Piz Ela

Piz Ela (3,339 m), the highest Dolomite peak in Switzerland and the second highest in the Alps, impresses with its striking rock formations, exciting climbing routes, and breathtaking views. About 30 meters below the southeast ridge at around 3,270 m is the famous Ela Hole (Fora digl Ela), an opening in the rock that is about 2.5 m high, 5–6 m wide, and 3 m deep. Twice a year – in October and February – the sun shines through the hole directly onto the village of Bergün/Bravuogn.According to legend, the hole was created when the devil threw a stone at Eulenspiegel after an argument, but it hit Piz Ela instead. The story tells how Eulenspiegel outwitted the devil in a potato field, so that the stone finally hit the mountain.Piz Ela is one of the three peaks of the Bergüner Stöcke. Together with its two neighbors, Tinzenhorn and Piz Mitgel, the triumvirate is reminiscent of the Dolomites in shape, structure, and color.The first ascent of Piz Ela took place on July 17, 1865, and was carried out by Alex Flury, Peter Jenny, and Georg Jenny.