With its wealth of exceptional buildings and sights, the Engadin feels like one large museum. Visitors can link the different attractions via leisurely walks: a delightful combination of art, culture, magnificent scenery and fresh mountain air.
Large roofs, massive stone walls and ornate “sgraffito” decoration are the hallmarks of traditional old houses in the Engadin: the style is distinctive and unmistakable. Each house offers enough space under one roof for a stable, hayloft and storeroom as well as bedrooms and living areas. The heart of the house is the “Stüva”, a living room usually panelled in Swiss stone pine and often located directly above the stable, to take advantage of the animals’ body heat.
The facades of the houses often feature delicate drawings and patterns. These decorations are made using the sgraffito technique, whereby the shapes and figures are scratched into the plaster while still wet.
These traditional and picturesque Engadin houses can still be found throughout the region, making for villages of great charm. The best way to explore them is on a stroll through the narrow alleys, keeping an eye out for the many ornate details that adorn the historical facades.
Strolling through typical Engadin villages steeped in history, visiting churches, monuments and matchless spectacles of nature round off the Engadin’s highly diverse cultural offering.
