The Engadin region: hiking and winter sports in the vast high-Alpine landscape

Contents:

• Villages & mountain resorts around St. Moritz: An introduction to the Engadin region

• Landscapes of the Engadin region: Vast expanses meet unspoilt nature

• Panoramic Views & Alpine Experiences: High-altitude hiking in the Engadin region

• Snow & elegance: Skiing and winter experiences in the Engadin region

• Lakes, railways & views: Day-trip destinations in the Engadin region

• Cuisine in the Engadin region: a blend of tradition and modernity

• Hotels in the Engadin: Stylish accommodation amidst mountains and lakes

• Getting there & getting about: Travelling in comfort in the Engadin region

• The best time to visit: The diverse Engadin region throughout the year

Villages & mountain resorts around St. Moritz: A gateway to the Engadin region

The classic starting point for exploring the Engadin region is St. Moritz – world-renowned for its elegant history, but also for its proximity to nature, which is never far away here. Even a stroll along Lake St. Moritz or a ride on the mountain railway offers a glimpse of the high-alpine landscape. For those looking to stay in a central location, this is the ideal gateway to the Engadin region – with culture, panoramic views and mountain air all within easy reach.

Things are a little quieter in Pontresina, at the foot of the Bernina range. The village has a more unspoilt feel and is particularly popular with hikers who wish to set off directly from the village streets into glacial valleys such as the Morteratsch area. Pontresina combines alpine tradition with a tranquil, crisp atmosphere.

Sils in the Engadin, nestled between lakes and larch forests, is also a charming addition to the region. The village is regarded as a peaceful retreat and the gateway to Val Fex – perfect for anyone wishing to experience the Engadin in a mindful, quieter way, close to nature.

Landscapes of the Engadin region: vastness meets unspoilt beauty

The Engadin region thrives on a landscape that almost resembles a stage: large lakes such as Lake Sils or Lake Silvaplana open up the view into the distance, whilst in the background the four-thousand-metre peaks of the Bernina range slowly come into view. The interplay of light and altitude is particularly striking – larch forests, moorland and glaciers are often just a few minutes apart, creating an alpine atmosphere that feels both crisp and gentle.

In Val Roseg, you can feel this unspoilt character particularly keenly as the path leads ever deeper into the valley and the peaks draw nearer. The Morteratsch area, with its view of the Morteratsch Glacier, also showcases the Engadin from its high-Alpine side: vast, tranquil and awe-inspiring – a place where the landscape sets the pace.

Panoramic Views & Alpine Adventures: High-altitude hiking in the Engadin region

In summer, hiking is an integral part of the Engadin region. The trails are superbly maintained, often set in spectacular locations yet still easily accessible – sometimes winding alongside lakes, sometimes through fragrant larch forests, and sometimes offering sweeping views of the Bernina peaks. It is precisely this mix of gentle valley trails and high-alpine vistas that makes hiking here so special.

Highly recommended:

• Val Fex near Sils: a tranquil high valley that, with its unspoilt nature and vast meadows, seems almost timeless

• Muottas Muragl Panorama Trail: One of the most beautiful vantage points over the Upper Engadine, particularly in the early morning

• Walk to Lej da Staz: An easy forest and lakeside trail near St. Moritz, ideal for a peaceful break by the water

• Val Roseg to the Coaz Hut: Impressive, high-alpine yet well within reach, accompanied by the feeling of delving ever deeper into the mountains

Here, it’s less about setting records and more about finding your rhythm: step by step through a landscape that offers space – for vastness, for silence and for the simple joy of being on the move.

Snow & Elegance: Skiing & Winter Experiences in the Engadin Region 

In winter, the Engadin region is transformed into one of Switzerland’s most diverse winter sports destinations. The combination of high altitude and plenty of sunny days ensures stable conditions and a special clarity in the air – that typical Engadin light which makes even cold days seem mild. Amidst frozen lakes, snow-covered forests and the peaks of the Bernina, a winter wonderland emerges that remains both elegant and unspoilt.

