of the Inn river, reaching an elevation of 3,418 meters.

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