Information
Landmark: Engadine ValleyCity: Saint Moritz
Country: Switzerland
Continent: Europe
Engadine Valley, Saint Moritz, Switzerland, Europe
Overview
High in southeastern Switzerland, the Engadine Valley stretches between snow-dusted peaks of the Swiss Alps.This corner of the country bursts with color and tradition, framed by rugged cliffs, quiet stone villages, and trails that beckon in every season.The valley runs for more than 80 kilometers-about 50 miles-and splits into two distinct parts: the Upper Engadine, where the air feels crisp and bright, and the Lower Engadine.Notable features of the Engadine Valley include its glacial lakes and crisp mountain air.The Engadine Valley winds through Graubünden, one of Switzerland’s largest and most varied cantons, where jagged peaks frame clear, cold streams.Towering peaks from the Albula Alps, Bernina Range, and Livigno Alps rise on either side of the valley, which brims with alpine charm-clear lakes catching the light, swift rivers cutting through, and forests so thick the air smells of pine.The Engadine Valley sits at an average elevation of about 1,500 meters (4,920 feet), though peaks in the Upper Engadine climb far higher, catching wind and snow even in early autumn.Its history runs deep, shaped by Romansh-speaking communities and the pull of nearby Italian culture.In the Lower Engadine, you can still hear the lilting sound of Romansh-one of the few places in Switzerland where the language survives.You can see this cultural heritage in the region’s architecture, customs, and food.Traditional Engadine houses, with their ornate facades and bright wall murals, often have wide windows that flood the rooms with light.These houses use local stone and warm-toned wood, so they settle naturally into the alpine slopes.In the Upper Engadine, you’ll find St. Moritz-a world-famous resort where skiers carve fresh powder and spa visitors linger in the steam.For decades, St. Moritz has been a playground of luxury and glamour, where skiers carve fresh tracks on pristine, sunlit slopes.Lake St. Moritz, a sparkling gem in the Upper Engadine, has twice welcomed the Winter Olympics and still draws top athletes and travelers from every corner of the world.You’ll find plenty to do outdoors here-skiing fresh powder, carving down snowboard runs, hiking winding trails, or tackling rugged mountain bike paths.Just nearby, Pontresina draws visitors with its stunning scenery and serves as the perfect starting point for adventures into the Bernina Alps.You can hike forest trails, climb rugged cliffs, or ski down fresh powder.The Lower Engadine, less crowded than other regions, gives you a quieter, more authentic taste of traditional alpine life.The region is dotted with lovely villages like Scuol, Sent, and Zernez, each with a personality all its own.Scuol charms visitors with its cobbled old town, elegant hotels, and mineral springs whose faint sulfur scent has drifted through the air for centuries.Near Zernez, the Lower Engadine opens into the breathtaking Swiss National Park-the country’s first and largest-where rugged peaks and untouched valleys stretch for miles.The park shelters a lively mix of wildlife-ibexes scaling rocky slopes, red deer moving through sunlit meadows, marmots chirping from burrows, and golden eagles circling high above.The Engadine Valley, with its sweeping alpine views, feels like paradise for anyone who loves nature or craves the rush of outdoor adventure.In the valley, you can ski or snowboard through fresh powder in winter, then trade your boots for a bike or climbing gear when summer arrives.Hundreds of trails wind through alpine meadows, past glaciers, and alongside lakes so clear you can see every smooth stone on the bottom.The Bernina Express and Rhaetian Railway wind through the valley, offering train rides past glittering lakes and snow-dusted peaks.The area’s also known for world-class skiing, especially in the Upper Engadine near St. Moritz and Pontresina.In winter, you can hit the slopes for skiing or snowboarding, glide through pine-lined trails on cross-country skis, or crunch over fresh snow in snowshoes.The Corviglia ski area draws crowds with its mix of gentle runs and steep, powdery slopes for every level of skier or snowboarder.In the Lower Engadine, the Swiss National Park protects one of Europe’s last untouched landscapes, where pine-scented air drifts through silent valleys.The park’s perfect for wandering shady trails, catching sight of deer in the brush, and snapping a few crisp photos.Home to more than 80 kinds of mammals, 2,000 plant species, and around 100 types of birds, it’s a wild refuge where you might catch the flash of a red squirrel in the pines.The Engadine Valley also tempts the palate with a distinctive mix of Swiss, Italian, and Romansh flavors.Local fare leans on hearty alpine staples-cheese, potatoes, meats, and grains.One standout is Pizzoccheri, a buckwheat pasta layered with molten cheese, tender potatoes, and vegetables.For something sweet, try the rich, caramel-filled Engadine nut cake.This buttery shortcrust pastry, packed with caramelized nuts, sugar, and cream, melts sweetly on the tongue.Bündnerfleisch-thin slices of air-dried beef-is another local favorite, served with crusty bread or tucked into a hearty Swiss meal.The Bernina Express and the Rhaetian Railway wind through the Engadine Valley, revealing sweeping views of snow-dusted peaks and shimmering lakes.The Bernina Express links Chur with Tirano in Italy, winding past glaciers and stone viaducts on a UNESCO-listed route.The Glacier Express takes a different path, carrying passengers from Zermatt to St. Moritz through the broad, sunlit stretches of the Engadine Valley.The journey treats you to sweeping views of the Swiss Alps, glittering glaciers, and deep green valleys.Winter-from December to March-is perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and carving fresh tracks through the snow.The Upper Engadine is best known for its ski resorts and lively winter scene, but from June to September, the trails open for hiking, cycling, and soaking in the crisp mountain air.In summer, many trails open up under mild skies, perfect for a long hike past wildflower meadows.Spring and autumn bring fewer visitors, so you can wander the valley’s paths and villages in peace.The Engadine Valley blends postcard-worthy alpine scenery, deep-rooted traditions, and endless ways to explore the outdoors.Whether you’re chasing fresh powder on the slopes, trekking along alpine trails, or tasting cheese in a quiet mountain village, the Engadine offers something for every kind of traveler.
