99 Things to Do in Engadine 2024

8 Highlights in the Engadine

• Hike in autumn through the romantic, gold-colored larch forests of the Engadine Indian Summer.
• Enjoy water sports on the Silsersee, the St. Moritzersee, the Silvaplanersee and the Champèrersee. The Engadine is a paradise for kite surfers.
• The Diavolezza at almost 3000 m.a.s.l. is a sun terrace with a view of the Piz Bernina, the only 4000 m high mountain in the Eastern Alps, as well as the Piz Palü, often mentioned as the most beautiful mountain.
• 250 edible mushroom varieties shoot out of the Engadine soil. Guided mushroom excursions and mushroom checkpoints will help you to expand your mushroom knowledge and to enjoy your self-collected dinner in a safe way.
• The Engadine is a mountain biker's paradise with over 400 km of signposted routes for every level of experience. Whether single trails, flow trails, pump tracks or routes combined with scenic train rides: in the Engadine you will find it all.
• With the Bernina Express, the highest railroad line for crossing the Alps starts in the Engadine. In the comfortable panorama car you can enjoy the view of glaciers and even take a detour to the palm-fringed south of Switzerland.
• Experience the Rhaeto-Romanic culture during a visit to one of the many typical Engadine villages with their mighty stone houses reminiscent of Ursli the bell.
• Visit Tarasp Castle, a landmark of the Lower Engadine that proudly overlooks the surrounding area.

The regions of the Engadine

The valley, which is about 80 km long, is divided into the Upper Engadine and the Lower Engadine. The border between the Upper and Lower Engadine is marked by the stream "Ova da Punt Ota", which flows into the Inn between Cinuos-chel in the municipality of S-Chanf and Brail.

The Upper Engadine

The Upper Engadine extends from Maloja to Cinuos-chel and is characterized by the lake district with Lake Sils, Lake Silvaplana, Lake St. Moritz and Lake Champferer. The landscape is more open than in the Lower Engadine and is subject to the annual color change of the larch forests

Maloja

The highest Engadine village lies at 1800 m.a.s.l. on the Maloja Pass between Bergell and the Upper Engadine. The village served as home and inspiration for the famous artist Giovanni Segantini. Also the artist Giovanni Giacometti - Alberto Giacometti's father- was artistically active here. Today, exhibitions, concerts and readings are still inspired by its spirit.

Sils

Strictly speaking, this place has two names: Sils Maria and Sils Baselgia. Friedrich Nietzsche once described this village as the "loveliest corner of the earth". Albert Einstein, Charlie Chaplin, David Bowie, Thomas Mann and other artists followed Nietzsche's travel advice. Sils is mostly traffic-free and showcases impressive 16th- and 17th-century houses.

Swiss Activities Tip:

• Experience the mirror-smooth Silsersee early in the morning walking or on the SUP
• Marvel at the mountain flower paradise in Val Fex in all its diversity
• Spend a relaxing afternoon on the Chastè peninsula at the barbecue site

St.Moritz

St. Moritz is known worldwide for its top hotels, its lifestyle and a comprehensive year-round sports offering. This trendy resort on Lake St. Moritz brings glamour to the Engadine mountains as a luxurious vacation spot. At the same time, the historic center continues to exude its charm. Numerous destinations in the Engadine, including the nearby lakes of Silsersee and Silvaplanersee, can be easily reached from here.

Pontresina

Pontresina lies at the foot of the Bernina Pass. Traditional Engadine stone houses with magnificently decorated facades characterize the village, which is also known for its many hotels from the Belle Epoque. Numerous excursions can be undertaken from Pontresina. Be it a trip with the Rhaetian Railway over the Bernina Pass into the Puschlav, an alpine high-altitude tour on the Piz Palü or a visit to the crystal-clear Lago Bianco.

La Punt

The sun-drenched village of La Punt was voted "Swiss Village of the Year" in 2021. Last but not least, the historic and distinctive houses contributed to this honor. A bridge connects La Punt with Chamues-ch and was considered an important traffic junction and trading place at the foot of the Albula Pass. Today La Punt is rather a quieter place with good possibilities for biking, road biking or inline skating. In winter, winter hiking trails and cross-country skiing tracks are prepared.

Madulain

This small community with only 230 inhabitants is home to the largest castle complex in the Upper Engadine. The Guardaval castle ruins were built in the 13th century and are the most prominent feature of Madulain.

The village is an oasis in the Maloja area. Quietly and idyllically situated on the Inn River, you will find time here for walks, bike tours or horseback riding. Here, too, typical Engadine houses and a Romanesque everyday culture await you.

Zuoz

The village of Zuoz is considered the most beautiful in the Upper Engadine with its intact Romanesque village character. Mysterious alleys and proud patrician houses invite to discovery tours. Despite a great sense of tradition, Zuoz offers a wide range of leisure activities and with the highest coffee roasting plant in Europe, culinary delights are also proudly represented.

Lower Engadine

The Lower Engadine extends from S-Chanf to the border village of Martina. Together with Val Müstair and Samnaun, the Lower Engadine forms the district of Inn.

Zernez

Zernez is known as the gateway to Switzerland's only national park. Numerous hiking trails start here into this beautiful protected area for hikes of one or several days. Furthermore, the visitor center of the national park is located in Zernez, which houses all conceivable information. Zernez is also an ideal starting point for exploring the border triangle of Switzerland - Italy - Austria or the Münstertal valley.

Susch

Susch is a typical Engadine village, known as a traffic junction at the foot of the Flüela. A main attraction of the village is the Muzeum Susch. Located on the site of a medieval monastery, the museum has opened its doors since 2019. Existing structures have been carefully restored and combined with new additions.

Lavin

A rich cultural offer awaits you in Lavin, whose village was rebuilt with Italian influences after the fire of 1869. Would you like to enjoy a piece of Bündner Nusstorte or a pear bread and then visit a theater performance? Then Lavin is the right place for you.

Guarda

Guarda is the showcase village in the Engadine in terms of tradition and innovation. The home of the Schellen Urslis is situated 300 meters above sea level on a sunny terrace. Guarda was awarded the Wakker Prize in 1975 for its well-kept village appearance. This pretty village is a real treasure chest that shines with the sun.

