Switzerland | Easygoing Engadine
A gentler version of the Engadine Trek.
Trip Highlights:
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Walk through time-forgotten villages and quiet forests.
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Picnic amongst beautiful mountain lakes.
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Photograph glaciers, snowcapped peaks and cute chalets huddled in pastoral valleys.
Retreat in time to another era and a place far away: the enchanted Inn River Valley. Time forgotten 16th century villages, with their fascinating architecture, cling to the hillsides, and numerous ruins and a castle mark the valley’s importance through the medieval period and Hapsburg Empire. Above the valley the peaks of the Silvretta, Lischana, and Bernina ranges soar. This trek follows the length of the Inn River through Switzerland, from near the Austrian border to that of Italy.
Staying in the most charming villages and following a gentle to moderate route toward the south, you pass from the gentler terrain of the lower Engadine, with its flower filled meadows, to the upper Engadine, with its majestic, glaciated peaks, and the wild and dramatic Val Bregaglia and its piercing granite spires.
A flexible inn-to-inn itinerary allows for both gentler and more strenuous hiking options. You walk alongside some of the region’s sparkling meadows, and hike to a number of mountain restaurants where the views compete with the cuisine for attention. Hikers should be prepared for a week of spectacular hiking and the hospitality of Engadine innkeepers who pride themselves on their historic inns, quaint villages, and unique cultural heritage.
The lower Engadine is a lovely region featuring meadows bursting with wildflowers, numerous ruins, some dating to the bronze age, and an up-close view of the rare Romansch culture, a remnant from the Roman Empire. The language most closely resembles Latin, and the natives, who are fiercely proud of their tiny culture, make up only one percent of the Swiss population.
In the upper Engadine, the Swiss have developed an extensive trail and lift system, and built a number of resort villages with every convenience and amenity. Take advantage of this alpine Disneyland by riding a few of the lifts, which start and/or finish some of your hiking days. You also visit a couple of wonderful high alpine restaurants, as well as some of the finest picnic spots you will ever encounter.
Trip Elevation
Trip Itinerary
Choose from our standard itinerary or customize the trek by adding or subtracting days.
Transfer independently to Scuol, the home of both modern and ancient Irish/Roman baths – an extensive spa complex.
A short bus ride takes you to the tiny hillside hamlet of Vna. Lovely farm roads lead into single track as you descend to the mysterious Kurhaus Val Sinestra. Farm roads and trails lead to the town of Sent. Bus or walk back to Scuol.
Distance: 5.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 650/1250 ft.
Start with another short bus ride to the chairlift at Ftan. Ride the lift and hike across lovely open alpine ground to Alp Laret, an active dairy and simple restaurant. Descend to Alp Valmalla and wander down the Val Tasna to historic Ardez. Short train/van ride to Guarda or walk.
Distance: up to 8.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 750/2500 ft.
Begin today’s hike directly from your hotel in Guarda. Follow a quiet country road through the hamlet of Bos-Cha before descending on grassy trails toward the valley floor. The path winds through alpine meadows with sweeping views of the turquoise En River, leading you to the charming village of Lavin. Stop at the local Volg market before catching the train back to Guarda.
Distance: 4.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 500/1200 ft.
Transfer by train to Zuoz and hike along the Via Engiadina, the same trail as your first hike, except now you are in the heart of the Upper Engadine. Ascend on cobblestones out of Zuoz and traverse farm roads to forested trails above the hamlet of La Punt. From here continue traversing the Via Engiadina to Bever where you will connect for a quick train transfer back to Zuoz.
Distance: 6.6 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1450 ft.
Distance: 7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1200/1400 ft.
Transfer to the Muottas Muragl funicular and then hike high above Pontresina on the Panoramaweg, German for scenic path, to the top of the Alp Languard lift. Stop along the way for a picnic or hut lunch with stunning views over the Engadine Valley and the Piz Languard. Ride the lift down to Pontresina. Stunning views across the valley to the Piz Bernina await!
Distance: 4.2 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 550/1050 ft.
Perhaps the gentlest day of the trip is a rewarding way to finish. The Val Roseg is as spectacular as any in the Alps. Ringed by high glaciated peaks, the ascent of the valley is without obstacles, so you can keep your eyes on the heights! A network of serpentine and forested trails returns you to Pontresina and your superb hotel.
Perhaps the gentlest day of the trip is a rewarding way to finish. The Val Roseg is as spectacular as any in the Alps. Ringed by high glaciated peaks, the ascent of the valley is without obstacles, so you can keep your eyes on the heights! A network of serpentine and forested trails returns you to Pontresina and your superb hotel.
Note: To shorten the hike by 2 miles, take the train back to Pontresina.
Distance: up to 9.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 950 ft.
Trip Rating
COMFORT
EFFORT
TERRAIN
Self-Guided Tour
June 15 – Mid October
9/10, 9/11 and 9/12 start dates unavailable.
Pricing
$3,595 per person double
Single (+$900)
Trip Map
Trip Profile
Duration
7 nights/8 days
Hiking up to 9.5 miles
Ascents up to 1450 ft.
Availability
June 15 – Mid October
Tour Package Includes
Accommodations
Breakfast and dinner daily
Custom route descriptions
Four-color topo maps
Travel instructions
Luggage transfers
Cultural information and more
Accommodations
7 nights first class country inns and old world hotels
Breakfast + Dinner
Breakfast and dinner are included daily.
Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfers are included daily.
Transportation
Taxi transfers and public transportation costs are not included in the trip price. If the itinerary includes public transportation, we provide timetables, schedules, and a link to purchase tickets if available.
Gateways
Zurich, Switzerland
