96 Things to Do in Engadine 2025

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 world-renowned for its top-notch hotels, lifestyle, and a comprehensive range of sports activities all year round. This trendy place by Lake St. Moritz brings glamour to the Engadin mountain landscape as a luxurious holiday destination. At the same time, the historic center still radiates its charm. Numerous destinations in the Engadin, including the nearby lakes of Silsersee and Silvaplanersee, are easily reachable from here.

Pontresina

Pontresina sits at the foot of the Bernina Pass. Traditional Engadin stone houses with beautifully decorated facades characterize the village, which is also known for its many hotels from the Belle Époque. Numerous excursions can be made from Pontresina. Whether it's a ride on the Rhaetian Railway over the Bernina Pass to the Puschlav, an alpine high tour on Piz Palü, or a visit to the crystal-clear Lago Bianco.

La Punt

The sun-kissed village of La Punt was named "Swiss Village of the Year" in 2021. The historic and distinctive houses played a significant role in this recognition. A bridge connects La Punt with Chamues-ch and served as an important transport hub and trading place at the foot of the Albula Pass. Today, La Punt is a more tranquil place with great opportunities for biking, road cycling, or inline skating. In winter, winter hiking trails and cross-country ski tracks are prepared.

Madulain

This small municipality with just 230 inhabitants is home to the largest castle complex in the Upper Engadin. The ruins of Guardaval were built in the 13th century and are the most notable feature of Madulain.

The village is an oasis in the Maloja area. Calm and idyllic by the Inn, you'll find time for walks, bike tours, or horseback rides. Here too, typical Engadin houses and a Romanesque daily culture await you.

Zuoz

The village of Zuoz is known for having the most beautiful scenery in the Upper Engadin, featuring its well-preserved Romanesque village character. Mysterious alleys and proud patrician houses invite exploration. Despite a strong sense of tradition, Zuoz offers a wealth of leisure activities, and with the highest-altitude coffee roastery in Europe, culinary delights are proudly represented as well.

Lower Engadine

The Lower Engadine stretches from S-Chanf to the border town of Martina. Along with the Val Müstair and Samnaun, it forms the district of Inn.

Zernez

Zernez is known as the gateway to Switzerland's only national park. Numerous hiking trails start here, leading into this beautiful protected area, perfect for one- or multi-day hikes. In Zernez, you'll find the national park visitor center, which provides all the information you might need. Zernez is also a great starting point for exploring the Three Borders region of Switzerland – Italy – Austria or the Münstertal.

Susch

Susch is a typical Engadine village, renowned as a transport hub at the foot of the Flüela Pass. One main attraction of the village is the Muzeum Susch. Established in 2019, the museum is located on the grounds of a medieval monastery, where 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

When it comes to the Romansh language and living culture, Ardez is the model village in the Engadin. Many impressive farmhouses have been renovated and preserved. The houses in Ardez feature elements like bay windows, vaulted doorways, Swiss stone pine rooms, and deep window rows. Furthermore, sgraffito is an integral part of the local architecture. This is the craft that adorns the Engadin houses.

Scuol

Like many Engadin villages, Scuol is known for its impressive stone houses decorated with sgraffito. However, the true highlight of Scuol lies in the twenty mineral springs that originate here. Ten of these are used for drinking cures, the thermal bath, and carbonation baths. Thus, Scuol has become a true wellness oasis in the Engadin. But it’s also a fantastic base for outdoor activities of all kinds throughout the year.

Sent

A unique feature of Sent is the curved roof gables, also known as Senter Giebel. This style of roof was brought to Sent by craftsmen from the Upper Inn Valley in South Tyrol in the late 18th century.

The village is situated in a sunny location with great views, just above Scuol. A prominent feature of Sent is the impressive village fountain located in the center of the village square. This is where life unfolds, and if you want to get a feel for the everyday Romanesque life, a stay near the fountain is the perfect choice.

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 the Engadin

Swiss National Park

Hiking in the National Park:

The only national park in Switzerland is located in the Engadin and is a paradise for nature and wildlife observation. You can explore the park at an altitude between 1,400 and 3,200 m above sea level, thanks to a network of around 100 km of trails. Don’t forget to bring snacks, hiking gear, and binoculars!

Swiss Activities Tip:

Before your hike, visit the National Park Centre in Zernez to gather all the important information about the park. You can find out more about the national park here.

Wildlife Observation:

Guided excursions increase your chances of spotting animals and learning a lot about them at the same time. For instance, you can learn about the red deer, the bearded vulture, or the Nutcracker, which is the symbol animal of the national park and can also be found in its logo. The National Park Centre in Zernez especially focuses on offers for families and children.

Staying Overnight in the National Park:

The only places to stay overnight are Chamanna Cluozza – which you can reach on foot from Zernez in three hours or from the Ofen Pass – and the Hotel Parc Naziunal il Fuorn located along the Ofen Pass road.

