Via Engiadina

Stage 1 – Maloja to Silvaplana

The Fedacla river rushes in front of the Hotel Maria in Sils towards Lake Silvaplana. Half of the first stage of the Via Engiadina is already over. Behind you lies the idyllic village of Grevasalvas, where "Heidi" was once filmed, in front of you the Engadine lake landscape.

For a short break in the village of Sils, the route is left at Sils Baselgia. As soon as you step over the threshold of the Hotel Maria, you are enveloped in the cozy cloak of the Swiss stone pine. In the 1930s, the "Stüva Marmoré" was a grocery store and later the founding location of the Sils Curling Club. The black soapstone stove is now purely decorative, but in our noses we can imagine the scent of burning wood that once heated many a room. Today, the scent of hearty cordons bleus tickles our noses. Fortunately, the house speciality does not settle on your hips on this hike. After the first stage, tired legs are looking forward to a bit of relaxation. And they find this in the "Conrad's Mountain Lodge" in Silvaplana. The former Hotel Conrad cannot be compared to the one today. In the summer of 2018, the lodge was completely renovated and reopened. Since then, wood and stone have dominated the interior, combining the rugged mountain world with modern design. The local larch, for example, has now found a new home in the form of wall paneling, a bed and a sauna.

Stage 2 - Silvaplana to Celerina

Even if the Trutz mountain restaurant at the Suvretta-Randolins mountain station does not have a typical Stüva, there is no way around it on the Via Engiadina - and that is a good thing. Because whether from the sun terrace or from inside - the view over the Upper Engadine lake landscape couldn't be better. The guesthouse is part of the Suvretta House, which already looks back on a history spanning over a hundred years. With the view in view and a barley soup, polenta or Kaiserschmarren on the tongue, you'll want to stay here for a long time. The second stage doesn't end until Celerina, however, and there are still a few meters of altitude to overcome. At least with a good feeling and a full stomach. After reaching the highest point of the hike and passing the deep-blue natural reservoir lake Lej Alv, you arrive at the Marguns mountain station. From here, there are two ways down into the valley: either comfortably by gondola lift or on foot along the easy gravel road to the village.

Stage 3 – Celerina to Bever

The third stage follows a panoramic trail above Celerina towards Alp Muntatsch. Along the way, wide views of the surrounding mountain peaks open up again and again. At Alp Muntatsch, it’s well worth taking a break and enjoying the homemade Kaiserschmarrn. Re-energised, the route then descends through a larch forest, with views of the activity at Samedan Airport. With a bit of luck, chamois can also be spotted. Upon reaching the valley floor, you cross the Beverin and arrive in the charming village of Bever.

In Bever, sports enthusiasts will find a truly unique hotel: the Bever Lodge. Nestled in the heart of a landscape filled with cross-country trails, hiking trails, and biking trails. Here, active recreation meets modern design and sustainable architecture: Welcome to Switzerland’s first modular wooden hotel.

Stage 4 – Bever to Zuoz

The Via Engiadina doesn't actually have a break in La Punt, but a detour is still worthwhile - maybe even overnight. In the time-honored Krone - Säumerei am Inn, guests are greeted by a young team with an exciting and varied kitchen. The host couple Natacha and James Baron bring international appeal to the mountain village of La Punt. James Baron cooks at the highest level, combining alpine traditions with modern influences. The best products from across the Alps, combined with an international touch. Light-hearted and uncomplicated during the day, exuberant in the evening in the gourmet restaurant. In addition to the dishes, the interior is also a feast for the eyes. The "Ruch and Partner Architects" were commissioned to carry out the extension and conversion. They combined local solid woods such as Swiss stone pine, larch and maple, creating an architectural work of art.

Stage 5 – Zuoz to Zernez

Not quite on the last stage, but worth a detour: the Veduta in Cinuos-chel (municipality of S-chanf). Gudench and Sabrina Campell's living room smells not only of cozy wood, but also of fine Capuns and Graubünden barley soup. In autumn, Gudench likes to serve up his hunted game and also the story to go with it. This way, hiking enthusiasts not only have the energy they need for the last few kilometers, but also the right conversation material and the knowledge to spot a deer near the national park or at least hear it roaring in autumn.