The History of Silvaplana
Silvaplana was first mentioned in documents in 1288. Even then, the merger with "Surleich" and "Chiamfer" was reported. This was probably the beginning of the definitive bond with the two fractions of Surlej and Champfèr. The Suvrettabach was then established as the border between the municipalities of St. Moritz and Silvaplana. This means that Champfèr is now politically divided into two. The inhabitants of Champfèr suot (municipality of St. Moritz) continued to be invited to municipal meetings in Silvaplana until 1877. It was not until June 25, 1877 that the people of Lower Champfèr were denied this right by 17 votes to 2. Romansh is spoken in Silvaplana (idiom Puter). The language of instruction up to the fourth year of school is also Romansh. Due to the large population growth (many families speak other languages), the Romansh population is now in the minority. However, the federal government and the canton are making great efforts to preserve the Romansh language.
Origin
The present-day lake landscape of the Upper Engadin was created by the retreat of the glaciers. In the past, the lakes were once connected. The delta on which Silvaplana is built appears to have been created by the debris from a suspected landslide from the Julier, formerly Piz Munteratsch, which was washed into the valley by the Vallunbach over many millennia. The same red rock as on the Julier Pass was found on various properties. The delta divides the upper and lower lakes. At the narrowest point, a bridge connects Silvaplana with Surlej. The lower lake is divided into two parts by a small "Piz" peninsula. The third and lowest lake in this chain of lakes is the actual Champfèr Lake.
Milestones
A major boom began in 1963 with the opening of the Corvatsch cable car. The cable car provided the village population with income opportunities. In Surlej, where before the Corvatsch railway was built there were only a few old Engadine houses and some ruins in the middle of the meadows, holiday homes are springing up like mushrooms. This is also evident in the number of inhabitants: in 1645, Silvaplana, including all the villages, had 312 inhabitants. In 1960, there were only 347 inhabitants. In 1970, there were suddenly 714 inhabitants (an increase of 106%). Due to this population growth, the old schoolhouse with its two classrooms soon became too small. In 1972, the new schoolhouse in Silvaplana was inaugurated.