Guarda - the most beautiful end of the world

The Lower Engadine

Still an insider tip. It boasts seemingly endless natural beauty and a rich cultural history, guaranteeing that there's something to discover that will amaze you. Families, groups, couples, singles, four-legged companions, young, wise—there's plenty of space, freedom, opportunities for everyone to soak up plenty of sunshine and positive energy.

Guarda – A place like something out of a picture book.

Guarda means "to look," "to see" in the Romansh language Vallader. Situated high above the Inn River at an altitude of 1,653 meters, it enchants with historic Engadin houses, unspoiled nature, and a rich cultural heritage. As the home of the Schellen-Ursli story, the village offers authentic mountain life, tranquility, and unforgettable views—a retreat for connoisseurs, hikers, and culture lovers. Further tips: https://www.engadin.com/de/das-unterengadin/ferienorte/guarda and https://www.graubuenden.ch/de/graubuenden/regionen/bergdoerfer/guarda.

Guarda wasn't simply built—it grew. This charming village, situated on a sunny terrace high above the Inn River, is one of the best-preserved villages in the Engadin and is considered a true architectural treasure. The centuries-old Engadin houses, with their artistic sgraffito and characteristically thick walls, tell stories of bygone times—and delight the hearts of architecture and culture lovers.

In the village center there are several cozy restaurants serving regional cuisine as well as a small, well-stocked supermarket that is open daily (except Sundays).

Guarda is also home to Schellenursli, the famous character from one of Switzerland's most popular picture books. On the Schellenursli adventure trail, with its exciting stations, children and adults can immerse themselves in the world of the Chalandamarz tradition.

Nature, peace and adventure – all on your doorstep.

The area around Guarda offers a variety of hiking trails in every season, from gentle strolls to challenging mountain hikes—each route with breathtaking views. Idyllic fire pits in picturesque spots invite you to linger, barbecue, and play games.

For cycling and mountain biking enthusiasts, numerous routes of all levels of difficulty await, all within a 0–30 km radius. Just a 20-minute drive away is the legendary Swiss National Park, the oldest nature reserve in the Alps.

 Pure relaxation awaits you at the nearby Bogn Engiadina Scuol – a modern health and wellness spa with various indoor and outdoor pools, a spacious sauna area, and the unique Roman-Irish bath. Swimwear can be conveniently rented on site.

Engadin: A Winter Paradise.

In winter, the region transforms into an El Dorado for winter sports enthusiasts: skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, Nordic skating, sledding, and snowshoeing – all possible in the immediate vicinity. Over 1,200 kilometers of daily groomed slopes await in renowned ski areas such as Ftan, Scuol, Samnaun-Ischgl, Davos-Klosters, and the Upper Engadin with Corviglia, Corvatsch, Lagalb, and Diavolezza – without overcrowding.

The Engadin climate is ideal for those seeking relaxation: mild and subalpine, with dry, dust-free air, little cloud cover and an above-average number of sunny days.

Schellen Ursli

The themed hiking trail, newly opened in 2016, is located above the "Schellen-Ursli" village of Guarda in the Swiss canton of Graubünden and is a highlight for the whole family. Starting from Guarda, the trail leads to "Plan dal Növ," across to "Clüs," to "Lajet," and back to the starting point. During the easy hike, which takes approximately 1.5 hours and is 3.6 km long, you'll repeatedly enjoy magnificent views of the peaks of the Silvretta Group. Tip: Along the way, a fire pit at Lake Lajet invites you to linger and grill. The book "Schellen-Ursli," one of the most famous children's books in Switzerland, has made the tradition of the bell procession, the so-called "Chalandamarz," known beyond the country's borders. The "Schellen-Ursli Trail" in Guarda brings the story to life interactively and explores other highlights from the book. Further details at https://www.engadin.com Schellen-Ursli-Weg and www.bergwelten.com Schellen-Ursli-Weg. Finally, see how Schellen-Ursli and his family lived in the Schellen-Ursli Museum in Guarda.

Wanderlust in Guarda

Nature and hiking enthusiasts will find plenty to suit their needs in Guarda. Families with children feel just as at home here as sports enthusiasts and mountaineers. The Val Tuoi, Piz Buin (at 3,312 m above sea level, the municipality's highest point), the nearby Silvretta region, and even the Swiss National Park are right on the doorstep.

Those who venture out into the flower-filled meadows and larch forests can unwind in the healthy mountain air. A total of 16 different hikes, ranging in duration from 30 minutes to 9 hours, depart from Guarda.

Numerous hiking suggestions to Guarda can be found here: https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/destinations/guarda/, https://www.bergfex.ch/sommer/guarda/touren/wandern/, https://www.komoot.de/guide/8339/wandern-rund-um-guarda

We provide on-site support with expert advice and up-to-date and informative maps, including tour descriptions for the entire Engadin.

Excursion destination Tamangur

Tamangur is a remote moorland and Swiss stone pine forest landscape in the Lower Engadine. The God da Tamangur natural forest reserve is home to Europe's highest pure Swiss stone pine forest. In this protected area, nature is allowed to flourish undisturbed – trees are no longer felled, and dead trunks are left as part of the natural cycle. Information about the forest can be found on the information board at the Tamangur Dadora Alp.

