Engadin Samnaun Val Müstair
Engadin Samnaun Val Müstair is a tourism region in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, in the far east of Switzerland near the borders with Austria and Italy. The region is dominated by the high Alpine valley of the Lower Engadine, carved by the river Inn, and includes the side valleys of Samnaun and Val Müstair. It is a rural, sparsely populated area of traditional Engadine villages, Romanesque language and culture, and the Swiss National Park, one of the oldest national parks in the Alps. The town of Scuol, a historic mineral-water spa resort, lies at the heart of the region and serves as its main hub. The landscape is defined by high mountains, mineral springs, and unspoilt nature rather than by a lake, and the region is known for its strong commitment to sustainable tourism. Cultural life is rooted in old customs and traditions, while the area offers abundant opportunities for hiking, biking, and winter sports.
Summer activities
In summer the region is a prime destination for hiking and mountain biking. The Swiss National Park and the Val Müstair UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offer extensive trails, including the National Park Panorama Trail and a multi-day long-distance hike linking the mountaineering villages of Guarda, Ardez and S-charl with Matsch in South Tyrol. Around Scuol, over twenty mineral springs can be explored on themed mineral-water trails, and the river Inn offers rafting. Major cycling events such as the Nationalpark Bike-Marathon and the Aventyr Engiadina enduro ride draw riders to the region's trails.
Winter activities
The region is one of Switzerland's leading cross-country skiing destinations, with around 100 kilometres of snow-sure trails, including night skiing and trails above 2,100 metres on the Motta Naluns. The ski area around Scuol, with the Motta Naluns gondola and the Ftan-Prui chairlift, offers alpine skiing and a snowpark, and hosts the VISA FIS Snowboard World Cup. Val Müstair is renowned for ski touring and snowshoeing in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with the renovated Sesvenna hut as a popular tour destination.
Culture and entertainment
Cultural life in the region is rooted in old Engadine customs and traditions, such as the Chalandamarz spring festival and the Hom Strom straw-man custom, alongside a lively calendar of events. The historic spa heritage of Scuol, Tarasp and Vulpera, built around mineral springs, shapes the area's identity, with the Engadine Brunnenbad village-fountain bathing reviving old traditions. The region hosts concerts, festivals and open-atelier art tours, and is home to a distinctive contemporary art scene, including the artist Not Vital and cultural initiatives in villages such as Tschlin.