Ardez

In terms of Rhaeto-Romanic language and living culture, Ardez is the model village in the Engadine. Many stately farmhouses have been renovated and placed under protection. The houses in Ardez are characterized by features such as oriels, arched entrance doors, stone pine parlors and deep window alignments. In addition, sgraffito is an integral part of the local architecture. This is the name of the handicraft that adorns Engadine houses.

Scuol

Like so many Engadine villages, Scuol is known for its massive stone houses decorated with sgraffito. But the real feature of Scuol are the twenty mineral water springs that rise here. Ten of them are used for drinking cures, the thermal bath and carbonic acid mineral baths. Thus Scuol has developed into a true wellness oasis in the Engadine. But also for outdoor activities of all kinds the village is a wonderful starting point all year round.

Sent

A peculiarity of Sent are the curved roof gables, also called Senter Giebel. This roof form was brought to Sent at the end of the 18th century by craftsmen from the Inn valley in western Tyrol.

The village is situated in a panoramic and sunny position above Scuol. An important feature of Sent is the imposing village fountain in the center of the village square. This is where life happens and if you want to get an impression of the Romanesque daily life, a stay in Brunnen Nähe is ideal for this.

Tschlin

Tschlin is an idyllic village at the entrance of the Lower Engadine, which belongs to the most beautiful Swiss villages. It is known for its beer brewery and the typical terraced landscapes.

The label "Bun Tschlin" stands for about 30 businesses and their products. Tschlin beer is probably the best known product from the range.

Sights in the Engadine

Tarasp Castle

The landmark of the Lower Engadine was built in the 11th century by the lords of Tarasp. Several changes of ownership and sieges have seen and survived Tarasp Castle since then. The inventor of Odol, August Lingner, found the castle in desolate condition in 1900 and purchased it without further ado. He spared no effort to rebuild the castle until he died suddenly shortly before completion

Freshly renovated, the castle passed to the Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig of Hesse. In 2016, artist Not Vital took over the castle and made it open to visitors year-round. Since then, Not Vital has been adding new sculptures, such as the "Moon in the Lake" and the "House to Watch the Sunset." He has changed as little as possible about the interior in the castle. During the guided tour of the castle, you will learn in detail what Lingner and Not Vital have made of the castle.

The artist Not Vital

The artist Not Vital was born in Sent in 1948. The term international artist applies to him in the truest sense. Not only because he has lived and worked in many countries. His "House to watch the sunset" is a lookout tower that is to be erected on five continents. There is already a tower in Brazil and Niger, and since 2018 now also in Tarasp

The Leaning Tower of St. Moritz

The Leaning Tower of St. Moritz is one of the world's most (unintentionally) inclined towers. It is 33 meters high and has a slope of 5.5 degrees. Thus, it is even more leaning than the most famous of all leaning towers in Pisa.

The tower originally belonged to the church of St. Maurice, built in the 13th century, which was demolished in 1893. The tower received more stability through numerous renovations and the heavy bells were removed to relieve the burden already at the end of the 19th century. You can learn more about the history during your visit on the information boards on site.

Glacier mills and "Eagle's Nest" near Maloja

Near Maloja there is a collection of 36 glacier mills that is unique in Europe. The first seven glacier mills were discovered in 1882 during the construction of the Belvedere Tower. An excursion to the glacier mills is worthwhile not only for the information on their origin but also for their beautiful location in the middle of the protected high moor. The lookout tower at Belvedere Castle lets your gaze wander over the Upper Engadine and into the Bergell. The tower is open from June to October between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Admission is free.

Excursion destinations in Engadine

Swiss National Park

Hiking in the National Park:

Switzerland's only national park is located in the Engadine and is a paradise for nature and wildlife observation. At an altitude between 1400 and 3200 m.a.s.l., the park can be explored thanks to a network of trails of about 100 km. Of course, you must not forget provisions, hiking equipment and binoculars

Swiss Activities Tip:

Before your hike, visit the National Park Center in Zernez to gather and ask for all the important information about the National Park. You can also find out more about the National Park here

Wildlife watching:

Guided excursions increase your chances to see animals and learn a lot about them. For example, about the red deer, the bearded vulture or the pine jay, the symbolic animal of the National Park, which can also be found in the logo of the National Park. The National Park Center in Zernez also focuses especially on offers for families and children

Overnight stay in the National Park:

The only overnight accommodations are offered by the Chamanna Cluozza - which can be reached on foot from Zernez in three hours or from the Ofen Pass - and the Hotel Parc Naziunal il Fuorn, located on the Ofen Pass road.

Sur En

The area around Sur En near Scuol offers a wealth of possibilities for one or more days. The gateway to Sur En is a 60-meter-long wooden bridge. It is the longest existing and passable wooden bridge in Graubünden. Immediately after the bridge is the campsite with the restaurant Sper la Punt. The restaurant is the ideal starting point for various activities:

• Sculpture Trail: Every year dozens of national and international artists come to Sur En to create a sculpture during one week. They usually make them out of larch or marble. During this week, the scent and the sound of the chain saw characterize the green square at the Inn. The objects are then placed in the forest around the campsite and can be visited free of charge. The circular route leads to the hamlet of Sur En and on an asphalt road back to the restaurant Sper la Punt.

• Rope Park: Only one minute away from the restaurant, the trees are connected within sight by wire ropes to form a rope park. Since a storm in 2020, the park has been under reconstruction and currently offers four children and family-friendly courses. From 2022, the park will be expanded to nine courses and will shine in a new splendor.

• Archery: This extraordinary sport is made possible for you in Sur En. In the restaurant Sper la Punt you can get more information about how you can even make your own bow during a bow making course.

• Lime Kiln Chalchera Sur En: This lime kiln, built in 1913, was restored in 1988 and has since been re-fired several times to keep this ancient craft alive.

