Scuol and other Scuol, Switzerland Things to Do Tips

Scuol is the "capital" of the lower Engadine. Although administrative (and tourist) centre it remained its charm, especially in the Upper (Scuol Sura) and Lower (Scuol Suot) parts. Just stroll through the village and you will find plenty of old, beautifully sgraffiti decorated houses. Beside it offers very good hotels, restaurants and some nightlife spots.

The views from the upper village (e.g. plazzetta) across the lower village with the church up on a hill and the mountains towering above are fascinating.

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Website: www.scuol.ch

The protestant church was built in 1516. Located on a hill above the lower village on one side and the gorge of the Inn river on the other side it dominates the village. Inside you find beautiful gothic ceilings, windows and pulpit from gothic times.

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Directions: in the lower part of Scuol, on top of a hill, not to miss.

The "Cha Gronda" house in lower Scuol is home of the local museum.

The house was built in the 17th century. It looks magnificent with its front side arcades and sgraffiti. Inside the museum shows rooms with original local interior, local craft and an exhibit about agriculture and culture in the region.

Opening hours: May 15 - Oct 31
Tue and Thu 16-18 h guided tours

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Phone: +41/ 81 861 22 22
Address: Plaz, lower Scuol

A very special thing are the mineral water fountains on some squares in Scuol. Due to a geological "window" water can get up to the surface, dissolving minerals on its way up. More than 20 places of such springs are known around Scuol, the water of 4 of them is led to fountains in Scuol.

These fountains offer two different waters: usual spring water and this very special mineral water. My favourites are to find on Plaz square in Lower Scuol and in the Clozza quarter in Upper Scuol. It is free and healthy!

Such mineral water is also used for the unbelievable spa in Scuol.

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Directions: Plaz square, B?glgrond square (both Scuol Sot), Clozza quarter, La Plazzetta (both Scuol Sura)

Guarda is probably the most beautiful Engadine village. Its location on a sunny terrace about 200 metres above the valley floor allows breathtaking views of the valley and the more than 3000 m reaching peaks vis-a-vis. The entire village is like an open-air museum (but alive!). Magnificently decorated (Sgraffiti) houses form wonderful ensembles around well proportioned small square with fountains. Flowers everywhere.

Most houses were built in the 17th century after a firestorm. Almost all are preserved originally. Don't miss to stroll through the cobbled little streets, sit down, watch the locals (and tourists :-)) and enjoy the stunning scenery. See my Accommodation and Restaurant tips as well.

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Directions: about 15 km west of Scuol
Website: http://www.engadin-start.ch/guarda/

Ardez is another charming village. It is located between Scuol and Guarda. Ardez is less famous than Guarda, not as beautifully restored, but somewhat livelier and still a farmer's village.

It is full of sgraffito decorated old houses, nice fountains etc.

On a nearby hill you can find remains of the old castle Steinsberg (ruins) and enjoy the fantastic panoramic views.

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Directions: about 10 km west of Scuol
Website: www.ardez.ch

The most beautiful Engadine style house in Ardez is to find right on the main street: it is decorated with a stunning fresco, telling the story of Adam and Eve.

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Directions: right on the main street in Ardez (drive or walk into the village)

The most important historical building in the Engiadina Bassa is castle Tarasp. It is located on a hill right in the middle of the valley. Due to this exceptional location it is the dominating landmark and visible from many places.

The castle was first mentioned in 1040. From outside it looks like a medieval castle, but inside you find it to be very comfortable (but romantic). The reason is, that Karl August Lingner, an entrepreneur from Dresden, bought the castle in 1900 and restored it. He also initiated to build an organ in the castle (by famous Jehmlich, Dresden). Magnificent interior from all over Graubünden and nearby Italy was used for the restoration.

opening hours: June 1 - Oct 15: daily guided tours at 14.30 and 15.30
winter: Tue and Thu 16.30 guided tours

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Phone: +41/81 864 93 68
Directions: Tarasp, not to miss

Sent is another of the charming villages. It nestles on a sunny terrace about 400 metres above the valley floor. Its dominating landmark is the neo-gothic tower of its church. Sent was able to preserve many beautiful old farmhouses in local style, decorated with sgraffiti and a specialty called "Senter Giebel" - a Baroque gable.

A unique, 10 km long run far away from lifts leads down to Sent from the skiing area. It is very popular and one of the best (and most scenic) runs I know. I LOVE to ski down to Sent in the afternoon, have a drink in a cafe there and go back by bus to Scuol.

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Website: www.sent.ch