Here are some winter highlights in the Engadin region:

• Corviglia ski resort above St. Moritz: The region’s best-known ski resort, situated in a sunny location with wide runs that wind elegantly down the slopes. From the top, an impressive panorama of lakes and peaks unfolds, ideal for enjoyable days on the slopes.

• Diavolezza: Spectacular high-alpine scenery, with direct views of the Bernina peaks and the Pers Glacier. Up here, winter is particularly striking – rugged yet fascinatingly vast.

• Cross-country skiing on the Engadin trail: One of the most beautiful routes in the Alps, leading across frozen lakes and through tranquil forests. In the morning in particular, a special tranquillity often descends upon the landscape.

• Winter walking in Val Bever: An unspoilt valley away from the major tourist attractions, perfect for peaceful winter hours. The trails lead through snow-covered forests and repeatedly open up views of the high-Alpine expanse.

Here, winter sports often feel less boisterous and more seamlessly integrated into the landscape – as a natural part of this tranquil winter world.

Lakes, railways & views: places to visit in the Engadin region 

As well as hiking trails and ski runs, the Engadin also offers places to visit that combine nature and culture in a particularly beautiful way. Often, a short train journey or a stroll is all it takes to gain new perspectives on lakes, glaciers and villages with centuries of history.

Don’t miss:

• A journey on the Bernina Express over the Albula and Bernina Passes – one of the most impressive panoramic routes in the Alps, where viaducts, tunnels and vast mountain landscapes combine to create an almost cinematic journey.

• Lej da Silvaplauna – particularly atmospheric in windy weather and evening light, when the sky and mountains are reflected in the water and the lake exudes an almost meditative tranquillity.

• The view from the Diavolezza mountain station – high-alpine vistas overlooking the Bernina range and the Pers Glacier, a place where the sheer scale of the Alps becomes palpable.

• A stroll through historic Guarda, a picture-postcard Engadin village with ornate sgraffito houses, narrow alleyways and the sense that tradition has remained alive here to this day.

These places demonstrate just how diverse the region is, even off the beaten track – at times spectacular, at times tranquil, but always characterised by that special Engadin clarity.

Cuisine in the Engadin region: where tradition meets modernity

Culinary-wise, the Engadin region combines alpine tradition with modern flair. You’ll often find yourself sitting in a wood-panelled parlour or on a sun-drenched terrace overlooking lakes and mountain peaks, and you’ll feel that here, too, culinary delights are part of the landscape. Typical dishes include hearty classics such as capuns, pizzoccheri or a warming barley soup, accompanied by regional specialities such as mountain cheese, dried meat and the famous Engadin nut cake.

Special venues that beautifully combine atmosphere and cuisine:

• Chesa Veglia, St. Moritz – a historic Engadin house with several dining rooms under one roof. In the Patrizier Stuben, Graubünden classics such as capuns or game dishes are served in style, whilst the popular Pizzeria Heuboden offers wood-fired pizza and Italian specialities in an old hayloft setting. A place that beautifully combines tradition with moments of pure enjoyment.

• Hotel Walther Restaurant, Pontresina – renowned for its warm atmosphere and cuisine that puts a modern spin on regional ingredients. Ideal for those looking to unwind and enjoy a high-quality meal after a day’s hiking.

• Laudinella Stüva, St. Moritz – a cosy spot serving modern Graubünden cuisine, often accompanied by a beautiful view of the valley. Here, tradition meets a pleasantly light culinary style.

• Restaurant Talvo by Dalsass, St. Moritz-Champfèr – creative, precise and unique: a place for delightful evenings where Alpine produce is reimagined in surprising ways.

This is how the Engadin cultivates a culinary scene that remains down-to-earth yet never ceases to surprise – all whilst immersed in that characteristic high-alpine tranquillity.

Hotels in the Engadin: Stylish accommodation nestled between mountains and lakes

Whether a boutique hotel or an alpine retreat – accommodation in the Engadin is often characterised by wood, light and stunning views. Many establishments draw on Engadin architecture, combining it with modern comforts to create precisely the tranquil atmosphere that suits the region.

