Via Engiadina, Stage 1/12

The first stage of the Via Engiadina route runs gently upwards and downwards along the hillside above Lake Sils and Lake Silvaplana. It leads past narrow mountain streams and huge rock formations, through flower meadows and old pine and larch forests, providing a superb view of the Upper Engadine.

The approximately four-hour hike through the Upper Engadin begins at the «Maloja, Posta» bus stop. The white-red-white waymarked mountain trail leaves the village via Pila and climbs steeply between woodland and open slopes. Near Motta da Blaunca, the route reaches its highest point at just over 2,000 m.

It then continues via Blaunca to Grevasalvas. Pastures, open woodland and rocky sections characterise the trail, with Lake Sils repeatedly coming into view below the route. After descending towards the valley, there is a short section away from the marked hiking trail network before the route rejoins the mountain trail.

Towards the end, the route climbs once more. At Silvaplana Fratta, views open up over Lake Silvaplana and the Engadin lake landscape. The trail then descends to Silvaplana, passing the Reformed Church of Santa Maria. The village centre is reached a few steps later, with the «Silvaplana, Plazza dal Mastrel» bus stop close to the finish. Over 13 kilometres, the route accumulates around 650 metres of ascent and descent respectively.