The best town in Switzerland for day hiking is undoubtedly Sils, located in the ‘quiet corner’ of the Engadin Valley. Sils offers walkers an exceptional natural setting as well as convenient access to a network of well-maintained trails. The picturesque landscapes surrounding Sils are perfect for both casual walkers and seasoned hikers, with routes that wind through serene alpine meadows, past crystal-clear lakes, and up to panoramic mountain vistas.
Best Place to Hike in Switzerland
Author : Lara Ehmler
29th August 2024
Switzerland offers an abundance of walking trails, ranging from easy lakeside strolls to challenging alpine ascents. The Engadin valley region, in particular, is a hiker’s dream and the best place to hike in Switzerland.
In this blog, we’ll explore what makes the Engadin Valley the best base for day hiking in Switzerland, including some of our top walks.
Where is the best place to stay in Switzerland for hiking?
Located in the canton of Graubünden, the Engadin valley is the best place to stay in Switzerland for hiking, characterised by its vibrant upland flower pastures, sparkling lakes, and majestic 4000m peaks, the highest in the Eastern Alps.
Highlights of walking in the Engadin, Switzerland:
- Diverse Trails: The Engadin offers a wide variety of trails suitable for all levels, from the easy walk around Lake Sils to the challenging trek to the summit of Piz Bernina.
- Cultural Experience: The region is rich in culture and history, with traditional Engadin houses, local festivals, and the Romansh language.
- Stunning Landscapes: The Engadin is home to some of Switzerland’s most breathtaking scenery, including the famous St. Moritz, the Engadin lakes, and the Morteratsch Glacier.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, the Engadin provides a wealth of opportunities to explore the natural beauty of Switzerland on foot. During your walking holiday in the Swiss Alps, we’ll provide you with an in-depth Walk Pack tailored to your fitness level, including a selection of tried-and-tested local walks. You’ll also have daily access to the support of our resident Walks Team, ensuring you can get the most out of your Swiss Alps adventure, whether you crave gentle lakeside strolls or dramatic high challenges.
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Things to do in the Engadin Valley
The Engadin Valley is more than just a hiker’s dream; it is a destination brimming with a wide array of activities that cater to all interests and preferences. We’ve been planning walking holidays to the Swiss Alps for over two decades, so here are some of our favourite things to see and do that make this valley the best base for day hiking in Switzerland:
1. Explore the charming villages
The Engadin Valley is home to several picturesque villages, each with its own unique charm and character. Your base during our centre-based walking holidays is the village of Sils, a charming mountain village nestled between two spectacular lakes and surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Eastern Alps.
Originally a farming and fishing village, many of the buildings here date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Walking through its narrow streets, you’ll be captivated by traditional houses, which tell stories of the region’s rich history and culture – also, watch out for the horse-drawn taxis!
Other fantastic villages in the Engadin Valley include Grindlewald, Wengen, Kandersteg and Adelboden. You can explore those on our Swiss village-to-village walking holidays.
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2. Discover the local culture
The Engadin Valley is steeped in a deep cultural heritage that is evident in its architecture, traditions, and language. The Romansh language, one of Switzerland’s four official languages, is still spoken here, and you can often hear it in the local dialects. To fully appreciate the valley’s cultural richness, visit the Nietzsche-Haus in Sils, where the famous philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche spent several summers and wrote some of his most influential works. The Engadin Museum in St. Moritz is another must-visit, offering insights into the area’s history, culture, and traditions.
3. Enjoy water-based activities
While hiking may be the main attraction in the Engadin Valley, the region’s numerous lakes and rivers also offer fantastic opportunities for water-based activities. Lake Sils, the largest natural lake in the Upper Engadin, is perfect for sailing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. For those who prefer a more relaxing experience, a boat trip on Lake Sils provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The River Inn, which flows through the valley, is ideal for fishing and kayaking.
Our self-guided walking holidays to the Swiss Alps provide you with the flexibility to explore the area at your own pace, so it’s up to you if you want to spend the day up in the mountains or out on the lakes!
Find Out MoreWhat is the best town in Switzerland for day hiking?