• Hotel Waldhaus, Sils Maria: A hotel steeped in tradition with quiet grandeur, situated high above Lake Sils. Its historic architecture, proximity to the forest and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal retreat for anyone wishing to experience the Engadin in a classic, nature-oriented way.

• Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Pontresina: A truly luxurious hotel with Belle Époque charm, a spacious spa and views of the Bernina peaks. Here, wellness, elegant service and alpine mountain air combine to create delightful days filled with tranquillity.

• Nira Alpina, Silvaplana: A modern design hotel right by the lake and the mountain railway, featuring clean-lined architecture and plenty of light. Particularly appealing to active guests who want to set off into the mountains in the morning and unwind by the water in the evening.

• Hotel Laudinella, St. Moritz: A stylish hotel above the lake, renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and proximity to walking trails and cultural attractions. Ideal for anyone wishing to experience St. Moritz at a more leisurely pace – with beautiful views of the Upper Engadine.

What they all have in common is their proximity to the countryside – and that special Engadin atmosphere, where tranquillity, panoramic views and a touch of alpine altitude blend together quite naturally.

Getting there & getting around: Relaxed travel in the Engadin region 

Despite its high-alpine location, the Engadin region is easily accessible and a pleasure to explore once you’re there. It is precisely the combination of rail links, mountain railways and a well-developed public transport network that makes travelling here a relaxed experience – and often a more sustainable one too.

• Getting there: By train via Chur and along the impressive Albula line, or by car over the Julier Pass into the Upper Engadin

• Local public transport: PostBus and the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) provide reliable and regular connections between St. Moritz, Pontresina, Sils and many other destinations

• Mountain railways: Corviglia, Diavolezza and Muottas Muragl offer quick access to hiking trails, viewpoints and ski slopes.

• Engadin Inclusive Card: In St. Moritz and Pontresina, the Engadin Inclusive Card is included with stays of two nights or more at many hotels during the summer. It allows free travel on numerous mountain railways and public transport – ideal for getting around spontaneously and without queuing.

• Ski passes: For days out skiing around St. Moritz, there are regional ski passes offering access to Corviglia, Diavolezza and other areas in the Upper Engadine. Day passes and multi-day passes are a practical choice depending on the length of your stay.

• Apps: SBB Mobile and the Engadin App provide help with timetables, walks, events and ideas for spontaneous day trips

This leaves more time for what really matters: getting out and about, taking in the sights, breathing deeply – and enjoying the vastness of this special region.

The best time to visit: The diverse Engadin region throughout the year

The Engadin region reveals a different side to itself in every season. It is precisely this alternation between high summer, golden autumn days and crisp winter weeks that gives the region its charm – and ensures that every visit feels different.

Spring: When the first meadows down in the valley begin to come to life, the peaks are often still covered in snow. It is a peaceful, crisp time for early hikes, for the fresh mountain air and for the gradual return of colour.

Summer: Hiking, lakes and long evenings characterise the warm season. The trails lead through larch forests, up to panoramic routes such as Muottas Muragl and time and again to the water’s edge – ideal for alpine adventures with sweeping views.

Autumn: The Engadin then glows golden. The larch trees change colour, the air grows cooler and the light becomes particularly atmospheric – one of the most beautiful times of year for peaceful days and clear, distant views.

Winter: Sun, snow and high-alpine expanses define the cold season. Days spent skiing on Corviglia, cross-country skiing across the lakes and tranquil winter trails make the Engadin one of Switzerland’s most impressive winter destinations.

Thus, the Engadin region remains a place all year round that never needs to be loud to make a lasting impression – and which unfolds its own unique atmosphere in every season.

Conclusion: The Engadin region is not a destination you simply tick off your list. It leaves a lasting impression – in the vastness of the lakes, in the rhythm of the mountains, in this tranquil high-alpine atmosphere. Anyone travelling here takes away not just photographs, but a sense of space, clarity and alpine authenticity.