Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1 to 3
Flights
available
14.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
The Lower Engadine is one of the most popular destinations for the Swiss to take their holidays, which must say something when they have such a choice! An exceptional variety of walks await discovery in the Engadine Valley and its many remote side valleys. The lower areas of the Engadine feature deep green meadows against a backdrop of bare, rocky mountains free from snow in summer. Wildflowers carpet the slopes while rivers sparkle as they meander through. Head north up the valley however, and a dramatic change meets the eye. Here the landscape has all the attributes of the high Alps where snow caps the peaks and glaciers fill crevasses. The river Inn thunders through tight gorges and cataracts carrying the foaming, white melting snows. In addition, walk in Switzerland's only National Park, a vast chunk of highland wilderness with protected flora and wildlife. To complement the varied natural landscape, undoubtedly some of the most beautiful and romantic of all Swiss villages cling to mountain slopes enjoying the very best views and providing stunning places to stay. Walking possibilities are endless leaving every walker with a great desire to return for more.
This area is the heartland of Switzerland's fourth official language - Romansch which will often be heard especially in the small villages. However Swiss German is spoken by everyone and English as in other areas of Switzerland is widely spoken. A different language brings different culture, architecture and culinary specials all unique to the Romansch speaking area. The river Inn flows through the valley on its way to the Danube, alternately flowing though deep gorges and wide-open meadowland grazed by bell ringing cows. The area is also host to Switzerland's only National Park.
We have chosen Scuol for our centre for walking in the Lower Engadine not only because it is the hub of the local bus and train routes, radiating to all areas of the Lower Engadine, but it is a charming town of the region. There is an old part of the village with beautifully renovated traditional houses. The River Inn runs around the village on its way to Austria. Scuol is famous for its spa and mineral waters bubbling from 5 fountains in the town. This is now represented by the famous Bogn Engiadina with its complex of six pools both indoor and outdoor, saunas solariums, steam room and massage area.
Read more about this holiday in our 'Unique Places To Stay' blog.
Arrive in the charming town of Scuol, located in the Lower Engadine region. Below are just a selection of the many walks that are available in and around Scuol.
You stay at Hotel Altana or Upgrade - Hotel Belvedere.
Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Safe
Tea/coffee
The 3* Hotel Altana, owned by Adrian Lehmann and supported by his family, offers genuine hospitality with a personal touch. They are all keen walkers and full of knowledge on the local area. Situated conveniently close to the railway station, cable car and postbus, and just a short walk from the village centre. Enjoy an extensive buffet breakfast to start the day and their traditional restaurant La Chadafö serves delicious Swiss cuisine.
HairdryerWiFiTVSafeTea/coffee
Opened in 1876, this delightful 4* hotel is situated in the heart of Scuol next door to the Bogn Engiadina water centre; it has of course been regularly modernised. Julia and Kurt Baumgartner have been running the hotel since 1999, they expanded it into one of the leading wellness hotels in Switzerland today. There are 81 rooms,15 of which are in a contemporary style located in a new integral wing – Ala Nova (Romansch for new wing). The wellness centre and spa offer various relaxation treatments. Dinner and breakfast are taken in the locally acclaimed dining room.
This walk begins at over 2,000m where you'll climb a little above that, followed by mostly flat paths and gentle ascents. You'll pass through woodland and across extensive pastures, where you're sure to see herds of cattle and hear the ringing of their bells. You walk through the important Arvenwald, the wood of Swiss Stone pines (also called Arolla pines, Latin name Pinus Cembra) which is the highest wood in Europe. The walk finishes in S-charl, a charming small village at the start of the road, full of older buildings, where you return by bus to Scuol.
From Tarasp Fontana the walk is all downhill or flat, there is an alternative route giving an uphill finish as you get nearer Scuol. You'll pass through the tiny village of Florins, a little gem, and as you descend there's a marvellous Swiss-scape of a view across the Inn valley and beyond.
This walk starts in the beautiful and peaceful village of Tschlin, rising through woodland and remote upland meadows to descend the hillsides below Piz Arina to the smaller village of Vna. We recommend spending some time in Tschlin to explore the long, cobbled main street, full of beautiful houses with Romansch inscriptions.
Begin by taking a train from Scuol to Zernez where you'll embark on a gentle, pleasant walk along the valley floor between Lavin and Guarda. You'll walk amongst mountains and forests with river meadows as you follow some of the Via Engiadina trail to Guarda.
Explore Switzerland's only National Park - Parc Naziunal Svizzer. Take the bus from Scuol to Tarasp where you gradually ascend with views of the picturesque Tarasp Castle behind you. Walk through luscious forest, bushland, some baron areas which can be eerily beautiful. Deer come to this area as the National Park is protected; if you listen carefully you may hear the calling sounds of the deer and if you are very lucky you might even catch a glimpse!
A very beautiful walk with lots of interest and variety of scenery. However, this at high level and so we include several options for low level walking if weather predictions are unfavourable. Lower level walks are also beautiful! The route starts in the area made famous in the children’s classic story ‘Schellenursli’ and follows part of the trail with numerous illustrated information signs.
Say fond farewells to Scuol as you depart on the train.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £319.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
Flight inclusive package includes rail tickets between Zurich airport and Scuol, plus a Swiss Half Fare Card (50% off all public transportation in Switzerland, including most mountain railroads; valid for one month).
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Zurich airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1 to 3
Flights
available
14.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