Hotel Maria, Sils
During your Collett’s holiday, you’ll be staying at the delightful Hotel Maria, a charming, family-run hotel located in the picturesque village of Sils. This traditional Engadin-style hotel is known for its warm hospitality, comfortable rooms, and excellent cuisine. The hotel’s location is ideal for hikers, with easy access to numerous trails that wind through the valley’s stunning landscapes. After a day of exploring, you can relax in the hotel’s cosy lounge, enjoy a delicious meal in the restaurant, or unwind in the sauna.
“The hotel was extremely comfortable, the food fantastic and the staff were all very friendly and could not do enough for you.” – Rosemarie Wood
The rooms at Hotel Maria are designed with comfort in mind, featuring traditional wooden furnishings and modern amenities. Many rooms offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, allowing you to wake up to the beauty of the Engadin Valley each morning. Read more about our guest’s Rosemarie’s impression of the hotel as well as Engadin as a region in this guest review.
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Is it expensive to hike in Switzerland?
Switzerland is well known for being one of the most expensive countries to visit in Europe, (if not the world!), but a walking holiday in Switzerland can be surprisingly affordable. Every Collett’s holiday includes a complimentary mountain pass, giving you free access to an extensive network of lifts and public transport, making it easy to explore the Engadin Valley without extra costs.
Your base in Sils is also known as Switzerland’s ‘quiet corner’ with less tourists travelling to this area, which makes local food and drink prices more affordable. Additionally, the extensive public transport system in Sils allows you to reach various trailheads via your free Mountain Pass. Many beautiful walks start directly from your base, Hotel Maria.
This combination of convenience and value makes hiking in Switzerland more budget-friendly than you might expect.
Take a look what Collett’s guests Judith & Paul Ransom thought of their walking holiday in the Swiss Alps.
The best hikes in the Swiss Alps
The Engadin Valley is a hiker’s paradise, offering a vast network of trails that cater to all levels of walking experience. Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll through alpine meadows or a challenging ascent to a mountain peak, there is something for everyone. During our self-guided walking holidays, we will provide you with an in-depth Walk Pack that includes 6 walks of your chosen grade, plus a selection of easier and/or harder options. If you fancy something different, our Walk Team will be on hand to supplement your chosen Walk Pack as you familiarise yourself with the terrain and area.
Here are three of our – and our guest’s – favourite walks in the Engadin:
1. Lake Silvaplana
This is one of our most popular easy and idyllic walks. You’ll walk a loop of one of the Engadin’s most spectacular lakes, featuring exquisite flowers, grand waterfalls and quaint cafes. You’ll walk by the Nietzsche Stone, which was the spot where Friedrich Nietzsche could be seen sitting and forming some of his thoughts. You even have the chance of a freshwater dip, should it take your fancy!? Or simply enjoy the vibrant colours of gliding windsurfers, maybe over an aperitif at a lakeside bar. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, making it a great choice for a leisurely day out in nature.
2. The Muragl Terrace Panorama trail
For those seeking a hike with breathtaking panoramic views, the trail from Muottas Muragl to Alp Languard is an absolute must. This high-altitude walk offers some of the most spectacular vistas in the Engadin Valley, with sweeping views of the entire valley, including the famous St. Moritz and the shimmering lakes of the Upper Engadin.
The hike begins with an ascent on the famous Muotas Muragl funicular, where the trail starts. From here, you’ll follow a well-maintained path that winds its way along the ridge, offering stunning views of surrounding 4000m peaks at every turn. The trail is relatively flat, making it accessible to most hikers, but the altitude adds an extra challenge. The hike ends at the Alp Languard chairlift, where the marmots are notably braver and more curious!
3. The Lake Tscheppa trail
One of our more challenging trails, this hike takes you high above the valley with classic views towards Piz Bernina and Piz Corvatsch. Starting in Sils, you’ll zig zag through the forest, later over alpine meadows, gradually ascending to reveal stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains. As you approach Lake Tscheppa, the scenery transforms into a breathtaking panorama of crystal-clear waters reflecting the towering peaks above. The large Tscheppa Lake is frozen for much of the year, only revealing itself once summer is in full swing. You might spot a chamois or, if you are very lucky, a ptarmigan on the screes of Piz Polaschin!
Head on a walking holiday to Switzerland with Collett’s
At Collett’s, we understand that every hiker s different, which is why we offer a flexible approach to our centre-based walking holidays. If you’re seeking a bit more of a challenge, embark on a week-long walking tour on the Via Engiadina or Aletsch Glacier trail during our village-to-village-holidays in the Swiss Alps.
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