Image: swissimage.ch
Retreat in time to another era and a place far away: the enchanted En River Valley. Time forgotten 17th C. 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 En 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’ll pass from the gentler terrain of the lower Engadine with its flower filled meadows, through the upper Engadine with its majestic, glaciated peaks to the edge of the wild and dramatic Val Bregaglia, with its piercing granite spires. A flexible inn-to-inn itinerary allows for both gentler and moderate hiking options. You’ll walk alongside some of the region's sparkling lakes, 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.
Villages along the route include the wonderfully authentic Zuoz, the quiet hamlet of Bever, the small resort of Pontresina and the charming and sleepy Sils Maria, with its idyllic location on a plain between two lakes. The range of villages rivals the geography in fascination and variety, and our selected inns complement each location.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Zurich or other Swiss point of entry. Transfer by train to Zuoz.
Day 2 Enjoy a walk with views of the peaks above the Swiss/Italian border and up the beautiful Val Chamuera. The trail contours the hillside on the classic and gentle Via Engiadina Bassa. After a picnic you’ll continue to the charming and quiet town of Bever. Distance: 6.5 miles, 1000 feet of elevation gain.
Day 3 An absolutely classic Engadine hiking route begins with a funicular ride to the Mouttas Muragl. From here the trail contours high above the Bernina valley with gorgeous views of glaciers, high peaks, St Moritz and the sparkling lakes for which the Engadine is famed. Lunch can be enjoyed in one of two restaurants on the trail. There is an option for a chairlift descent. Distance: 5 miles
Day 4 Start with a horse drawn carriage ride up the wonderful Val Roseg, a box canyon with magnificent glaciers cascading from its headwaters. The trail returns towards Pontresina following the river “Ova da Roseg.” Back in Pontresina the trail circles around the flanks of the Muottas da Schlarigna to the peaceful Lej da Staz. Your hotel for the night is situated on the banks of this lovely little tarn. Distance: 5.5 miles
Day 5 While longer in mileage than other days, there are numerous occasions on this itinerary to abbreviate the hike. Link together the pristine lakes of the Engadine: The Murezzersee, Lej da Champfer and Silvaplanersee. The final lakeside ramble along the Silvaplanersee delivers you to the evening’s four star hotel in Sils Maria. Distance: 9 miles
Day 6 Enjoy a pleasant hike just above the lake of Sils Maria/Baselgia, through fine pine forest and green meadows with a look at the original area where the first Heidi movie was filmed. Following a short descent into the town of Maloja, take a rambling lakeside stroll back to Sils Maria. 7.5miles
Day 7 Depart. It is generally not possible to meet same day flights out of Zurich.