• Hiking Val d'Uina: About 200 meters after the wooden bridge you reach the actual hamlet of Sur En. From here on the path climbs regularly until after about two hours the trail leads through a spectacular 600 meter long rock gallery. The hike can be continued to the Italian border and the Sesvenna hut. Alternatively, after the gallery you can climb up to the Lai da Rims mountain lake plateau and continue hiking to the Lischana SAC hut.

S-charl

S-charl is one of the most remote places in Switzerland and can only be reached by horse-drawn carriage or touring skis in winter. Even in the snow-free months, the approach by bike, car or post bus is spectacular. In the upper section, it feels like you're driving through a canyon

Only 3 km before S-charl is the entrance to Val Mingèr, which is in the national park. The trail leads up to "Sur il fuoss" at 2315 m.a.s.l. with a magnificent view above the tree line. The tour is a classic national park experience. Have you ever spotted ibex or chamois or heard the roaring deer during the rutting season?

Shortly before the village you pass the Schmelzra, the place where silver and lead used to be mined and which made S-charl a mining settlement. The museum Schmelzra is dedicated not only to mining but also to the bear. For 100 years the area was bear-free until 2005 when a specimen reappeared. There is also more bear on the adventure trail "Senda da l'uors".

The hamlet of S-charl itself is car-free. For a rest or refreshment, two restaurants invite you, which also offer rooms. Bikers are welcome here and enjoy a well-deserved break before continuing along the stream. The route leads past God Tamagur, the highest Swiss stone pine forest in Europe, over the Pass da Costainas at 2250 m.a.s.l. and down to Lü in the Münstertal.

Bernina Express

The Bernina Express crosses the Alps as the highest railroad line and is operated by one of the five large and well-known Swiss panorama trains. The Bernina line starts in St. Moritz, then climbs up the Bernina Pass with a gradient of up to 70 per mille and reaches the top of the pass at Ospizio Bernina at 2253 m.a.s.l. It descends to Poschiavo via Alp Grüm and Cavaglia with its interesting glacier mills.

If you want to see palm trees as well as the glaciers of the alpine massif on the same day, a trip with the Bernina Express to Tirano is a good idea.

Scuol Thermal Baths

In the thermal springs in Scuol you can bathe in mineral water. Several indoor and outdoor pools, a steam bath, a sauna area and the Roman-Irish bath make the "Bogn Engiadina" the spa and wellness center in the Lower Engadine.

Excursion to the Bergell, Puschlav or Münstertal valleys

The remote valleys of Bergell, Puschlav or Münstertal are easier to explore from nowhere than from Engadin.

If you travel over the Bernina Pass to Puschlav, you can stop off at the Camera Obscura on the way, pay a visit to the glacier mills at Cavaglia or take a hike to Lake Saoseo.

If you drive over the Maloja Pass into Bergell, you have the opportunity to visit the chestnut groves in Soglio on the high trail. Romantic walks through historic villages and untouched nature along the Via Bregaglia are also waiting for you.

During an excursion over the Ofen Pass into the Münstertal, the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Val Müstair is on the way. If you want to add a culinary touch to your visit, the "Chatscha culinarica", a culinary treasure hunt, offers you the opportunity to do so.

On the road with the Graubünden Pass in the Engadin

The Graubünden Pass Total and the Graubünden Pass South are valid throughout the Engadin. With the Graubünden Pass you are flexible when traveling. You can choose whether you want to travel on 2 days within a week or on 5 days within 2 weeks. With the Graubünden Pass as a whole, you can also travel in the North Zone of the Graubünden Pass.

Mountain and summit destinations in the Engadine

Mountain peaks offer a beautiful backdrop from a distance. But maybe you'd like to stand on a mountain peak yourself and enjoy the view from above? In the Engadine, there are dozens of ways to do just that. Be it with the practical assistance of mountain railroads or entirely under your own steam with good hiking boots on your feet.

Diavolezza

The Diavolezza is on the one hand the starting point for alpine adventures and on the other hand a panoramic terrace with a magnificent view of the peaks of the Bernina Group. Alpinists take aim at Piz Palü or Piz Cambrena from here

Via the Pers and Morteratsch glaciers, a glacier tour leads down over 1100 meters in altitude to the Morteratsch train station.

At a proud 3066 m.a.s.l. at Sass Queder lies the highest fireplace in Switzerland. Firewood is available at the top station of the Diavolezza cable car. From the station, the ascent to the fireplace takes about 30 minutes.

A hike of about two hours, which is also suitable for children, leads from the top station of the cable car to Lake Diavolezza and on to the bottom station. With a bit of luck you can even see ptarmigans on this hike.

Corvatsch

The Corvatsch, a 3451 meter high mountain of the Bernina Group, is a popular mountain destination near Silvaplana for summer and winter activities.

Corviglia

The local mountain of St. Moritz faces south, which makes it very popular, especially in winter, thanks to its exposure to the sun. Corviglia became famous thanks to the Winter Olympics, which were held twice in St. Moritz in the first half of the 20th century. Here you will find 160 kilometers of ski slopes in winter and various bike trails and hiking trails in summer.

Muottas Muragl

The first tourist mountain railroad in Graubünden was established on Muottas Muragl in 1907. The funicular covers the approximately 700 meters in altitude from Punt Muragl to Muottas Muragl in a nostalgic manner. Paragliders, mountain bikers and hikers get off at the mountain station. In summer, the hike to the Segantini Hut is popular, in winter the fast-paced toboggan run

Waters in the Engadine

The Inn

The Inn and its waters are present throughout the Engadine. Every drop of rain that falls in this region joins the Inn at some point. The source of the Inn is located on the Lunghin Pass above Maloja. This unique place has an important significance as a triple watershed

Towards the east, the water flows into the Inn and via the Danube into the Black Sea. To the northwest, the water flows into the Rhine, which finally flows into the North Sea. Raindrops that choose to flow southwest ultimately travel toward the Mediterranean Sea

Lake Sils, Lake Silvaplana, Lake St. Moritz

Lake Sils, Lake Silvaplana and Lake St. Moritz are three well-known Engadine lakes. They offer practically the whole spectrum of water sports. Of course, they are also suitable for simply cooling off or taking a walk.

