Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
A wild natural landscape featuring the ancient Castle of Tarasp, the Baths of Scuol, the Romansch culture varying from village to village rich in tradition but nevertheless innovative and modern. This is the Lower Engadine situated on the southern side of the Alps, a valley far away from the busy tourist routes; a valley waiting to be discovered. This journey is especially enjoyable combining the beautiful timeless villages rich in culture and tradition and with their own unique architecture and walking high on the valley sides with far ranging views over the Alps. The local language is Romansch, the least spoken of the four official languages of Switzerland.
This high trail on the sunny side of the valley leads through the ancient Engadine villages of Guarda, Ardez, Sent, Tschlin and Vinadi and offers varied days of walking with breath-taking views of the Lower Engadine Dolomiten. On one day you spend the first couple of hours walking through beautiful Austrian forest before the path returns you to Switzerland. Some walks explore far into side valleys. Take an extra night in Scuol which gives you the opportunity to walk in the nearby National Park, Switzerland's only one.
You may wish to stay an extra night here in order to get used to walking at higher altitudes.
You stay at Hotel Baer & Post.
Sitting at the foot of Mount Baselgia, close to Zernez's reformed church, this 3* hotel offers a wellness centre and tennis courts. Local specialities are served in the restaurant.
The trail initially follows the river from Zernez to Susch, here you can take time to visit the ‘Fortezza Rohan’ ruins in this very picturesque village. You then climb to the famous Schellen-Ursli village of Guarda.
You stay at Meisser Lodge.
This quiet hotel is built in a typical Engadine style and sits at the very end of the small mountain village of Guarda. It was completely renovated in 2016, most of the rooms offer balconies with panoramic mountain views.
From Guarda follow the trail briefly through the surrounding forest before continuing through the alpine meadows to Alp Suot. This is a beautiful walk with lots of interest and varied scenery. From here the trail leads up through Alp Sura and onto Murtera Dadoura before descending to the village of Ardez.
You stay at Hotel Alvetern.
Situated in this typical Engadin village with its historic Sgraffito-adorned houses, this delightful family run hotel offers Grissons cuisine. Most rooms offer panoramic mountain views, there is also a library for guests to relax in.
From Ardez you climb along Plan Chamuera into the Tasna valley onto Alp Tasna and Alp Valmala. Here the trail climbs steeply to Muot la Stella before leveling off and leading through the alpine meadows to Alp Laret where you will find a simple mountain restaurant. The trail then leads down to the Prui mountain hut; here either take the chairlift down to Ftan or walk further to Motta Naluns and take the cable car to Scuol or follow the trail that leads through Ftan Pitschen. Along this part of the trail, you are greeted by spectacular views of the Tarasp Castle and the surrounding mountains.
You stay at Hotel Altana.
The 3* Hotel Altana, owned by Adrian Lehmann and supported by his family, offers genuine hospitality with a personal touch. They are all keen walkers and full of knowledge on the local area. Situated conveniently close to the railway station, cable car and postbus, and just a short walk from the village centre. Enjoy an extensive buffet breakfast to start the day and their traditional restaurant La Chadafö serves delicious Swiss cuisine.
Start by taking the bus to Vinadi close to the Austrian border. The route begins by walking through beautiful Austrian forest following part of the Via Engiadina. In the village of Tschlin you can visit the small cheese factory, the brewery, or the lovely church. Enjoy a relaxing evening with beautiful views after a tough but worthwhile day.
You stay at Pension Macun.
A former Engadine farmhouse, this 6 room hotel has a small restaurant overlooking the picturesque landscape.
Ascend the valley side to the remote village of Zuort. Take time to visit the pretty chapel here before continuing through the picturesque Choglias Valley. Pass through the attractive Val Sinestra with its mineral water springs. Follow the Via Engiadina again before a grassy descent to the interesting village of Sent.
You stay at Pension Plaz.
Centrally located in Sent, this charming pension provides typical Engadine accommodation. Their bright rooms feature wooden furnishings, there is also a common room on each floor for guests to use. A varied breakfast is served in the dining room including regional produce.
There are several options for today’s route, depending on your fitness, drive and the weather! One option is to climb steadily to the Vastur hut and restaurant and on to the high trail of the Via Engiadina through stunning alpine meadows to Jonvrai and Chamonna Naluns. Continue to Motta Naluns from where you can descend by cable car to Scoul to explore the historic town. You can lengthen the route by making the complete circuit of the Piz Spadla Massif which, on a fine day, provides a spectacular end to the trek. The shortest option is to take a pleasant low-level walk along the valley.
Say fond farewells to Switzerland as you depart on the train.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website.
Please contact our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus