The week-long route at a glance
- Base
- Bever – central & quiet
- Highlights
- Bernina line, Muottas Muragl, National Park, mountain lakes
- Best time
- June–October
- Mobility
- Rhaetian Railway, Engadin Bus and PostBus
A week is enough for a first impression
The Upper Engadine is compact but varied. Those who stay a week can experience the highlights at leisure, without rushing from village to village. This route starts from Bever as a central base – a trip out each day, back to the quiet each evening. The plan can be adapted flexibly to weather and fitness; see it as inspiration, not a rigid programme.
Day 1 – Arriving and discovering Bever
The first day, take it slow. A walk through Bever with its sgraffito houses and stone fountains, a short loop along the Beverin stream into the Val Bever, and in the evening a first Engadine dinner. That is how the body gets used to the altitude. If you like, buy regional produce in the village shop for a cosy supper in the holiday apartment.
Day 2 – Sunrise on Muottas Muragl
By funicular up to Muottas Muragl. From there the Upper Engadine’s most famous panorama opens up over the chain of lakes to Maloja. The Philosophers’ Way or the moderately demanding high-level walk towards Alp Languard is a perfect start, with marmots and wide views. Those who rise early experience the valley in the golden morning light.
Day 3 – The Engadine lakes
A day at the lakes: Lake Staz for swimming, Silvaplana and Sils for long shoreline paths. On windy days it is worth watching the surfers and kiters on Lake Silvaplana, one of the best wind spots in the Alps. On the Chastè peninsula near Sils, Friedrich Nietzsche once walked – a quiet, literary place. Don’t forget your swimwear and sun protection.
Day 4 – The high mountains at the Diavolezza
By cableway up to the Diavolezza and the glacier realm around Piz Palü and Piz Bernina. Even without a long hike the view is overwhelming. If you like, walk to the mountain lake Lej da Diavolezza or simply enjoy the sun terrace with a view of the ice giants. Take warm clothing – it is noticeably cooler up top. If you like, continue afterwards on the Bernina line to Alp Grüm and look down into Val Poschiavo.
Day 5 – Swiss National Park
An excursion into the Lower Engadine to Zernez to Switzerland’s only national park. A guided or self-guided tour reveals marmots, ibex and untouched nature. Get information at the national park centre beforehand – there you learn the best paths and observation points. Please note: staying on the paths is compulsory in the park, and dogs are not allowed.
Day 6 – Villages and culture
A quieter day: Zuoz or S-chanf with their well-preserved Engadine architecture (if you fancy a longer drive: Guarda in the Lower Engadine), a slice of nut tart in a village patisserie, perhaps a museum visit such as the Segantini Museum in St. Moritz or the Nietzsche House in Sils. Culture and pleasure instead of climbing metres – that is part of the Engadine too.
Day 7 – Favourite spot and farewell
Spend the last day where you liked it best – one more hike, one more lake, one more espresso in the sun. That way the Engadine stays in the fondest memory. Check availability for your week
Practical tips for the week
Plan in buffer time and go by the weather: fine-weather days belong in the high mountains and at the lakes, grey days in the villages, museums or on the train. Take warm clothing even in summer, as the altitude makes the weather changeable. And treat yourself to at least one day without a programme – in the Engadine, peace is the real luxury.
More inspiration in the Journal – or view the holiday apartments and check availability.
