Wildlife in the Engadin

Encounters with wildlife are among the most memorable nature experiences in the Engadin. The region is home to a wide variety of native species, particularly within the Swiss National Park, but also far beyond its borders. With a little patience, a keen eye, and a touch of luck, you may spot the Engadin's «Big Five»: red deer, Alpine ibex, chamois, marmots, and bearded vultures.

Wildlife Watching in the Engadin

When and Where Are You Most Likely to Spot Wildlife?

Wildlife can be observed in the Engadin throughout the year. However, your chances are especially good in spring, from late April onwards, when many animals emerge from their winter dormancy and become more active, and again in autumn, between September and October. Autumn also marks the start of the red deer rut, a spectacular natural event during which the stags' distinctive roaring echoes through the valleys.

To maximise your chances of spotting wildlife, consider joining a guided excursion. Local experts know the animals' favourite habitats and can take you to the best places for sightings. Along the way, they can provide fascinating insights into the animals' habitats and behaviour, as well as review the important measures taken to protect them.

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As the days grow shorter and autumn slowly begins to appear in the Engadine, the most fascinating time of the year begins in Val Trupchun: the deer rut. Experience this unique event up close, combined with culinary discoveries and soothing relaxation.

The Engadin's Big Five

The Red Deer

The red deer is the largest hoofed animal species in the Engadin. After being eradicated from the region in the mid-19th century, thousands of red now roam the Engadin once again. During the summer months, they spend their time at altitudes of almost 3,000 metres above sea level before moving to lower areas in autumn.

In September, as the days grow shorter, the red deer rut begins. With their loud roaring calls, the stags draw attention to themselves and compete with other males for mating rights. The Swiss National Park is an especially good place to witness this natural spectacle. There, the deer have become accustomed to the presence of people on the marked hiking trails.

Did you know? Towards the end of the rut, stags can even become hoarse from roaring so much.

Facts about red deer
• Height: 95–150 cm
• Weight: Female deer (hinds) up to 130 kg; male deer (stags) up to 220 kg
• Life expectancy: 15–20 years

Red deer rut in the Swiss National Park.

The Alpine Ibex

The Alpine ibex is one of the most impressive animals in the Engadin mountain landscape. After becoming extinct in Graubünden, it was successfully reintroduced to the Swiss National Park in 1920. Today, ibex can once again be found throughout the Engadin.

In spring, ibex can be spotted grazing in the valleys, while in midsummer they move to higher-altitude areas, where they can usually only be reached on longer hikes.

Did you know? An ibex's horns continue to grow throughout its life. The visible annual growth rings on the back of the horns allow experts to determine its age with remarkable accuracy.

Facts about ibex
• Height: 65 - 100 cm
• Weight: Female ibex (nanny) up to 60 kg; male ibex (billy) up to 115 kg
• Life expectancy: 15 - 22 years

One of the largest ibex colonies in the Alps lives in Pontresina.

The Chamois

The chamois is one of the Alps' most agile climbers. They feel particularly at home in steep terrain at altitudes of up to 3,500 metres. Thanks to their specially adapted hooves, they can find secure footing even on smooth surfaces. Chamois kids are born in June and are able to follow their mothers across rugged terrain within just a few hours. If you hear their distinctive warning whistle, you've witnessed a truly special moment.

Facts about chamois
• Height: 70 - 85 cm
• Weight: Female chamois (nanny) up to 35 kg; male chamois (billy) up to 45 kg
• Life expectancy: 17 - 22 years

Chamois live in steep terrain.

The Marmot

From April to September, marmots can be spotted on the alpine meadows of the Engadin. With their characteristic whistle, they warn each other of potential dangers. During winter, they retreat safely into their burrows, where they hibernate for several months.

Did you know? Locals affectionately call these animals «Mungga».

Facts about marmots
• Shoulder height: 18 cm
• Weight: 4 kg
• Life expectancy: 10 - 12 years

Marmots are very curious animals.

The Bearded Vulture

With a wingspan of more than 2.6 metres, the bearded vulture is the largest bird of prey in the Alps. For a long time, it was wrongly feared and disappeared from the region due to intensive hunting. Thanks to successful reintroduction projects by the Swiss National Park, the bearded vulture has once again been soaring above the Engadin since 1991. A flying bearded vulture can be recognised by its long, pointed wings and wedge-shaped tail. Adult bearded vultures are distinguished by their white plumage on the underside of their bodies.

Did you know? Almost 90% of the bearded vulture’s diet consists of bones, which it drops onto rocks from great heights to break them open so it can reach the nutritious marrow inside.

Facts about bearded vultures
• Wingspan: 250 - 280 cm
• Weight: 5 - 7 kg
• Life expectancy: Up to 50 years; in the wild, however, the average lifespan is often considerably shorter

Its wingspan makes the bearded vulture the largest bird in the Alps.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wildlife Watching in the Engadin

Where can wildlife be observed in the Engadin?

The most famous place for wildlife watching is the Swiss National Park. The Val Trupchun is considered one of the best observation areas and is therefore often referred to as the «Serengeti of the Alps». Good chances of spotting wildlife also exist outside the national park. Those who set out early in the morning or in the evening and move quietly can significantly increase their chances of an encounter.

What is the Swiss National Park?

Founded in 1914, the Swiss National Park is the oldest national park in the Alps. It provides a strictly protected habitat where wildlife can find sufficient food and undisturbed areas to retreat. In this safe environment, animals have become accustomed to being observed by visitors, for example by families hiking through the Val Trupchun.

When is the best time for wildlife watching?

Wildlife can be observed in the Engadin throughout the year. Each season offers unique insights into the lives of the animals. In winter, bearded vultures and golden eagles can often be spotted during their flights, especially around midday when thermal currents provide ideal conditions. Tracks in the snow also reveal the presence of various wild animals. The Swiss National Park remains closed in winter to minimise disturbance during this sensitive period.

The best opportunities for wildlife observations are in spring from late April onwards and in autumn from September onwards. In spring, many animals become active again after winter, while autumn brings the impressive red deer rut with the powerful roaring calls of the stags.

Which wild animals live in the Engadin?

In addition to the «Big Five» – red deer, chamois, marmot, Alpine ibex and bearded vulture – many other species live in the Engadin, including foxes, roe deer, mountain hares, golden eagles, beavers and otters. Large predators such as wolves, lynx, and occasionally brown bears also occur in the Engadin.

Where can Alpine ibex be seen in the Engadin?

The best chances of spotting Alpine ibex are in the Val Trupchun, around Pontresina, and in high alpine areas.

When is the red deer rut?

The red deer rut takes place every year between mid-September and early October. During this period, the roaring calls of the stags can be heard particularly clearly.

Where can marmots be observed?

From April to September, marmots can be found on alpine meadows, along many hiking trails, and on mountain passes throughout the Engadin..

Can bearded vultures be seen in the Engadin?

Yes. Thanks to successful reintroduction projects, bearded vultures are once again living in the Engadin. With a little luck, they can be seen soaring above the mountain slopes.

Should wild animals be fed?

No. Wild animals must not be fed or lured. This changes their natural behaviour and can be harmful to them.

What should be considered when observing wildlife?

Wild animals should always be observed from a distance and with respect. Stay on marked trails, avoid making noise and never feed the animals. Dogs must be kept under control or on a lead. Wildlife protection zones during the winter months must be strictly respected.