Lakes and peaks: the Engadine in gentle comfort
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationSwiss / French Alps
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions81.47 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Discover the Engadine , an exceptional alpine valley carved by the Inn River. This moderate trek, adaptable for a more relaxed pace thanks to bus or cable car transfers, immerses you in a spectacular setting. Between turquoise lakes , larch forests , and shimmering glaciers , each stage is an immersion in unspoiled nature. The region, nicknamed the "Pearl of the Alps," also captivates with its unique architecture and picturesque villages , where traditions and breathtaking landscapes blend harmoniously. Enjoy the pure, invigorating air throughout your journey and let yourself be enchanted by this valley of rare beauty.
The highlights
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Exceptional alpine landscapes in one of the highest inhabited valleys in Europe
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A preserved natural environment and diverse wildlife
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Comfortable accommodations and a flexible hiking experience
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Suitable for average to experienced hikers, depending on the options chosen; you generally have a choice between two stage lengths. The indicated walking times do not include time spent visiting villages and monuments. The hike follows good trails without any particular technical difficulties.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 15 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 663 m
- Average daily descent: 663 m
Management
Supervision by a state-certified mountain guide.
Program
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Arrival in Sils Maria
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival in Sils Maria , a peaceful village on the shores of the lake, surrounded by mountains. Check-in at the hotel and first immersion in this unique atmosphere, perfect for exploration and relaxation.
Day 1 -
Maloja - Val Forno – Sils
- Transportation Minibus - 00h10 - 9km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day spent in a true haven of peace . The trail leads you to the stunning green lake of Cavloc , nestled in a natural setting. The hike continues to the foot of the Val Forno glacier (2,300 m), offering breathtaking panoramic views. Return to Maloja , then a leisurely walk along the lake to Sils , passing through the village of Isola , known for its typical Engadine houses.
Day 2 -
Sils, passing through the Val Fex and its picturesque hamlets
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The trail begins along the shores of Lake Maloja , then ascends behind Isola to reach the Val Fédoz , a wild and unspoiled landscape. The traverse leads to the Val Fex , dotted with picturesque hamlets, including Crasta with its small chapel. The path continues to Plaun Vadret , at the foot of the Chapütschin, Piz Glüschaint, and Piz Flora glaciers, which tower over the Italian border at over 3,300 meters. The descent returns to Sils , where you can visit Nietzsche's house and discover the source of the Inn River .
Day 3 -
Sils - Val Roseg
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 950 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day in the heart of the Val Roseg and its glacier, starting on a trail through pine forests overlooking the lakes of Sils and Silvaplana . The ascent leads to the Fuorcla Surlej pass (2,755 m), offering exceptional panoramic views of the Morteratsch, Bernina (4,049 m), Pointe Scerscen (3,971 m), and Pic Roseg (3,920 m) glaciers, as well as the Sella and Glüschaint peaks . The landscape unfolds into a vast glacial cirque of breathtaking beauty.
In case of bad weather, a gentler alternative runs along the lakes of Silvaplana, Champfer and Lake Staz , with the possibility of reaching the Val Roseg hotel by horse-drawn carriage (at an extra cost, not included).
Day 4 -
Val Roseg - Morteratsch
- Transportation TER / Metro / Tram - 00h05 - 5km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A descent through the Val Roseg , where tits and chamois often accompany hikers. For a different experience, a horse-drawn carriage (for a fee, not included) offers a gentle ride to Pontresina . From the train station, a small train runs to Morteratsch (5 km), with the option of walking the rest of the way.
The Val Morteratsch reveals an exceptional panorama of Piz Palü, Piz Cambrena, and the Bernina (4,020 m) , forming one of the most beautiful glacial cirques in the Alps. To extend the adventure, a climb to the Boval refuge (2,459 m) offers breathtaking views of the Bernina glacier .
Day 5 -
Morteratsch - Zuoz
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 25km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Transfer to Schanf , the last village in the Upper Engadine, facing the Trupchun Valley and the Swiss National Park , a haven for remarkable wildlife: marmots, chamois, ibex, and deer are often seen here. A final walk allows you to discover Zuoz , considered one of the most beautiful villages in the Engadine, with its centuries-old houses featuring painted facades and asymmetrical windows.
For experienced hikers, an alternative route leads from Pontresina to the foot of Piz Languard , then along a balcony trail offering spectacular glacier views. The route passes below Piz Muragl before descending to Muottas Muragl , where a cog railway (not included) allows you to complete the adventure.
- Elevation gain: +1000 m, -400 m
- Walking time: 5 to 6 hours
Day 6
Note
The planned itinerary may be modified due to various factors, such as overbooked accommodations, changes in terrain conditions, landslides, damaged trails, etc. These adjustments are always made with the aim of guaranteeing your safety and ensuring your comfort.
Accommodation
Access
- J6, in Zuoz in the afternoon
- For trains departing from Zuoz, please consult the website https://www.sbb.ch
Go to the starting point
Zurich or Geneva airport then train via St Moritz and bus from St Moritz to Sils.
Zurich - Chur (or Chur) - Julierpass (2300m) - St Moritz - Sils
Bus or taxi between Zuoz and Sils.
View your itinerary at https://www.viamichelin.fr/
For your return journey, feel free to ask Taxi Massé (0041) 081 84 2 68 24, who can advise you on the best connections.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a double room in a 2* or 3* hotel
- Full board
- The framework
- Luggage transport
- The internal transfers indicated
The price does not include
- Individual drinks
- Site visits
- Other possible transfers
Options
- Extra night before the stay (Sils Maria) - Double room : CHF329.33 / unit
- Extra night before the stay (Sils Maria) - Single room : CHF210.40 / unit
- Additional night after stay (Zuoz) - Double room : CHF375.07 / unit
- Additional night after stay (Zuoz) - Single room : CHF375.07 / unit
- Return transfer to Sils : CHF82.33 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
To transport your belongings
- A comfortable daypack (35 to 50 liters)
- A companion piece of luggage: a backpack, a travel bag in good condition, or a not-too-bulky suitcase
- One piece of luggage per person; limited to 15kg
For the midday picnic
- Plastic bowl, box or plate
- Cutlery (spoon, fork, knife)
- A water bottle of at least 1 liter (mandatory)
Against the sun and the rain
- High-protection sunscreen and sunglasses
- Hat, cap or bucket hat
- A rain cape or a Gore-Tex jacket and possibly Gore-Tex trousers
Clothing to bring
For hiking
- Comfortable hiking boots that support the ankle, with a good lugged sole, a reinforced heel counter, and good waterproofing.
- Comfortable "hiking-specific" socks (minimum 3 pairs)
- A fleece fur
- Comfortable trousers for walking (quick-drying technical fabric)
- Shorts, t-shirts and technical underwear (quick-drying material)
- A long-sleeved shirt (quick-drying technical fabric)
- Walking sticks (telescopic), very important for making walking easier
- A camera
Synthetic technical clothing is very high-performing. New merino wool garments have also appeared; they are very high-performing and comfortable to wear, and have the advantage of not developing perspiration odors! (Icebreaker, Ruka, etc. brands).
Generally speaking, avoid cotton, which gets cold when wet.
After the effort
- A pair of jogging-style sneakers for the evening
- Change of clothes and personal linen
- Toiletry bag and towel (mini)