Discover the Engadine, in the heart of the Canton of Grisons
Snow and culture
In the canton of Grisons or Graubünden, things are done a little differently - to be more precise, things are said a little different. Here you’ll come ear to ear with the fourth official language of Switzerland: Romansh. This Romance language is a mixture of 5 regional dialects, with a bit of Italian, French, and German pronunciation thrown in. For example, you wouldn’t say Engadine, but rather Engiadina or Engadina. It’s this sweet rhythm of language combined with extraordinary landscapes that made the region Nietzsche’s and Proust’s go-to vacation destination; no doubt, as a source of immense inspiration.
It’s well-known that picturesque mountain villages and medieval towns hold a special place in Swiss heritage. As for their quality of life? Unmatched.
Life at the top of the continent
The Engadine is one of the highest inhabited regions in Europe. We know what you’re thinking: Cold, right? Indeed, it is very cold in the winter, but residents know how to keep warm by delighting in local specialties by the fire. Few things top a plate of delicious walnut pie and a bowl of cabbage soup, accompanied by chops of tender grison meat and slices of cheese from the mountains. Though harsh, the climate offers the most beautiful coats of snow that stay on the ground late into the season. To put it simply, the Engadine is paradise for mountain lovers.
If the name Engadine does not ring a bell, then what about Saint-Moritz? It’s one of the world’s most elegant alpine ski resorts, with more than 300 days of sunshine per year. You also might have heard of 3 other extraordinary ski areas: Corviglia, Corvatsch, and Diavolezza. Their slopes welcome visitors until the end of May.
Saint-Moritz is a year-round resort (including summer) that accommodates an upscale clientele. Taking advantage of its chic array of shopping is a very popular activity, in addition to horseback riding. It also serves as a venue for polo (grass and ice) and horse-racing competitions. Saint-Moritz has already hosted the Winter Olympics not once, but twice! Visiting its world-class bobsleigh tracks is a must. Plus, as a popular rendezvous for international jet-setters, there are plenty of places to enjoy a good party.
The Engadine region is made for you, if...
- You always thought the name Eglantine was beautiful, and so Engadine immediately caught your ear.
- Night is to party as day is to ski.
- The cold doesn’t scare you. You know how to take cover under the blue sky and sun rays.
The Lower Engadine
A quiet valley full of sublime nature, with a holiday atmosphere all year. The canton of Grisons and the Engadine, in particular, are home to spectacular treasures: beautiful Belle-Epoque hotels and traditional whitewashed Engadine houses with 17th- and 18th-century wall decor known as sgraffito (the great-grandfather of graffiti).
In the Engadine, you can explore and navigate many passes between mountains, as well as rivers and lakes. The Inn River, a tributary of the Danube, offers a superb getaway. (Have you always wanted to go to Budapest? No more excuses.) Rafting, ATVs, and even your lovely two feet are all good modes of travel in the Lower Engadine.
Discover the influence that neighboring countries - such as Italy and the Austrian state of Tyrol - had on the village. We recommend a small detour to the village of Zernez, which is the starting point for exciting excursions at the National Park, the largest nature reserve in Switzerland. Your little ones will be fascinated by the legend of the bearded lammergeier, a vulture that can digest bones. It can be a nice opportunity to explain the difference between myth and reality, though they’ll remain beguiled by an image of this raptor whisking away children into thin air.
No more talking, it’s time to come and see with your own eyes.
Lower or Upper Engadine, you’re there, if ...
- Free time starts in 3-2-1 GO!
- Grison meat is your guilty pleasure.
- You're the best at telling stories of Zoltan, the bearded lammergeier.
Contact BARNES Switzerland for your real estate project in the Engadine.