Sur En

The area around Sur En near Scuol offers a wealth of opportunities for a day or several 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 lies the campsite with the restaurant Sper la Punt. The restaurant is the ideal starting point for various activities:

• Sculpture Path: Each year, dozens of national and international artists come to Sur En to create a sculpture over the course of a week. They usually make these from larch or marble. During this week, the scent and sound of chainsaws dominate the green area by the Inn. The objects are then installed in the forest around the campsite and are free to view. The circular path leads to the hamlet of Sur En and returns along an asphalt road to the restaurant Sper la Punt.

• Rope Park: Just a minute away from the restaurant, the trees are connected by wire ropes to a rope park. Since a storm in 2020, the park has been under reconstruction and currently offers four child- and family-friendly courses. Since 2022, the park is being expanded to nine courses and shines in a new splendor.

• • Archery: This extraordinary sport is available to you in Sur En. At the restaurant Sper la Punt, you will receive more information on how you can even make your own bow during a bow-making course.

• Limestone Kiln Chalchera Sur En: This limestone kiln, built in 1913, was restored in 1988 and has since been fired up several times to keep this old craft alive.

• Hiking Val d’Uina: About 200 meters after the wooden bridge, you reach the actual hamlet of Sur En. From here, the path steadily rises until after about two hours the hiking trail leads through a spectacular 600-meter-long rock gallery. The hike can be continued to the Italian border and to the Sesvenna Hut. Alternatively, after the gallery, you can climb 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 railway line and is operated by one of Switzerland's five major and well-known panoramic trains. The Bernina line starts in St. Moritz, then climbs up the Bernina Pass with a gradient of up to 7%, reaching the summit at Ospizio Bernina at 2,253 m above sea level. The descent to Poschiavo takes you via Alp Grüm and Cavaglia, featuring impressive glacier mills.

If you want to see palms alongside the glaciers of the Alpine massif on the same day, a trip on the Bernina Express to Tirano is a great option.

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.

## Exploring the Engadin with the Graubünden Pass

The Graubünden Pass total and the Graubünden Pass South are valid throughout the Engadin. With the Graubünden Pass, you have the freedom to choose whether you want to travel for 2 days within one week or for 5 days within 2 weeks. With the total Graubünden Pass, you can also explore 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 3,451-meter high mountain in the Bernina group, is a popular destination in Silvaplana for summer and winter activities.

Corviglia

St. Moritz's local mountain faces south, making it particularly popular in winter due to its sun exposure. Corviglia gained fame through the Olympic Winter Games, which were held in St. Moritz twice in the first half of the 20th century. Here, you’ll find 160 kilometers of ski slopes in winter and a variety of biking trails and hiking paths 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 the Engadin

Paragliding in the Engadin

Paragliding is the perfect opportunity to take off and enjoy. Alongside its popularity with individual paragliding pilots, tandem flights have also secured a spot among the mountain sports activities in the Engadin. Depending on the season, bravery, and preferences, you can choose between calmer flights in winter or during the evening. Alternatively, you can look forward to longer cross-country or thermal flights, or even acrobatic flights.

The following locations are particularly suitable for paragliding:

From Muottas Muragl, you can admire the Engadin and its lakes at sunset. From Christmas to Easter, you can book a tandem flight in St. Moritz with either a delta glider or a paraglider. The launch is from Corviglia, either on skis or not, and you land on the frozen lake. Regularly, paragliding pilots take off with their guests from Motta Naluns above Scuol.

Hiking in the Engadine

The hiking trail network in the Engadine spans over 580 km, especially in the Upper Engadine. This means you’ll definitely want to bring your hiking boots. No matter where you are in the Engadine, hiking is always a great option.

Swiss Activities Hiking Tips:

• Val Sinestra near Sent: This trail leads from the Jugendstil spa Val Sinestra across several suspension bridges through the 2011 landscape to Zuort and continues towards Griosch until reaching the hamlet of Vnà.

• Via Engiadina: This multi-day hike along the Via Engiadina in the Lower Engadine covers six diverse stages from Zernez to Vinadi. The high trail guides you on the sunny side of the valley through historical villages, fragrant larch and stone pine forests, lush meadows, and past bubbling streams.

• Knee Pads: From Samedan, this path crosses the Val Champagna to Muottas Muragl, gaining 1,100 meters in altitude. The hike takes you over the high alpine stone desert of Piz Vadret, where you can enjoy the stunning panorama of the Engadine from the highest point. On the way down into the valley, you can ride down with the Muottas Muragl cable car to spare your knees.

The SAC Hiking Scale

The difficulty levels for mountain hiking paths are outlined in the SAC Hiking Scale. Before heading out, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with this scale. It is divided into 6 levels.