The Silsersee invites you to Europe's highest course navigation or to sail with the strong Maloja wind. Lake Silvaplana, on the other hand, is the undisputed Mecca for kite- and windsurfers. And in winter, polo is played on the frozen Lake St. Moritz.

Lej Marsch in St. Moritz

Sheltered from the wind and sun, Lej Marsch is easily accessible by car. This, with the picnic area and a small beach on the north shore, is one reason why it attracts many families.

Lej Nair in St. Moritz

Situated not far from Lej Marsch, Lej Nair can only be reached on foot. The mighty Piz Corvatsch is reflected in its water when there is no wind. If you want to bring your sausage, there are several fireplaces here.

Lej da Champfèr (Lake Champfèr)

Lake Champfèr is only separated from Lake Silvaplana by a peninsula. The cold and clear water probably attracts more fishermen than bathers. If you would like to practice fishing, appropriate licenses are available from the municipal police or from the Office for Hunting and Fishing of the Canton of Graubünden.

Lägh da Cavloc

A beautiful mountain lake near the Maloja Pass is the Lägh da Cavloc. The lake can be reached in all seasons on foot or also by mountain bike. The barbecue area is equipped with firewood by the municipality

In the restaurant Cavloccio, which is only open in summer, you can taste regional specialties. On the alp Cavloc it is also possible to taste and buy the local goat cheese Mascarplin.

Hikers can continue up to the Forno hut or walk back to Maloja via the Lägh da Bitabergh. The lake is often one of the first to freeze in winter and is therefore particularly popular for skating.

Swimming lake Lej da Staz near St. Moritz

Lake Staz is located in a high moor just under an hour's walk from Pontresina or from St. Moritz. The water in the moor lakes is warmer than in the big lakes, which makes it an ideal bathing lake in this nevertheless often cooler area.

Activities and experiences in Engadin

Paragliding in Engadine

Paragliding is the perfect opportunity to take off and enjoy. In addition to its popularity with individual paraglider pilots, passenger flights have also become a regular part of mountain sports activities in the Engadine. Depending on the season, courage and preference, on the one hand there are quieter flights in winter or in the evening. On the other hand, longer cross-country and thermal flights or even acrobatic flights await.

The following places are particularly suitable for paragliding flights:

From Muottas Muragl you can admire the Engadine and its lakes at sunset. From Christmas to Easter you can book a tandem flight with the delta glider or with the paraglider in St. Moritz. Take off with or without skis on the Corviglia and land on the frozen lake. On the Motta Naluns above Scuol, paraglider pilots regularly take off with their guests.

Hiking in the Engadine

The network of hiking trails in the Engadine is said to be over 580 km in the Upper Engadine alone. For you, this means that you will need your hiking boots. Because no matter where you are in the Engadine, hiking is always a good option.

Swiss Activities hiking tips:

• Val Sinestra near Sent: Over several suspension bridges the path leads from the art nouveau spa house Val Sinestra through the landscape of the year 2011 to Zuort and further towards Griosch to the hamlet of Vnà.

• Via Engiadina: This multi-day hike along the Via Engiadina in the Lower Engadine leads in six varied daily stages from Zernez to Vinadi. The high trail leads you on the sunny side of the valley to historic villages, through fragrant pine and larch forests, across lush meadows and past gurgling streams.

• Knee pads: From Samedan via Val Champagna to Muottas Muragl, this trail overcomes a difference of 1100 meters in altitude. The hike leads over the high alpine stone desert of Piz Vadret, before you see the entire Engadine panorama at the highest point. Down into the valley you can take the Muottas Muragl cable car, which is easy on the knees.

The SAC Hiking Scale

The difficulty levels for mountain hiking trails are described in more detail in the SAC Hiking Scale. Before your hike, it makes sense to familiarize yourself with this scale. It is divided into 6 grades.

• T1 Hiking: yellow marked, well signposted, can also be done with sneakers
• T2 Mountain hiking: marked red-white-red, continuous trail, surefootedness required
• T3 Demanding mountain hiking: marked red-white-red, mostly continuous trail, good sure-footedness and orientation skills
• T4 Alpine hiking: marked blue-white-blue, trail not mandatory, alpine experience, good surefootedness and orientation skills
• T5 challenging alpine hiking: marked white-blue-white, exposed, good mountaineering boots and alpine experience required, elementary knowledge in the use of ice axe and rope.
• T6 difficult alpine hiking: mostly not marked, often very exposed. Excellent orientation skills. Excellent alpine experience and familiarity with the use of alpine technical aids.

Forest bathing and mushrooming

A popular Engadine activity is to wander through the woods in the morning dew, taking in the silence and the air, and picking mushrooms. It is the perfect combination of forest bathing and picking. Please note that there is always a closed season from the 1st to the 10th day of the month and a maximum of 2 kg of mushrooms may be collected per person per day.

Biking and cycling in the Engadine

The Engadine is an extremely mountain bike friendly region. Over 400 km of pure riding pleasure await you here. For many years, the sport has been promoted through cooperation with mountain railroads, sports stores and hotels. A lot of effort is put into the construction, signposting and maintenance of trails. The mountain passes are particularly popular with racing cyclists, who prefer asphalt roads to paths over hill and dale.

Mountain passes in the Engadine

• Maloja Pass: The Maloja Pass lies at 1815 m.a.s.l. and connects Bergell with the Upper Engadine lake district
• Bernina Pass: The Bernina Pass lies at 2330 m.a.s.l. and is in the immediate vicinity of the beautiful Lago Bianco.
• Julierpass: The Julierpass lies at 2284 m.a.s.l. and connects Silvaplana with the Upper Engadine.
• Albulapass: The Albulapass lies at 2312 m.a.s.l. and the ascent or the descent leads past the picturesque, crystal clear Palpuognasee.
• Ofen Pass: The Ofen Pass is located at 2149 m.a.s.l. The tour over the pass starts near the national park and treats you with views of beautiful forests and wild rivers
• Flüelapass: The Flüelapass is located at 2383 m.a.s.l. Together with the Sustenpass it is one of the two northernmost two-thousanders of the Swiss Alps.

