At a glance
- Well-known lakes
- Lake Sils, Lake Silvaplana, Lake St. Moritz, Lake Staz (Lej da Staz)
- Best swimming season
- July–August
- Altitude
- approx. 1,770–1,810 m above sea level
- Family-friendly
- Lake Staz (shallow shore, easy to reach)
The valley of the lakes
The Upper Engadine is not called the “valley of the lakes” for nothing. A chain of glittering mountain lakes runs through the high valley, from Maloja to Celerina. Some invite you to swim in high summer, others are above all dreamlike hiking destinations with mirror-smooth surfaces in the morning light. Here are the finest – and what you should keep in mind.
Lake Staz – the swimming lake
Lej da Staz between Celerina and St. Moritz is the most popular bathing lake in the region. Nestled in the fragrant Staz forest of stone pines and larches, it becomes pleasantly warm in high summer – unusual for a mountain lake. Meadows along the shore, a restaurant and its easy accessibility on foot or by bike make it the perfect family destination. Even the path through the forest is worth a little walk.
Lakes Sils and Silvaplana – the great ones
The two large lakes near Sils and Silvaplana shape the landscape at the upper end of the valley. Lake Silvaplana is a world-famous wind spot for windsurfers and kiters, while Lake Sils enchants with the Chastè peninsula and the lakeside paths where Friedrich Nietzsche once walked. Swimming is possible, but the water stays cool. A boat trip on the historic passenger vessel on Lake Sils is one of the region’s finest experiences.
Hahnensee and Lej Marsch
Smaller destinations for hikers: the Hahnensee high above St. Moritz Bad and the Lej Marsch between St. Moritz and Champfèr. Both are rewarding destinations for a half-day tour, quietly located and scenically charming. The Hahnensee requires a little fitness, while the Lej Marsch is manageable for families too.
High-alpine lakes
Those who climb higher find silent mountain lakes such as the Lej da Diavolezza in the glacier realm or the remote Lais da Macun, a plateau of lakes above Lavin in the national park – crystal clear, cold and untouched. Here it is not the swimming that counts but the silence and the magnificent high-mountain backdrop. Such tours need good planning and sure-footedness.
The lakes in the morning light
When the air is still, the mountains reflect perfectly in the smooth surface – a treat for photographers. Rising early pays off: in the first light the water is often smooth as glass, and a mood hangs over the lakes that shapes the whole day. Lake Staz and Lake Sils are especially rewarding subjects.
Tips for swimming
Mountain lakes stay cool even in high summer, with Lake Staz the warmest exception. Bring sun protection – at altitude the UV radiation is intense. Respect nature reserves, especially in and around the national park, and leave no litter behind. That way the beauty of the Engadine lakes is preserved. Excursions from Bever
More inspiration in the Journal – or view the holiday apartments and check availability.