• T1 Hiking: marked in yellow, well signposted, doable with sneakers
• T2 Mountain Hiking: marked in red-white-red, continuous trail, sure footing required
• T3 Challenging Mountain Hiking: marked in red-white-red, mostly continuous trail, good sure footing and navigation skills necessary
• T4 Alpine Hiking: marked in blue-white-blue, trail not necessarily present, alpine experience, good sure footing and navigation skills required
• T5 Challenging Alpine Hiking: marked in white-blue-white, exposed, good mountain shoes and alpine experience necessary, basic skills in handling ice axes and ropes.
• T6 Difficult Alpine Hiking: often unmarked, frequently very exposed. Excellent navigation skills required. Exceptional alpine experience and familiarity with alpine technical equipment needed.

Forest Bathing and Mushrooming

A popular Engadin activity is wandering through the forests in the morning dew, taking in the tranquility and air while foraging for mushrooms. It’s the perfect blend of forest bathing and collecting. Remember that there’s a ban on collecting from the 1st to the 10th of the month, and each person may gather a maximum of 2 kg of mushrooms per day.

Biking and Cycling in the Engadin

The Engadin is an extremely mountain bike-friendly region. Over 400 km of pure riding pleasure awaits you here. For many years, the sport has been supported through collaboration with mountain railways, sports shops, and hotels. Considerable effort goes into the construction, signage, and maintenance of trails. For road cyclists, who prefer asphalt roads over rugged paths, mountain passes are particularly popular.

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, tu combines agility, skill, and strength across usually 15 stations in the great outdoors. Whether you're doing the scheduled exercises or jogging between the stations, the key here is to move in the fresh air. Typically, information boards and parking are available at vitaparcours locations.

In the Engadin, you'll find various parcours:

• St. Moritz: Start by the Catholic Church
• Celerina: Start at the bridge by the church of San Gian
• Maloja: Start at Creista by the lake
• Samedan: Start at the shooting range
• Pontresina: Start at Punt Ota
• Zernez: Start at the shooting range
• Sent: Start 2.5 km outside the village towards Val Sinestra

Rafting Engadin

White-water rafting became popular in the 1980s and was introduced as a commercial recreational activity, becoming known as rafting. The Engadin, especially the Inn, ranks highly among white-water sports enthusiasts in Europe. In this region, there are numerous rafting options available for cautious beginners as well as for experienced rafters looking for a more challenging experience.

Giarsun Gorge

The Giarsun Gorge, rated a level 4 on the white-water scale, is often regarded as the best rafting tour in Switzerland. Various providers offer tours through the gorge, lasting around five hours, including instruction, changing, and transfers to and from the launch site.

You’ll spend about two hours on the river, marveling and paddling along the stretch between Susch and Ardez. It’s a genuine rafting experience that offers an impressive adventure at a moderate level. You need to be at least 14 years old and a good swimmer for this tour.

Scuol

The rafting section at Scuol is a bit calmer than the Giarsun Gorge, which is why it’s usually chosen as an introductory tour in the combo offerings in the morning. But don’t worry: you won’t stay dry while tackling the key sections with adventurous names like "Northwall" or "Terminator."

Rafting for Kids

For kids aged 8 and up, there are calmer sections of the Inn River and its tributaries in the Engadin, which are beautifully scenic and provide lots of rafting fun. The tours are also financially family-friendly.

Winter Activities in Engadin

Engadin is the perfect spot for a winter vacation. Every conceivable sport or activity associated with snow and ice thrives in the chilly temperatures of an Engadin winter. The flat valley floor, flanked by valleys and rising mountains, encourages a wide variety of winter offerings. This means you can easily go cross-country skiing in the horizontal and ice climbing in the vertical—all in one day.

Skiing and Snowboarding

350 kilometers across 88 runs in nine ski areas await snowboarders and skiers in the snow-secure Engadin. This is thanks to its elevation and the cold temperatures.

• Zuoz rightly enjoys a reputation as a family ski area in Engadin, while Corvatsch caters to adventurous souls looking for kickers, rails, and halfpipes.
• The ski area St. Moritz - Corviglia impresses with a snow park featuring 30 obstacles. The Funslope is perfect for trying out these challenges, with 600 m of steep curves, waves, and other playful elements.
• Freeriders and powder snow lovers gravitate to Lagalb and Diavolezza. Just be aware of the risks associated with this sport and undertake these adventures only with the right equipment and experience.
• If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, Maloja offers a charming and tranquil paradise for powder snow.
• Scuol is the only ski area in the Lower Engadin. The dream run in Scuol/Sent starts at 2,710 m above sea level and takes you off the beaten path to Sent at 1,430 m above sea level. The shuttle bus will bring you back to Scuol.

Ski Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking in the Engadin

In winter, many trails are prepared for walkers and hikers in the Engadin—some even in the ski areas. The fresh, clear air and the crunch beneath your feet accompany you along the marked winter hiking paths.