Inn Cycle Path

The Inn Cycle Path runs on 4 stages and about 110 km in length through varied terrain and through numerous Engadine villages. Half of the path is paved with asphalt and the other half is natural. It is signposted as Schweizmobil Route 65 and is ideal for cycling on a gravel bike.

Bernina Express Route

The Bernina Express Route leads from Samedan to Poschiavo and is suitable for bikers in good physical condition. The start of the tour at Samedan is technically very easy. From Pontresina the route climbs slowly on a natural road to Ospizio Bernina. On the descent to Poschiavo it can get rough and racy. Once in Poschiavo, you can take the train back to Ospizio Bernina and then follow the single trails to Samedan.

Further bike tours in the Engadine

• Val Fex: The Fex Valley is located in the Upper Engadine and has easy biking routes.
• Val Roseg: As one of the most beautiful Engadine side valleys, Val Roseg is easily accessible by bike. It has easy biking routes.
• Suvretta Loop: A highlight of this challenging tour is the 5 km single trail descent through Val Suvretta and Val Bever.
• Scuol: From Motta Naluns, several routes of varying difficulty await you
• Albula Trail: This trail is a short and playful single trail that leads over 8 km and 625 vertical meters to La Punt. It is a must for all single trail lovers
• Corviglia: Experienced bikers will find several flow trails here to prove their skills with the most beautiful view

Rope park

Rope parks have gained great popularity in recent years. They offer a good opportunity to be brave and on your own between the trees. At the same time, there are experienced supervisors on site who are responsible for safety and can provide assistance if necessary. The rope parks each have different levels of difficulty and follow routes at different tree heights. In the Engadine, there are rope parks in Sur En, S-Chanf and Pontresina

Golf

In the Engadine there are several opportunities where you can practice the perfect tee shot in the fresh mountain air. The 18-hole golf course in Samedan is the oldest in Switzerland. In Zuoz Madulain a varied 18-hole course opened in 2003 and St. Moritz is home to one of the highest golf courses in Europe. It has 9 holes and is characterized by short distances

Vitaparcours

On a Vitaparcours you combine agility, dexterity and strength on usually 15 posts distributed in the great outdoors. Whether during the given exercises or jogging between the posts, the important thing here is the movement in the fresh air. Information boards and parking spaces are standard at Vitaparcours.

In the Engadin you will find a wide variety of courses:

• St. Moritz: Start at the Catholic church
• Celerina: Start at the bridge near the church San Gian
• Maloja: Start at Creista at the lake
• Samedan: Start at the Schützenhaus
• Pontresina: Start at Punt Ota
• Zernez: Start at the Schützenhaus
• Sent: Start 2.5 km outside the village in the direction of Val Sinestra

Rafting Engadin

White-water rafting became popular in the 1980s and was introduced as a commercial leisure activity, making it known as Rafting. The Engadine, and the Inn River in particular, is high on the popularity scale for whitewater sports enthusiasts in Europe. In this region there are a variety of rafting offers for cautious beginners as well as for experienced rafters who are after a more challenging tour.

Giarsun Gorge

The Giarsun Gorge, which falls into category 4 on the whitewater scale, is often called the best rafting tour in Switzerland. Tours through the gorge are conducted by several providers and last about five hours including instruction, changing, transfer to the one-boat place and back

On the river, you spend about two hours marveling and paddling along the stretch between Susch and Ardez. It is a real rafting experience and offers an impressive adventure on a medium level. For this tour you must be 14 years old and be able to swim well

Scuol

The rafting section near Scuol is a bit calmer than the Giarsun Gorge, which is why this tour is usually chosen as the entry tour in the morning in the combination tours offered But don't worry: even here you won't stay dry while navigating the key sections with adventurous names like "Northwall" or "Terminator".

Rafting for children

For children over 8 years old, there are quieter sections of the Inn River or its tributaries in the Engadine that are scenically beautiful and offer a lot of rafting fun. The tours are also family-friendly from a financial point of view

Winter activities in the Engadine

Engadin is the perfect place for a winter vacation. Every imaginable sport or activity involving snow and ice is favored by the low temperatures in the Engadine winter. The flat valley floor, with valleys stretching along its sides and mountains rising up, encourages a wide variety of winter activities. In the Engadine, for example, it is easy to go cross-country skiing horizontally and ice climbing vertically on the same day.

Ski and snowboard

350 kilometers on 88 slopes in nine ski areas await snowboarders and skiers in the Engadine, which is considered to have guaranteed snow. This is due on the one hand to the altitude and on the other hand to the low temperatures.

• Zuoz rightly enjoys the reputation as a family skiing area in the Engadine, while on Corvatsch the adventurous friends of kickers, rails and halfpipes get their money's worth.
• The ski resort St. Moritz - Corviglia convinces with a snow park with 30 obstacles. Ideal for trying out such obstacles is the Funslope. Here, steep turns, waves and other playful elements alternate over 600 m.
• The Lagalb and the Diavolezza are popular with freeriders and powder snow lovers. Please be aware of the risks and side effects of this sport and undertake these tours only with the appropriate equipment and experience.
• For those who like it a bit more comfortable, Maloja is a nice and quiet powder paradise.
• Scuol is the only ski area in the Lower Engadine. The dream slope in Scuol/Sent starts at 2710 m.a.s.l. and leads you off the mountain railroads to Sent at 1430 m.a.s.l. Back to Scuol the shuttle bus takes you.

Snowshoeing and winter hiking in the Engadine

For walkers and hikers, many trails are prepared in winter in the Engadine - some of them also in the ski resorts. The fresh, clear air and the crunching under your soles accompany you on the signposted winter hiking trails.

Snowshoeing is becoming increasingly popular. There is something magical about the feeling of moving through untouched deep snow. There are guided snowshoe tours - even by moonlight - that are highly recommended.

If you intend to go off the marked trails, it is important to obtain the necessary knowledge about wildlife protection, orientation, avalanches and weather. Likewise, the appropriate equipment must not be missing.

Swiss Activities Tips:

• Muottas Muragl: Here there is a shorter marked route of 3 km as well as a longer one that is 7 km. In this area you also have the opportunity to participate in an organized full moon snowshoe tour.

