The Engadin is a bit like a giant adventure playground: turquoise lakes, forests full of stories, and trails that smell of discovery from the very first step. And the best part? Many of them are made especially for families.
We've teamed up with Engadin Tourism to gather the most beautiful routes – from magical themed trails to autumn panoramic walks. Pack your backpacks, snacks, and sense of adventure – and off you go with your kids on the most beautiful trails between Maloja and S-chanf.
Themed trails for families
Smuggler's Trail Maloja & Lägh da Cavloc
Want to play detective for a bit? The Smuggler’s Trail leads you through forests and old walls that tell hidden stories. At 17 stations, your kids can step into the shoes of smugglers, discover ancient walls, and hear tales from a mysterious time. At the end, the emerald-green Lägh da Cavloc glimmers between the trees – a mountain lake straight out of a storybook, perfect for a picnic, dipping your toes in the water, or for the very brave: a jump into the cold mountain water.
Alpine experience with Mevina and Neves
What's life really like on a mountain alp? That's exactly what the two ibexes Mevina and Neves will show you – at hands-on stations right in the middle of nature. It’s a trail full of little "aha!" moments that show little adventurers that the mountains aren't just a holiday paradise, but a real home. Eight stations playfully teach kids what it means to make cheese, care for animals, and live outdoors. With a stamp booklet, riddles, and a small reward at the end – just the thing for curious minds and quick feet.
Adventure trail "Fix shows you your world"
Fix the clever fox has left a trail – and little explorers can follow him. Along the way on this cunning adventure trail, you'll find climbing stations, balance beams, and small stories about the forest and its animals. Sometimes it’s a bit athletic, sometimes it's magical – and at the end, a little surprise awaits. It's a short, varied trail for little legs with a big spirit of discovery. It’s also an ideal introduction to hiking for even the smallest kids.
Morteratsch glacier trail – Sabi's big dream
Are you also big marmot fans? Then follow the whistle of Sabi the marmot on the Morteratsch Glacier Trail. On this themed path, Sabi tells the story of how "his" glacier grows, melts, and changes. At 16 stations with exciting stories, riddles, and tasks, you'll hike step by step toward the glacier tongue. At the end, a big moment awaits: a real glacier to marvel at and a moment no one will forget.
Val Bever fairy tale trail
Here, stories come to life. Between larch trees, streams, and small forest clearings, various fairy tale stations pop up – for listening, reading aloud, or continuing the stories yourself. The Fairy Tale Trail in Val Bever invites you to slow down: it's not about being faster, higher, or farther, but about taking each step into the realm of imagination. It's an experience that makes little explorer hearts beat faster. Eight stations tell stories from the Engadin, accompanied by sculptures and big fairy tale books. With barbecue spots and play stations along the way, the trail is an adventure full of imagination and joyful breaks.
Senda da Gianna – Sils fairy tale trail
Even more fairy tale magic: The brave goat herder Gianna takes you into her world of stories, nature, and imagination. It's a lovingly created themed trail that delights dreamers, big and small. With carved wooden figures, small riddles, and exciting stories, the fairy tale trail becomes a full-sensory experience. Especially in autumn, when the forests glow, the trail feels even more magical and draws you in.
Autumn hikes with a view
Via Engiadina Stage 1: Maloja – Silvaplana
A piece of the Engadin straight out of a picture book. High above the valley, the path winds through golden forests and past small streams. The stage between Maloja and Silvaplana is a trail for little and big summit seekers: a brave climb uphill with a view of golden forests and the sparkling lakes down in the valley. Along the way, there are enough streams, roots, plants, and trees to take short explorer stops and examine everything more closely. And at the end, the view of Lake Silvaplana waits like a great treasure.
Muottas Muragl panoramic trail
The ride up is an adventure in itself – clattering in the funicular, climbing higher and higher until the entire Engadin lake landscape suddenly unfolds. Up on the Muottas Muragl panoramic trail, the journey starts light-footed: through pine forests, past gnarled stone pines, always with the Bernina Massif in sight. It's a trail for little explorers who love to call out, "Look at that!" every few minutes.
Surlej – Lej Nair – Lej Marsch
An adventure between lakes: On this hike, you first go from the Surlej bridge up through the forest to the mysterious Lej Nair. This mystical moor lake is perfect for wildly skipping stones or dipping your toes in the water. After that, you'll hike on to Lej Marsch – a true adventure playground of water, sand, and meadow. At this swimming lake, cozy barbecue spots are just waiting for you to hold delicious stick bread or a tasty sausage over the fire. And if you still have energy, you can discover dragonflies on the shore or dare to jump into the cool water.
S-chanf (Prasüras) – Varusch Circular Trail
Here, the autumn leaves rustle under your feet and the moss in the forest smells wonderful. Ready for your autumn adventure? The circular trail leads through forests and meadows where little hiking owls can collect, observe, and play. Prick up your ears, because with a bit of luck you might hear the roaring of the deer during the rut – a real wilderness adventure right in the middle of the mountains. And maybe you’ll discover more animals hiding in the national park? Look closely. It's a perfect outing for curious eyes to experience autumn with all their senses.
Whether it’s a smuggler's path, a fairy tale forest, or a glacier trail – the Engadin is full of stories just waiting for you to discover them. Let yourself be surprised by what adventure rustles around the next corner.
