Hiking - Explore the endless hiking opportunities offered by the 580 km network of varied and scenic trails.
The contrasts that characterise this region are bewitching: gently sloping hills draped with lush alpine meadows stand close by mighty glaciers and towering snow-capped peaks. The idyllic trails in the valley, along the famous Engadin lakes, are particularly well suited to families with young children, as they take pushchairs comfortably.
Those preferring something more ambitious can make for one of the four hiking areas served by funiculars, cable cars, chairlifts and gondolas: Corviglia/Piz Nair, Corvatsch/Furtschellas, Diavolezza and Muottas Muragl/Alp Languard. All offer richly varied hikes high up, with spectacular panoramic views. Anyone keen on bagging an alpine summit or two, meanwhile, is spoilt for choice: with numerous peaks of over 3000 metres, the Upper Engadin offers an exceptional variety of high-mountain thrills.
Mountain biking - Enjoy high thrills on more than 400 km of varied trails of all difficulty levels.
From leisurely family rides to challenging day tours, the mountain biking in the Engadin mountains is gloriously varied and accessible. More than 400 km of bike routes of all levels of difficulty stretch out through the sublime mountain scenery. Signposted bike trails on broad forest lanes as well as twisting singletrack trails offer thrilling rides and breathtaking views. Meanwhile, the Engadin St.Moritz holiday region is constantly improving its trails and facilities for mountain bikers – of course in a sensitive way, in harmony with nature.
On the water
- Sailing and windsurfing - The Upper Engadin offers unforgettable thrills for sailors and windsurfers thanks to the spectacular mountain setting at 1800 metres and the glorious wind conditions.
- Kitesurfing - Among aficionados, the quality of kitesurfing on offer at Lake Silvaplana has long been an open secret. The dependable Maloja wind makes for speeds of up to 80 kph, jumps as high as 30 metres, and flights lasting up to 20 seconds.
- Swimming - Alongside the four large, well-known lakes in the valley floor, the Upper Engadin has several smaller mountain lakes hidden in the forest that make for an inviting swim on hot summer days. The Lägh da Cavloc near Maloja, for example, offers a wonderfully refreshing dip after a hike. Especially charming are the peacefully located Lej Nair, whose surface mirrors the massif of the Piz Corvatsch, and the popular Lej Marsch, which lies just below the Lej Nair: with water temperatures of 20 to 21 degrees it is highly popular with both swimmers and sunworshippers. A particular attraction for bathers is the Lej da Staz, with its atmospheric wetland meadows and reed beds. Also popular are the golf lakes just outside Samedan: with temperatures of 19 to 20 degrees, they offer fun swimming for the whole family.
- Canyoning and hydrospeed - Sliding through rapids, leaping over waterfalls, abseiling down cascades: canyoning offers a unique bundle of thrills.
- Fishing - From the beginning of May to mid-September, a day- or weekly permit allows you to fish in tranquil mountain lakes or from the banks of the river Inn for mountain trout, grayling, char and more.
Golf - Vive la différence! Within a 30 km area lie four golf courses that demand four different approaches to your day’s golfing.
- Samedan - This classic golf course is the oldest in Switzerland, and one of the oldest in continental Europe. The 18-hole championship course (par 72) with a length of 6217 metres offers thrills for every golfer. The Engadin Golf Center academy offers individual and group tuition for all levels of ability. Carts and trolleys can be hired; caddies are available on request.
- Zuoz-Madulain - Just a short way down the valley lies the newest addition to Engadin’s golfing scene: the Zuoz-Madulain course, which opened in 2003. The 18-hole championship course (par 72) enjoys an idyllic alpine setting, and over a length of 6007 metres offers great variety. Facilities include a restaurant, pro shop, the Engadin Golf Center academy providing individual and group tuition for all levels of ability, chipping and putting area, and driving range with 40 tees, part-covered. Carts and E-trolleys are available for hire.
- Sils/Margna - The Sils/Margna practice course (3 holes, par 6) offers experienced and aspiring golfers alike outstanding training opportunities in an exclusive setting.
- Kulm Golf - In the summer of 2001, the historic greens of the Kulm Park were redesigned by the St.Moritz golf architect Mario Verdieri and the Kulm Hotel. The new 9-hole Kulm Golf Course (par 27) is beautifully laid out on landscaped terrain, comprising short distances but offering challenges for every golfer. Beginners can enjoy their first golf experiences on the driving range, with 16 tees, and on the pitching and putting greens; the Kulm Golf Academy offers individual and group tuition for beginners as well as more advanced players. The course is reserved for experienced golfers.
Families - Engadin St. Moritz is the ideal holiday destination for the whole family. Nature offers outdoor playgrounds for big and small. Engadine has everything for families, from an adventure course to a family bathing area and Ferien(s)pass holiday pass events.
National Park - An absolute must during any summer holiday in the Engadin is a visit to the Swiss National Park. Covering an area of 170 sq. km, the country’s only national park comprises a particularly impressive stretch of alpine landscape that supports a rich flora and fauna. The Swiss National Park is home to 30 species of mammal and more than 100 species of bird, as well as an astonishing variety of plant life – more than 650 species in all. The Swiss National Park is also superb hikingterrain, full of opportunities to discover local wildlife. More than 20 trails lead into the heart of this enchanting, unspoilt natural wilderness.
more information ENGADIN St. Moritz Website
Photo: ENGADIN St.Moritz, swiss-image.ch/Daniel Martinek (Golf) & Alta Rezia/Stefan Eisend (Bike)