• Pontresina: The quiet and fairytale-like Stazerwald trail starts at the cross-country skiing center in Pontresina. In the Stazerwald you are also allowed to deviate from the marked path and leave your tracks in the untouched snow in criss-cross fashion.

• The medium-difficulty Morteratsch Trail starts at the railroad crossing in Morteratsch and leads for just under 3 km to the glacier and back.

• From Guarda, a moderately difficult trail leads to Alp Sura and back. The path is not prepared, but it is signalized. Allow about three hours for this hike.

Please inform yourself in advance about the rules of conduct for snowshoeing and about safety. The SwitzerlandMobility app is helpful for planning and on the way, as it shows your position as well as the route.

Cross-country skiing in the Engadine

Cross-country skiing is an excellent whole-body workout. In addition to strengthening the circulation and muscles, many cross-country skiers appreciate the meditative aspect of this endurance sport. The Engadine promotes your health on 230 kilometers of cross-country trails and is also the host of the most famous cross-country event in Switzerland - the Engadine Ski Marathon.

Swiss Activities Tips:

• Try the trail of the Engadine Ski Marathon from Maloja to S-chanf.
• The cross-country ski trail from Bever to Spinas is slightly ascending and leads along the Beverbach on a distance of 4.3 km and 110 meters of altitude difference.
• The classic cross-country trail in Val Roseg leads from Pontresina to the Hotel Restaurant Roseg Glacier. The horse-drawn carriage also reaches this point. From the restaurant the trail continues for about 2 km in the direction of Lej da Vadret
• The Val Fex is demanding for cross-country skiing but wonderfully quiet and secluded. In total there are 9.6 km of track and 286 meters of altitude difference.
• Try cross-country skiing at night. In St. Moritz, Pontresina, Zernez, Scuol and Ftan the night trails are usually open from 17:00 to 21:00.

Ice skating

The fact that ice skating and ice hockey have been popular sports in the Engadine for a long time does not come as a surprise. Temperatures average -9 degrees Celsius in winter, which clearly favors moving around on the ice.

Ice Trail Engadin

The Engadin ice trail is located near Scuol. It is opened every year from the middle of December and follows a route of 3 km along the river Inn. To "walk" with the ice skates is a very special experience and is very different from the well-known ice field, where you usually move in circles

The entrance fee for adults is 11 CHF, while children pay 7 CHF. Skates can be rented on site for 5 CHF

Ice Trail Madulain

The Madulain ice trail starts at the Werkhof, where parking is also available. Sunny on the open valley floor, the trail runs for one kilometer along the Inn River. The entrance to this ice trail is free and you have to bring your own skates.

Eisarena Ludains St. Moritz

The ice arena in St. Moritz is open all year round. Besides figure skating or field hockey, you will also have the opportunity for curling and curling.

You can find other ice rinks and natural ice rinks in the Engadine at the following locations:

• St. Moritzersee and Stazersee
• Madulain
• Celerina
• Maloja
• Zuoz
• La Punt and Pontresina (also for curling)
• S-Chanf
• Sils
• Bever

Ice skating on the black ice

It is a special experience when the Engadine lakes are black frozen. If the weather conditions allow it, you can skate your laps on the natural ice. You will find information about the accessibility of the ice directly on the spot. Lakes that are often passable in winter are Lago Bianco on the Bernina Pass or Lake Cavloccio near Maloja.

Ice climbing

Pontresina is the ice climbing center in the Engadine. In addition to the natural ice formation, the gorge of Pontresina is also worked with water. This creates ice walls every year, which offer optimal conditions and variety for ice climbing. Courses and equipment are also offered in Ponstresina

At the Corvatsch mountain station, an approximately 50-meter-high ice wall is also prepared.

Swiss Activities Tips Engadine

Enjoy the journey over the Albula Pass

For many, the journey to the Engadine is already a highlight. A particularly eventful journey awaits you on the Albula Pass with its narrow, difficult-to-cross sections of road. Absolutely worth seeing and not far from the pass road is the picturesque and crystal clear Palpuognasee, one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Switzerland

Visit the Camera Obscura on the Bernina Pass

A maintenance base is available for winter maintenance of the Bernina Pass. It contains a special attraction: a camera obscura - the archetype of the photographic camera. This camera obscura can be walked through and is located on the top floor of the silo

The light from the surroundings falls through a small hole into the windowless room. This projects the landscape into the room as if through the lens of a camera. Of course, this method works best in fine weather. The new building was also awarded the Beton21 architecture prize.

Hike through the God Tamangur

The God Tamangur is the highest continuous Swiss stone pine forest in Europe As in the nearby national park, no trees are felled here and fallen trees are left lying. Nature takes care of itself here.

Besides the stone pines, some of which are several hundred years old, larches and junipers also grow in the undergrowth. As a natural forest reserve surrounded by a moor conservation area, the area is unique in Switzerland. The God Tamangur is best reached on a hike from S-Charl to Lü. You can practically get to these two starting points by Postauto.

Get to know the Swiss stone pine, a native of the Engadine

The Swiss stone pine (lat. Pinus Cembra) is also popularly called Arve, Arbe or Zirbe. The Swiss stone pine is an evergreen conifer from the pine family. As a distinguishing feature, the Swiss stone pine produces five needles per bud, while the Scots pine produces two.

The wood of the Swiss stone pine is an important raw material for many Engadine products. It is soft and easy to work and it has a fine aromatic scent. That is why it has always been used for the paneling and the ceilings of the Engadine living rooms "Stüva" and for the production of furniture.

The fir jay contributes to the spread of the Swiss stone pine. The bird with the 4 centimeter long beak feeds on the seeds of the Swiss stone pine, which it buries in thousands of hiding places for storage. Most of the hiding places it finds again. From the rest germinate young stone pines in the spring

The stone pine forms mycorrhizal symbioses with various fungi. Without these, the Swiss stone pine would hardly be viable at high altitudes. The partners include the fly agaric, which is also readily found in birch trees, the Swiss stone pine boletus or the red-brown lactarius.

