When summer departs and the first nights bring frost, perhaps the most beautiful time of year begins in the Engadine: the larch autumn. The extensive larch forests around Bever then turn a glowing gold that forms an incomparable contrast with the deep blue autumn sky and the first snow caps on the peaks.
Golden autumn
- Best time
- Early to mid-October
- Special feature
- The larch is a conifer that turns golden
- Top spots
- Staz forest, Val Bever, lakeside paths at Lake Sils
- Bonus
- Clear air, few crowds, mild days
A rare natural spectacle
The larch is a special tree: it is the only native conifer that sheds its needles in autumn. Before that happens, the forests turn into golden cathedrals for a few weeks. The Upper Engadine, with its wide larch and stone-pine forests, is one of the most impressive places to experience this spectacle – a treat for hikers and photographers alike.
Hiking through golden forests
The quiet Val Bever right behind the village is a dream in October: the path along the stream leads through dense stands of larch, the light falls warm through the branches, and the silence is broken only by the crunch of needles underfoot. The Staz forest and the high paths above the lakes, such as the panorama trail on Muottas Muragl, also offer magnificent autumn moods. The paths are now pleasantly empty, the air clear and cool.
The best time and the light
The peak of the colouring is usually early to mid-October, but varies from year to year depending on the weather. The famous Engadine light is especially clear and intense in autumn – early in the morning and in the late afternoon the larches practically glow. Those who photograph should use the golden hour and not miss the reflections in the calm lakes.
Pleasure and peace
Autumn is a lovely time in culinary terms too: game season in the restaurants, Engadine specialities and a hot chocolate after the hike. The region slows down, prices are often more attractive, and the holiday apartment with a Swedish stove becomes a cosy retreat in the evening. Those seeking peace, colour and clear mountain air find exactly the right thing in the Engadine autumn.
More inspiration in the Journal – or view the holiday apartments and check availability.
