Trip Overview:
Switzerland’s Engadine Valley in the canton of Graubuenden is bordered by the Tyrol in Austria to the east and the Lake District of Italy to the south. Four major passes lead up to this high alpine valley, which runs for 60 miles along a southern terrace of the Alps and has blue skies for over 300 days a year. Named for its En River, this area combines crisp, dry air, forests, lakes and glaciated peaks. This high-alpine area is famous for its flora and fauna and superb views of the chain of lakes between St. Moritz and Maloja as well as peaks of the Bernina Massif (13,500 feet).
This canton, originally Rhaetia, was isolated for hundreds of years by its landscape of deep folded valleys, sheer rocky summits and thick forests. It only became part of Switzerland in 1803. Romansch - the legacy of an abandoned Roman Army - is the official language, though German is spoken by most people as well. The linguistic contrasts, the high peaks and sunny valleys, and the Italian influences in architecture combine to make this an area that has inspired artists and writers as Rilke and Giacometti for many years. The area offers wonderful hiking in the Upper Engadine in the south and in the lesser known Lower Engadine to the north.
This trip will be based in the picturesque mountain resort village of Pontresina at 5,900’ en route to the Bernina Pass on the way to Italy. You’ll have a chance unpack your bag, relax and use our hotel as a base for a week full of varied adventures as we explore one end of the Engadine to the other.
Highlights:
- Transportation to Pontresina on the dramatic Albula route of the Rhaetische Bahn – Europe’s highest train
- An outing crossing a former Roman pass into an idyllic valley this is thoroughly Italian in language, culture and flora, and offers a taste of Mediterranean-style living contrasting with the glaciers and high peaks.
- Close proximity to St. Moritz
- Cheese fondue and raclette
- A visit to a cheese farm
- Switzerland’s only national park
- 4 star Swiss Chalet style hotel has spa facilities and services, and a swimming pool.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Zurich, get Swiss passes validated and take the dramatic Albula train to Pontresina.
Day 2: Muottas Muragl
We travel by bus and funicular to the mountain hotel of Muottas Muragl (8,048'). We hike to Alp Languard (7,421') for spectacular views of the entire Engadine Valley, including St. Moritz. After following the splendid balcony trail to the aptly named “Paradis” Hut (8,366’), a quaint mountain restaurant with views of the Morteratsch Glacier, we take the chairlift back to Pontresina.
On today's hike we'll have spectacular views of the Upper Engadine Valley with its many lakes, St. Moritz, and mountain peaks and glaciers - a good way to orient ourselves for the hikes we'll be taking over the next few days. 4-6 hours, depending upon whether we go to Pardis Hut. Moderate with high energy options. We’ll visit the Alpine Museum in Pontresina after our hike to learn more about the history and natural history of this beautiful area.
Day 3: Surlej Pass
This morning we take a horse-drawn carriage through the scenic Roseg Valley. At the end of the valley we'll see the impressive Roseg Glacier towering above us. From there we ascend a zigzag trail to the Fuorcla Surlej mountain hut (9,038'), from where we have a very nice view of the peaks of Roseg and Bernina with its Bianco Grat, one of the most famous ice ridges in the Alps.
After lunch at the hut we continue our hike to Hahnen Lake and descend to St. Moritz (5,813'), where we take the bus back to Pontresina. 6 hours. High energy. A moderate alternative hike is also available: take the carriage ride, walk to a glacial lake and then walk back down the valley to Pontresina. Dinner tonight will consist of raclette and cheese fondue in the hotel’s specialty restaurant.
Day 4: Swiss National Park/Val Trupchen
We travel a short distance by train to the Trupchun Valley and walk through dense forests to Alp Trupchun. Hiking over alpine fields and meadows, we arrive at Varusch Hut where an option for lunch could be polenta or any number of other specialties. In this protected environment we may see marmots lounging next to the trail and herds of deer. On our way to or from the Park we visit Zuoz, the best preserved town in the Engadine. Hiking time is 4 1/2-51/2 hours. Moderate.
Day 5: Soglio/Val Bregaglia
Today we hike in the Val Bregaglia, birthplace and home to the renowned artist Alberto Giacometti. First we travel by Post Bus over the Albula Pass, once used by the Romans, to Casaccia, situated in a completely different looking valley. We then hike on a panoramic trail, an ancient mule track, to Soglio, a historic village perched near the Italian border on the mountainside high above the valley with a gorgeous view that was frequented by the author Rilke. This Italian-speaking enclave has the feel of a different time and place. We return to Pontresina by van. Hiking time is 5-6 hours. Moderate. A 3-4 hour alternative also exists.
Day 6: Morterasch Glacier/Boval Hut
A short train transfer takes us to Morterasch Valley, where we will have the opportunity to visit a farm and cheese factory, and sample delicious locally-produced cheeses before our walk begins. The ascent will take about three hours, climbing along the moraine of Morterasch Glacier to the best-situated alpine hut of the Bernina Area.
The Boval Hut (at 8,200 feet) offers hot drinks, breads and soups, which we sample for lunch while enjoying the views of two extraordinary glaciers before returning to the valley. Once in the valley, there is the option to return to Pontresina either by train or on foot along an easy wooded trail. 4-5 hours. High energy. A moderate alternative would be to take the valley path to the base of the glacier where signposts mark the glacier’s recession over the last century.
We’ll travel this evening by private van and funicular back to Muottas Muragl, where we hiked the first day, for a sunset farewell dinner at 8,000 feet at the Muottas Muragl hotel. This time we’ll combine the views of the surrounding mountains and the chain of lakes with an elegant dinner, a toast to our friends, and a celebration of the week’s beauty and accomplishments.
Day 7: After our final generous breakfast we depart Pontresina early by train back to Zurich to connect with homeward-bound flights.
Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, weather or the group’s experience level. We will alter the itinerary to improve the tour and your experience, and to customize it to your group’s needs.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Cost:
- The cost of this trip will vary depending upon the specific itinerary we develop for your family or group of friends. Please contact us for a quote for your trip.
- Rating
- Moderate to high energy
- Transportation
- Swiss Rail Passes.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Switzerland
Hiking & Trekking
Archeology/History
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