Embark on a culinary journey on the Via Gastronomica near Sils

This trip is one of a special kind in the Engadine. At the Corvatsch-Furtschellas valley station, you buy a voucher booklet that is valid for the ascent to the middle station as well as for three restaurant visits along the freely selectable hiking route. You can enjoy breakfast or a starter in the mountain restaurant La Chüdera, the main course in the Hotel Sonne Fex and dessert in Sils-Maria in the Hotel Seraina.

Sturdy shoes and a water bottle are advisable on this two to four hour tour. From Fex Platta you have the option of being chauffeured to dessert in Sils-Maria by horse-drawn carriage.

The price for the voucher booklet, which includes meals and the ride on the mountain railroad, is CHF 60.

Educate yourself further on a guided tour of the village

Do you have a favorite village in the Engadine? Then a village tour is a great opportunity to learn more about it. In almost every Engadine village, guided tours are offered by locals who will love to show you their home.

Treat yourself to a dessert buffet in Val Roseg

Val Roseg is not an insider tip as a popular excursion destination in summer as well as in winter, but it is a solid tip for all age groups and at all times of the year. Whether you are on foot, in a horse-drawn carriage or on a mountain bike - the most famous dessert buffet in the Engadine at the Roseg Glacier Restaurant awaits you with its homemade delicacies

Drink carbonated mineral water directly from the village fountain

If you pass a village fountain with two taps in Scuol, then you are at the source. Here mineral water flows directly from the faucet, where you can fill your bottle and taste the freshness of this Engadine mineral water The following mineral springs lead the water into the Scuoler village fountains:

• Chalzina spring to the village fountain Bügl Grond
• Sotsass spring to the Plaz village well
• Sotsass spring to the Bagnera village well
• Clozza spring to the squirrel fountain
• Vi spring to the Plazzetta village fountain

Events and activities in the Engadine

In the Upper Engadine, especially in and around St. Moritz, there are a number of major international events that take place annually. You can find a detailed calendar here.

Events in St. Moritz

• Snow Polo World Cup: 28 to 30 January 2022
• White Turf: the traditional horse race on the frozen lake of St. Moritz takes place every February
• British Classic Car Meeting: this event is a highlight for friends of classic cars from Great Britain. It will take place from July 8 to July 10, 2022.
• Festival da Jazz: This small but nice festival takes place in July and August during almost one month.
• Engadin Festival: Every summer, a top-class classical music festival takes place in St. Moritz for about two weeks

Events in Engadin and Bergell

Dare to look behind the facades of outstanding buildings from different eras. Opendoors Engadin will take place from June 25 to June 26, 2022. The visit is free of charge.

Events in the Lower Engadine

In the Lower Engadine there is a whole range of sportv and smaller cultural events. Here you can find the current events

Two highlights from the calendar are the following:

• It is the 1st of March, which means it is Chalandamarz. The ringing of cowbells, cracking whips and children in blue shirts with neckerchiefs and red pointed hats are the hallmarks of this traditional occasion. It is an ancient custom that heralds the arrival of spring.

• Every autumn, the Tschlin Mountain Beer Festival brings together Swiss mountain beer brewers who produce with mountain spring water and above 1000 meters above sea level. The next event will take place on October 23, 2022. For non-brewers there is the hiking tasting.

Eating and drinking in Engadin

Krone Inn in La Punt

The Arven menu at the Hotel Gasthaus Krone has been awarded by the Guide Michelin and 15 Gault-Millau points. Chef Andreas Martin conjures up delicious dishes made from Swiss stone pine nuts, ensuring a culinary experience of a special kind.

Alp Languard mountain restaurant in Pontresina

The mountain restaurant Alp Languard is easily accessible by chairlift from Pontresina and offers hearty food with a view of the Piz Palü and the Bernina massif. The delicious pizzoccheri for lunch is not to be missed.

Open only in summer from June to October daily from 09:00 to 17:00

Hotel Edelweiss in Sils Maria

The Hotel Edelweiss is located in the immediate vicinity of Lake Sils, the Nietzsche House, the Fex Valley and the Corvatsch-Furtschellas ski area. Cultural evenings and concerts are also organized here. Regional as well as international dishes are served to you in a traditional Arvenstube.

In the Hotel Edelweiss you can find the Grand Restaurant, the Restaurant Arvenstube, the hotel bar and a sun terrace

The restaurant is open in summer from the beginning of June until mid-October and in winter from mid-December until the beginning of April.

Hotel Restaurant Veduta in Cinuos-chel

The Hotel Restaurant Veduta serves the best Grisons dishes. The host runs the business in the third generation and has a hunting patent. The restaurant offers you a good opportunity to try a local game dish or Graubünden specialties like capuns or a delicious Graubünden barley soup.

Engadin nut cake

The iconic, rich Nussorte can be found in almost every pastry shop in the Engadine. Made of a sweet shortcrust pastry, the cake is filled with a mixture of nuts, caramel, honey and cream. The Engadin nut cake is part of Switzerland's culinary heritage and is known far beyond the country's borders. But it clearly tastes best in its native environment.

Hotels and accommodations in Engadin

Beverlodge in Bever

The Beverlodge is the first modular wooden hotel in Switzerland and is geared towards athletes. Here you can get tour suggestions and bike maps for your upcoming tour. A workshop and a bike washing area are also available. In winter, you can wax your cross-country skis and then head straight to the trail, which is right in front of the house.

Berninahaus in Pontresina

The Berninahaus is located away from the hustle and bustle of the Bernina Pass. The historic building was built in 1515 and renovated with great dedication in 2006.

It is open in the summer and winter season from mid-June to the end of October and from mid-December to the end of April.

Alpenloft in Sent

Alpenloft Hotel in Sent manages six lofts and two studios in functional design and with different details. On the one hand, you'll find pine wood paneling from the 19th century, and on the other, panoramic windows or even lookout towers in the various lofts. This gives each vacation apartment its own unique character.

Camping Morteratsch

The Morteratsch campsite is nestled between streams and ponds in the alpine landscape. In the background the snow-white peaks of the Bernina group shine. The site has a high level of comfort and a modern infrastructure. During the vacation periods we strongly recommend you to book your place in advance.