The area is of particular importance because of its highest continuous pine forest in Europe (at over 2000 m above sea level) and as a symbol of the tenacity of the Romansh people in preserving their culture and language.

Tamangur is a popular hiking and mountain biking area from June to October. The starting point is usually S-charl, and the end points are either Lü GR (via Pass da Costainas) or the Ofenpass (via Fuorcla Funtana da S-charl). On foot, the tours take 4 to 6 hours and are rated T2. The hiking trail through the Tamangur valley runs along the right (eastern) side of the valley, while the road used by alpine farming and mountain bikers runs along the left (western) side.

Apart from well-developed hiking trails and the sale of drinks and snacks at Alp Astra, there is no tourist infrastructure in the area.

Tarasp Castle - a piece of history to experience

Tarasp Castle, once a fortified fortress and now a cultural gem, towers high above the Lower Engadine. Thanks to its private owner, the castle is open to visitors and invites you to take fascinating tours through its magnificent halls and eventful history.

The current owner of Tarasp Castle, the artist Not Vital, purchased the castle and opened it to the public. However, he doesn't personally open it daily; instead, he offers guided tours and events where visitors can view the castle. Thus, the castle is open for organized tours, not as a continuously accessible site.

Winter magic in Guarda – Where silence glitters

When the first snow transforms the Engadin village of Guarda into a glittering winter wonderland, a very special time begins. The narrow streets with their centuries-old sgraffito houses seem enchanted, and the clear mountain air is filled with the crunch of snow beneath your feet.

Whether snowshoe hikes through pristine nature, exhilarating toboggan runs, cozy hours by the fireplace, or a stroll along the Schellenursli Trail – Guarda is the epitome of a quiet, authentic winter paradise. Away from mass tourism, you'll experience peace, nature, and genuine Graubünden hospitality. A picture-perfect Christmas: In Guarda, high above the valley, you'll experience the holidays in a unique atmosphere.

 During the Christmas season, Guarda is bathed in warm light, tranquil snowy landscapes, and the scent of wood fires and spices. At the Hotel Meisser, you can enjoy fine Graubünden specialties in stylish dining rooms with mountain views. The small spa area invites you to relax after a winter walk.

Popular winter activities such as skiing in Scuol or Davos/Klosters, ski touring on Piz Buin, freeriding in powder snow or a visit to Bogn Engiadina in Scuol can be reached in just 20-30 minutes by car.

The Reschen Pass and the landmark in the lake

The Reschen Pass is a historic Alpine crossing at 1,507 meters above sea level, connecting the Austrian Upper Inn Valley with the Italian Vinschgau. For centuries, it has served as an important link between North and South Tyrol – and today is of great importance not only from a transport perspective but also from a tourism perspective.

The Reschen Pass became known worldwide for a striking image: a solitary church steeple rising from the waters of Lake Reschen. This mystical landmark is the last visible remnant of the village of Alt-Graun, which was flooded in 1950 to make way for a reservoir. Over 150 families lost their homes at that time – and the Romanesque tower of the former parish church remained as a silent monument.

Today, the sunken tower attracts thousands of visitors every year and has become a symbol of home, loss, and change. Surrounded by a breathtaking mountain backdrop, the region invites you to linger, take photos, hike, or cycle—and in winter, ice skate right around the tower.

Arriving from Guarda By car, the journey from Guarda takes about 1.5 hours.

Chalandamarz - A traditional spring festival

Chalandamarz, also known as Chaland'avrigl, is an ancient spring festival celebrated especially in the Romansh-speaking regions of Graubünden. The origins of this custom date back to pagan times and can be found in Roman traditions. The month of March was dedicated to the god Mars, who was worshipped as both the sun god and the god of war. According to the Julian calendar, the year began in March, and in warmer regions, spring was ushered in with large festivals. These celebrations served to ask Mars for his blessing on fields, meadows, and livestock.

The Romans also played a significant role in the Engadine, leaving traces of their customs there. One of these customs is the noisy procession of children through the villages. With whip cracking, bell ringing, and singing, they symbolically drive away the evil winter spirits and awaken the fertility of nature. The idea behind this is that the noise scares the winter spirit and forces it to retreat, while simultaneously welcoming spring.

Today, Chalandamarz is primarily celebrated by schoolchildren, who parade through the streets with large bells and chimes, singing traditional songs. They often wear blue blouses, red scarves, and black caps, which characterize the parade's typical appearance. In many villages, the day concludes with convivial festivities and dances. The tradition is deeply rooted in the regional culture and is passed down from generation to generation to preserve and maintain the customs.

Chalandamarz symbolizes not only the changing seasons but also the solidarity of the village community. It is a festival of joy and hope that bids farewell to winter and welcomes spring with open arms.

Experience traditional art

In the Lower Engadine, ancient crafts live on – lovingly maintained and passed down through generations. Particularly impressive is the sgraffito technique, in which house facades are artfully decorated with carved patterns, symbols, and ornaments. In villages like Guarda, Ardez, and Susch, you encounter this unique design at every turn.

Equally typical of the region are artfully crafted woodwork made from Swiss stone pine – whether as delicate art objects, traditional carvings, or stylish furnishings. The aromatic scent of Swiss stone pine and its warm aura make each piece unique and full of character.