A Weekend Guide to the Engadine Valley in Switzerland (Autumn Edition)
Updated: Nov 12
Explore the enchanting Engadine Valley in Switzerland, nestled in the country's southeast corner, bordered by Italy and Austria. Known for its pristine landscapes, high-altitude beauty, and cultural richness, the Engadine Valley offers an ideal autumn escape. From scenic train rides and vibrant fall colors to charming towns and outdoor adventures, this guide will help you plan a memorable weekend trip.
Where is the Engadine Valley in Switzerland?
The Engadine Valley stretches along the winding River Inn, tucked between the borders of Italy and Austria. This high-altitude valley is divided into the Upper and Lower Engadine regions, each offering unique landscapes and experiences. Whether you’re drawn to the alpine peaks, blue lakes, or the cultural allure of Swiss mountain towns, the Engadine Valley offers a distinctly Swiss experience in a truly secluded corner of the Alps.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Winter – Famous for winter sports, especially around St. Moritz, with skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing trails aplenty.
Summer – Ideal for hikers, bikers, and lake lovers, with warm weather and abundant outdoor activities.
Autumn – A peaceful season with stunning fall colors, cool weather, and fewer tourists.
Spring – A refreshing time to visit, with blooming alpine flowers and mild weather for hiking and exploring.
Why Visit the Engadine Valley?
Autumn is an exceptional time to visit the Engadine Valley. With its majestic peaks, vibrant fall foliage, and peaceful mountain villages, the valley immerses you in the enchanting beauty of the Swiss Alps. Here are a few highlights:
Highest Valley in the Alps: As one of Europe’s highest valleys, the Engadine offers expansive vistas and a sense of tranquility unique to its high-altitude location.
Untouched Natural Beauty: The valley is home to clear blue lakes, ancient forests, and diverse wildlife, creating a pristine environment perfect for nature enthusiasts.
Rich Swiss Traditions: The Engadine region overflows with authentic Swiss architecture, hospitality, and cultural heritage, making it ideal for experiencing the heart of Alpine life.
How to Get to the Engadine Valley
By Train: The Bernina Express connects Chur to St. Moritz (Upper Engadine), passing through the spectacular Bernina Pass. For a quick journey to the Lower Engadine, consider the train from Klosters through the Vereina Tunnel to Scuol. Both routes offer stunning scenery and a comfortable alternative to driving.
By Car:
Depending on where you plan to stay:
Lower Engadine: Accessible via the Julier Pass or the Albula Pass, both featuring wide, well-maintained roads in summer. I’ve driven both passes and can confirm that they’re manageable for regular and slightly larger vehicles. The Albula Pass is especially scenic, inviting a stop in the beautiful town of Bergün (My favorite farm shop for buying local produce on my way home) as well as a stop at the iconic Landwasser Viaduct. Both passes also pass by Brienz/Brinzauls, where in 2023, a significant stone fall led to the entire town's evacuation. You can catch a glimpse of this geological event’s aftermath from the road, a sobering yet fascinating sight.
The famous Landwasser Viaduct: a short stop along the way via the Albula Pass." Upper Engadine: From Klosters or Davos, take the car train through the Vereina Tunnel or drive over the Flüela Pass.
If traveling from Italy, the Maloja and Bernina Passes are both good options.
Recommended Places to Stay
When visiting the Engadine, most people have only heard of St. Moritz. While St. Moritz is indeed a beautiful town, it is also very busy and lacks some traditional charm, as it was only founded in 1864 as a mountain resort. Hence, I try to avoid staying in St. Moritz. Here are my favorite towns and places to stay instead.
Silvaplana
A quieter town near St. Moritz with a lakeside setting, offering easy access to cycling paths and hiking trails. I recommand Conrad’s Mountain Lodge as a cozy base with convenient bus connections and lake views.
Beautiful Lake Silvaplana
Pontresina
Known for its small-town feel, Pontresina is a bit larger than Silvaplana and offers more dining and leisure options. Stay at Hotel Müller for its central location and access to nearby hiking trails and train connections.
Downtown Pontresina
Scuol
A charming town with a laid-back vibe, ideal for exploring the Upper Engadine. Hotel Bellaval, near the train station, offers convenient access to buses and trains, perfect for easy day trips around the region.
Beautiful Scuol
When planning your stay in Switzerland, it's advisable to check hotel websites directly before booking through third-party platforms. Swiss hotels are not obligated to offer their lowest prices on external sites, and booking directly often provides benefits such as better rates or complimentary breakfast.
Engadine Card
Tip: Check if your hotel provides the Engadine Card, an invaluable perk for travelers. The Engadine Card includes free access to public transport and mountain cable cars for guests staying one night or more. This card adds convenience and value, especially for those planning to explore multiple areas in the valley. If you’re booking an apartment through Airbnb or another rental platform, confirm with the host whether the Engadine Card is included, as it can make a significant difference in your travel budget and experience. For more information on guest cards in Switzerland, visit our article.