Arrival and location Engadin

By car

Arriving by car promises a winding drive over one of the many passes that lead into the Engadine. These include the Julier Pass, the Albula Pass, the Flüela Pass, the Ofen Pass or, coming from the south, the Bernina Pass and the Maloja Pass

A stopover at the top of the pass or at a suitable stopping place often gives you wonderful views of the Swiss mountains with their peaks, lakes, rivers and forests

In winter you should pay attention to which passes are open. You have the best chance at the Julierpass for winter access. Please also bring your snow chains in winter to avoid getting stuck on the road.

As an alternative to the passes, you can load your car onto the train between Klosters and Sagliains. This will save you a winding ride, which can be very advantageous for passengers with a weak stomach.

By train

A spectacular journey awaits you by train from Chur on the panoramic train of the Bernina Express. The journey is beautiful and varied. Thanks to the pioneering work in the construction of the Landwasser Viaduct and the many helical tunnels to Bergün, there is never a dull moment during the journey.

The timetables of the Rhaetian Railway are coordinated with the SBB and thus ensure short transfer times in Chur. While a seat reservation is necessary for the panorama train with its large windows, no reservation is necessary in the "normal" carriages and the other trains on this route.

Romansh - the language in Engadin

Romansh is the fourth national language of Switzerland, spoken mainly in the canton of Graubünden and by only one percent of the Swiss population. Romansh exists in five different dialects and idioms, which have developed due to the remoteness of the valleys - especially in winter

These are:

• Puter (Upper Engadine)
• Vallader (Lower Engadine)
• Sursilvan (Vorderrhein)
• Sutsilvan (Hinterrhein)
• Surmiran (Albula)

If you visit the villages of the Lower Engadin, you will quickly notice how strongly the Rhaeto-Romanic language is anchored in everyday life. Be it when you go shopping or when you hear the local children on the street. Rhaeto-Romanic is the language of instruction until the 3rd grade, with German, French, English or Italian following later as foreign languages.

Here you will find some useful links if you want to learn more about Romansh:

• Language courses of the Academia Engiadina and the CXhesa Planta
• Romansh radio station Radiotelevisiun Svizra Rumantscha
• Online dictionary for Romansh
• Umbrella organization of Romance languages

Small Romansh dictionary

Here you can find a list of useful expressions in "Vallader".

allegra	"grüezi", good day
a revair	goodbye
bun di	good morning
buna saira	good evening
buna not	good night
bellas vacanzas	happy vacations
grazcha fich	thank you very much
bun viadi	bon voyage
il bogn	the bath
l'abitaziun	the apartment
la bacharia	the butchery
la banca	the bank
la butia	the store
la furnaria	the bakery
la garascha	the garage
la posta	the post office
l'ospidal	the hospital
l'ustaria	the restaurant
la via	the street
na	no
shi/hai	yes
s-chüsa	excuse
lündeschdi	Monday
mardi	Tuesday
marcurdi	Wednesday
gövgia	Thursday
venderdi	Friday
sonda	Saturday
dumengia	Sunday

Climate and weather in Engadin

The Engadine is a long high valley that runs between high mountains of the Central Alps. In general, it is characterized by relative dryness. Fog is also much less common here than on alpine slopes.

There are climatic differences between the Upper Engadine and the Lower Engadine. The Upper Engadine is more spoiled by the sun due to its southern slopes. This includes primarily the villages of Maloja (1817 m.a.s.l.) and St. Moritz (1800 m.a.s.l.). Further down the Inn Valley, Pontresina (1780 m.a.s.l.) and Scanfs (1680 m.a.s.l.) also belong to the Upper Engadine.

Temperatures

The high-montane and alpine climate prevailing here is determined by the altitude and alternates with subalpine climate. Although this area is one of the coldest in the Alps in winter, the winter season ends here sooner than in Prättigau, for example. The average snow cover is much lower due to the dryness. In summer, temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius are reached, and in January the lowest temperature is minus 11 degrees Celsius. Precipitation is highest in July with 144 mm; humidity ranges between a pleasant 51 and 67 percent throughout the year.

The Lower Engadine stretches from Brail (1630 m.a.s.l.) to the border with Austria and is characterized by wild gorges. Essential for the climatic region is the area around Scuol (1290 m.a.s.l.) Here the average snow cover is about 50 centimeters. In summer it is sunny and dry. The temperatures rise up to 23 degrees Celsius in July, in winter minus 8 degrees are possible. At 63 to 78%, humidity is significantly higher than in the Upper Engadine.

Average temperatures (°C) and average precipitation (mm) in Engadin

	Average Temperature St. Moritz	Average Temperature Scuol	Average Precipitation St. Moritz	Average Precipitation Scuol
January	-6	-4	34	32
February	-5	-4	38	19
March	-2	-1	47	26
April	1	4	65	22
May	6	8	71	34
June	11	13	80	41
July	14	16	87	36
August	14	16	89	50
September	10	12	59	32
October	5	7	81	34
November	-1	1	67	18
December	-4	-3	34	33

Fog

In the Upper Engadine, there are about 14 foggy days per year. Nevertheless, a special phenomenon can be observed here: A band of clouds moves down from Bergell over the Maloja Pass to St. Moritz. This bad weather phenomenon is also called Maloja snake

On fair weather days, the Maloja wind blows down the valley. It arises because the very steep mountain slopes in Bergell warm up much faster in the morning than the valley. The much warmer air over the Engadine exchanges with the cold air in the Bergell valley and leads to the Maloja wind.

Wind

Gliders and paragliders like to take advantage of these updrafts. As it progresses, this strong wind then blows downhill in the Upper Engadine. This is rather untypical for such winds. That is why it is also called "contrary wind". Especially in the months from July to October storm-like cool winds occur frequently. The headwind to the Maloja wind is the Brüscha. It blows up the valley depending on the sun. This is due to the effect that the mountains at altitude have a longer solar radiation than the valleys. The Brüscha is rather weak because of the width of the Upper Engadine valley.