Switzerland | Engadine Trek

This is Switzerland with a Roman flavor.

"To say the least, we had an absolutely wonderful, spectacular, and enjoyable time from top to bottom. All the hikes were really excellent. The accommodations were also top rate and the whole program exceeded our expectations. We will definitely consider other trips with Ryder-Walker.”- Doug & Becky Obletz
"It came down to price and our discussions with Ryder-Walker representatives. They clearly understood where we were going, what we wanted and what we were capable of doing. Other companies did not have this grasp or knowledge of their respective options. All in all, the trip was fantastic and even better than advertised."- Matthew H.
"Outstanding itinerary: all the hikes were challenging but not excessive, and they were all distinctively different. 2. Outstanding accommodations: the inns we stayed in were extremely comfortable and appealing in their own way. We have been on different treks with different companies seven times, and this was the best."- David W.
"We had the most wonderful time. Over drinks one night we all said it was the best trip we’ve ever taken. Thank you so much for everything. Recommending it to other people and would like to do another one with you!"- Jessica Williams
"We quickly realized that working with Ryder-Walker made the trip so easy. There is no way we could have found all the right hotels and planned out a related series of hikes by ourselves. We are very happy we chose Ryder Walker. We signed up for a comfort level of 4 out of 4 and were more than pleased with the accommodations that were reserved for us!"- John C.
"I mostly just wanted to thank you all in person for our wonderful self-guided Engadine trip. Every single part of our trip was perfect, from the lodging to the food to the hiking, maps, trail directions and train schedules. Including the final hike into Soglio where the farmhouse restaurant was open and we got to stop for fresh goat cheese and bread -- then the owner took us out back to meet the goats. We loved every minute of this special trip and are thinking about Italy next. Thank you so much!"- Gail Johnston
"We love your personal knowledge of the areas, the great hotels and food and the helpfulness of your staff. I have used many of the major Adventure Travel companies and think you guys are the cats meow!"- Peter G.

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Trip Highlights:

Enjoy charming country inns and pleasant hikes.
Practice your Romansch, an ancient language with Roman roots.
Hike past lush, green valleys, snow-capped peaks and tumbling glaciers.

Retreat in time to another era and a place far away: the enchanted Inn River Valley. Time forgotten 17th 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. 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.

Throughout the week, you experience a range of accommodations, from first-class to old world hotels, and charming village inns. Favorites are the converted 17th century houses and inns along the way, our elegant hotel in Sils Maria, and our hotel in Soglio with its patio (great for dinner on a warm evening!) overlooking the Sciora range.

Learn more about the Eastern Swiss Alps-Engadine destination

Trip Itinerary

Choose from our standard itinerary or customize the trek by adding or subtracting days.

Day 1 - Arrive in Scuol

Transfer to Scuol. Overnight in a charming inn in two converted 17th century patrician homes.

Day 2 - Scuol to Guarda

Ride the Motta Naluns cable car and enjoy a level walk to a beautiful summer alp called Prui. Descend into the Val Tasna and enjoy a picnic surrounded by stunning larch pine and majestic peaks. Continue to the ancient hill town turned artist colony, Guarda.

Distance: up to 12 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1300/2970 ft.

Day 3 - Guarda Loop Hike

Exit the high end of town and wander up the charming Val Tuoi. This verdant valley terminates at the Austrian border. The iconic Piz Buin towers over the head of the valley, above your destination the Chamanna Tuoi. The Chamanna Tuoi serves outstanding anf classic, fresh hut fare from its delightful location among sparkling green meadows. Return on a forested trail on the south side of the valley.

Distance: 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2500 ft.

Day 4 - Guarda to Pontresina

A bit of train/funicular transport takes you to your trailhead at Muottas Muragl, where you climb to the Segantini hut and enjoy the finest views of the Engadine. Overnight in Pontresina, home of the late 12th century mountain church, Santa Maria, adorned with frescoes dating from the 13th century.

Distance: up to 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1500/3300 ft.

Day 5 - Pontresina to Sils Maria

A moderately strenuous day through larch forests and high meadows provides a sensational opportunity to view the sparkling lakes of the Engadine. Have lunch at an alpine lake, the Hahnensee, followed by a spectacular lakeside walk to Sils Maria. Overnight in a grand, old world hotel.

Distance: 10.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2500 ft.

Day 6 - Piz Lunghin

While there are several options for the day, the goal is to reach the lake below the Piz Lunghin as well as the summit itself! On this route, you get to take in one of finest viewpoints of the stunning, steep terrain of the Bregaglia. Return to Sils and your elegant hotel.

Distance: up to 8.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: up to 3540/3400 ft.

Day 7 - Sils Maria to Soglio

Strike out on a rough-hewn Roman road; an ancient path connecting long-deserted farming hamlets of the Val Bregaglia. The magnificent granite spires of the Bregaglia tower all around as you wind your way into Italian-speaking Soglio, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved historic villages located anywhere in the Alps.

Distance: 7.25 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1170/2290 ft.