Hiking in the Engadin: The Ultimate Outdoor Adventure in the Swiss Alps

Are you looking for your next adrenaline rush, some serious elevation gain, and epic mountain panoramas for your feed? Then head to the Upper Engadin! The region is an absolute playground for outdoor enthusiasts, trail runners, and mountaineers. When hiking in the Engadin, you’ll find spectacular single-track trails, eternal ice, and steep peaks above the 3,000-meter mark. Pack your backpack, lace up your shoes—the Hotel Engadinerhof in Pontresina is your perfect home base for alpine adventures.

For adrenaline junkies: Perpetual ice and steep peaks

If you’re looking for a athletic challenge, the demanding high-altitude trails in the Engadin are just the thing for experienced hikers. Trails like the Schafberg hike or the high-alpine routes around Piz Nair will test your stamina, but they’ll reward you with unforgettable moments and spectacular panoramic hikes offering views of the Engadin mountains.

Glacier hikes in the Engadin—Diavolezza and Morteratsch—are an absolute must-do for your bucket list. From the Diavolezza mountain station, you can cross the monumental Pers and Morteratsch glaciers as part of a guided tour. If you want to really stretch your legs, start right in the valley: The spectacular trail leads from Pontresina, following the glacier’s edge all the way to the gigantic, melting ice tongue of the Morteratsch Glacier.

Pure diversity: From action on the lake to a secluded mountain lake

Need to cool off after a tough climb? The lakeside hikes around Silvaplana and St. Moritz not only offer fantastic, flat trail running routes, but also connect you directly to this water sports mecca. Silvaplana is known worldwide for its perfect Maloja wind conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

If you're looking for maximum variety, there are versatile loop hikes in the Engadin for every day that you can perfectly combine with a mountain bike tour, rock climbing in the gorge, or a stand-up paddleboarding session.

Insider Tips for Hikers in the Engadin: Hike to Lej Sgrischus (which translates to “the eerie lake”). This hidden, mystical mountain lake lies high above the Fextal valley. If you’re brave enough, take the plunge for an ice-cold, refreshing swim—you’re sure to get the toughest, but most rewarding, photo for your social media channels!

Your Base Camp in Graubünden

  • Hiking in Pontresina: The starting point for the most beautiful trails: Pontresina is the ideal base camp for mountaineers and backpackers. From our Hotel Engadinerhof, you can reach the most spectacular trailheads, mountain railways, and glacier access points in just a few minutes.
  • The best time for hiking in the Engadin: The summer months of July and August are perfect for high-alpine hikes and summit ascents, as the passes and ridges are completely snow-free and safe to hike on during this time.
  • Hiking gear for tours in the Engadin: For the alpine trails, you’ll need lightweight but extremely durable trail running shoes or sturdy Category B/C hiking boots. Functional layered clothing (weather can change at any moment at 3,000 meters!), high-quality sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of provisions are essential.

The Perfect Place to Stay for Your Crew

After a tough day on the mountain, only one thing matters: good food, a comfortable bed, and space for the whole group. Finding a place to stay while hiking in the Engadin doesn’t have to be complicated. The Hotel Engadinerhof combines straightforward, friendly service with a prime location right in the heart of Pontresina.

Internal Link Tip: Are you traveling with your friends, your outdoor crew, or do you just need plenty of space for all your gear? Our spacious apartment in Pontresina offers you exactly the freedom and space you need after an intense day on the trails of the Engadin.

a mountain with flowers in front of it