Snowshoeing is becoming increasingly popular. There’s something magical about moving through untouched deep snow. There are guided snowshoe tours available—even by moonlight—that come highly recommended.

If you plan to venture off the marked trails, make sure to gather the necessary knowledge about wildlife protection, navigation, avalanches, and weather conditions. Additionally, you shouldn’t skip proper equipment.

Swiss Activities Tips:

• Muottas Muragl: Here, you’ll find a shorter marked route of 3 km and a longer one of 7 km. In this area, you also have the opportunity to join an organized full moon snowshoe tour.

• Pontresina: The tranquil and enchanting Stazerwald Trail starts at the cross-country skiing center in Pontresina. In Stazerwald, you’re even allowed to leave the marked path and leave your tracks in the untouched snow.

• The moderately difficult Morteratsch Trail begins at the train crossing in Morteratsch and leads nearly 3 km to the glacier and back.

• A moderate path leads from Guarda to Alp Sura and back. While this trail isn’t groomed, it is signposted. Allow about three hours for this hike.

Be sure to inform yourself in advance about the rules of conduct while snowshoeing and about safety. For planning and on-the-go assistance, the SchweizMobil app is useful as it not only shows routes but also your position.

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.

Explore the God Tamangur

The God Tamangur is the highest contiguous larch forest in Europe. Just like in the nearby national park, no trees are cut down here and fallen ones are left as they are. Nature takes care of itself in this area.

Alongside the larches, some of which are several hundred years old, you can also find larch and juniper growing in the underbrush. Surrounded by a peatland protection area, this nature reserve is unique in Switzerland. The best way to reach God Tamangur is by hiking from S-Charl to Lü. You can easily get to these starting points by Postbus.

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 along the Via Gastronomica in Sils

This journey is truly special in the Engadin. At the Corvatsch-Furtschellas valley station, you can buy a voucher booklet, valid for the cable car ride to the middle station and for three restaurant visits along a hiking route of your choice. You’ll enjoy breakfast or an appetizer at the mountain restaurant La Chüdera, have your main course at the Hotel Sonne Fex, and save room for dessert, which awaits you at the Hotel Seraina in Sils-Maria.

Make sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring a water bottle for this two to four-hour tour. From Fex Platta, you have the option of getting a horse-drawn carriage to Sils-Maria for dessert.

The price for the voucher booklet, which includes meals and the cable car ride, is 60 CHF.

Learn more on a village tour

Do you have a favorite village in the Engadin? If so, a village tour is a great opportunity to learn more about it. Almost every Engadine village offers tours led by locals who are eager to share their beloved home with you.

Treat yourself to a dessert buffet in Val Roseg

Val Roseg is a popular destination in summer and winter, although not a hidden gem, it is a solid recommendation for all ages and all seasons. Whether you are walking, riding in a horse-drawn carriage, or mountain biking, the most famous dessert buffet in the Engadine at the Roseg Glacier restaurant awaits you with its homemade delicacies.

Drink carbonated mineral water straight from the village fountain

If you find yourself passing by a village fountain with two taps in Scuol, then you are at the source. Here, mineral water flows directly from the faucet, allowing you to fill your bottle and experience the freshness of this Engadine mineral water.

The following mineral springs supply their water to the Scuol village fountains:

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

Events and festivals in the Engadine

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

Events in St. Moritz

• Snow Polo World Cup: End of January
• White Turf: the traditional horse race on the frozen St. Moritz Lake takes place every February
• British Classic Car Meeting: This event is a highlight for fans of classic cars from Great Britain. It is scheduled for July.
• Festival da Jazz: This small but fine festival takes place in July and August for nearly a month.
• Engadine Festival: Every summer, a high-profile classical music festival is held in St. Moritz for about two weeks.

Events in the Engadine and the Bergell

Take a look behind the facades of outstanding buildings from various time periods. The Opendoors Engadin takes place at the end of June. Admission is free.

Events in the Lower Engadine

In the Lower Engadine, there are a whole series of sports and smaller cultural events. Here you can find the current events.

Two highlights from the calendar are:

• It is March 1st, which means it is Chalandamarz. The ringing of cowbells, crackling whips, and children in blue shirts with scarves and red pointed hats are the hallmarks of this traditional event. It is an old custom that marks the beginning of spring.

• At the Bergbierfestival Tschlin, Swiss mountain brewers who produce with mountain spring water and above 1000 m.a.s.l. meet every autumn. For non-brewers, there is a hiking tasting.

Food and Drink in the Engadine

Gasthaus Krone in La Punt

The Arven menu at the Hotel Gasthaus Krone is awarded by the Michelin Guide and has 15 Gault-Millau points. Chef Andreas Martin conjures up delicious dishes from Arven nuts, providing 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.