What to Do for a Weekend in the Engadine Valley
Muottas Muragl
Take a funicular ride up to Muottas Muragl for sweeping views of the Engadine Valley and its lakes. The summit has scenic hiking paths and a restaurant where you can enjoy the panorama.
Watching the sunset from Muottas Muragl is a magical experience, with the valley glowing in shades of gold and pink.
There are some great hikes leading back down into Pontresina, as well as a fantastic playground to enjoy along the way.
View from Muottas Muragl over the Engadine
Morteratsch Glacier
The end of the trail leads to the Morteratsch Glacier. Follow an interpretive trail to the face of Morteratsch Glacier, learning about its history and the effects of climate change.
Family-friendly and educational, this path has markers showing where the glacier once reached, making it both insightful and awe-inspiring.
A beautiful and easy hike to the glacier along wild rivers.
Bernina Express from St. Moritz
Travel the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express route over the Bernina Pass, known for breathtaking views of alpine peaks, lakes, and the Landwasser Viaduct.
The autumn landscape transforms this ride into a stunning display of golden larches and snow-dusted mountains.
Lake Silvaplana
Known for its tranquil setting and water sports, Lake Silvaplana is perfect for a leisurely hike or a day of windsurfing.
The lake’s calm waters mirror the surrounding mountains, providing a serene escape just a stone’s throw from St. Moritz.
Tax-Free Shopping in Livigno
Cross the border into Italy to visit Livigno, a tax-free shopping paradise with deals on everything from clothing to electronics.
Wander through quaint Italian streets lined with boutiques and cafes, offering a lively shopping experience with a cultural twist.
Scuol Thermal Baths
Unwind in the mineral-rich waters of the Scuol Thermal Baths, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and a Roman-Irish bath.
Perfect for relaxation, these thermal baths offer a tranquil experience amid the beautiful Engadine landscape.
Engadine Bike Path (Inn Valley Path)
Cycle along the Inn River, surrounded by breathtaking scenery as the path winds through small villages and open meadows.
Suitable for all fitness levels, this route is especially beautiful in autumn, with colorful foliage and crisp mountain air.
Schanff Valley (Val S-charl)
Discover the secluded Val S-charl near Scuol, an untouched valley known for its forests, streams, and wildlife, including ibex and red deer.
Take the bus from Scuol to the former mountaineering town of S-charl and hike up the valley. You can go as far as Tschierv in Val Müstair and then take the bus back to Scuol.
Beautiful Val S-charl is my favorite spot in the Engadine.
Lej da Staz (Lake of Staz)
Tucked between St. Moritz and Pontresina, this hidden lake offers a peaceful setting surrounded by forest.
In autumn, the golden leaves reflect beautifully on the water, creating a tranquil spot for a walk or picnic.
Val Roseg
Accessible from Pontresina, Val Roseg is an idyllic valley with trails for hiking, biking, or even horse-drawn carriage rides.
Follow the Roseg River, enjoying views of glaciers and the chance to dine at the Roseg Glacier Restaurant deep in the valley.
Diavolezza and Piz Palü
Take the cable car to Diavolezza, where you’ll be rewarded with close-up views of Piz Palü and the Bernina Range.
Known for its glacier-covered peaks, Diavolezza offers both thrilling hiking trails and an unbeatable autumn panorama over the Engadine.
Sils Maria
This quaint village by Lake Sils is steeped in cultural history and has inspired artists and writers like Friedrich Nietzsche.
Sils Maria is perfect for a leisurely day of exploring Swiss traditions, local galleries, and scenic lakeside walks.
Church San Gian in Celerina
If you’re exploring the Engadine Valley by bike, on foot, or by train, make time for a short stop at the Reformierte Kirche San Gian in Celerina.
This beautiful little church, perched on a hill between Celerina, Samedan, and Punt Muragl, dates back to the 15th century and is known for its intricate frescoes and hand-painted wooden ceiling.
For more inspiration and detailed hiking ideas, check out Engadine Tourism. Their site provides extensive information on trails, seasonal activities, and local events, making it an excellent resource for planning your trip.
Final Thoughts
The Engadine Valley in Switzerland is a hidden gem that shines brightest in autumn. With its mix of alpine adventure, cultural richness, and natural beauty, this valley promises an unforgettable weekend. From train journeys and scenic hikes to thermal baths and charming villages, Engadine offers a uniquely Swiss experience. Plan your next autumn escape to the Engadine Valley for a peaceful, adventure-filled getaway in one of Switzerland's most scenic regions.
For insights into another picturesque Swiss valley, explore our local's perspective on the Engelberg Valley.
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