Location
Its location at the heart of the Upper Engadine makes Samedan the effective center of the region. This central position played a large part in Samedan’s evolvement as main town in respect of the Upper Engadine circle. The community lies at the junction of the roads leading up to the passes and valleys, crisscrossing from north to south and from east to west. All the most important infrastructure is reachable in a matter of minutes and, with the only airport in the canton of the Grisons, it is also accessible by air.
Public transport connections
The station at Samedan is the focal point of the rail network in the Upper Engadine, with four major routes converging here from the directions of St. Moritz, Pontresina/Bernina, Lower Engadine and Albula. From Zurich main station Samedan is reachable in under 3 hours.
Schools
The range of education available locally includes elementary and secondary levels, commercial and vocational institutes, high school, a selective school (Gymnasium), a technical college for healthcare and pedagogic training, a sports academy, the Higher Institute of Tourism, and the ETI (European Tourism Institute) Switzerland.
Leisure activities
Winter
Samedan is the ideal starting point for every imaginable winter sport. There is a skiing mecca for families above the village, accessible via the Survih lift. Those wanting to join up with the larger ski areas have a direct bus connection, and a downhill piste leads straight back to Samedan from Corviglia-Marguns. The cross-country center is renowned for its sunny position and is considered the best place from which to connect with the wider network of trails, while the most spectacular toboggan run in the Engadine is on Samedan’s local peak, the Muottas Muragl. Walkers, skaters and curling fans alike are all well catered for in Samedan and can take advantage of the diverse array of winter activities available.
Summer
The many options on offer in summer include uplifting walking routes, everything from easy to challenging hikes, mountain bike tours for all levels of technical ability, or trekking tours amid the breathtaking mountain backdrop. There is plenty to be discovered on the “Klimaweg”, an environmental trail on the local peak, the Muottas Muragl, or the waterside trails in the valley, or the “La Senda” nature walk above Samedan. Further attractions include a 5.1km-long inline skating track around the airport.
Shopping
You can find everything you need on a day-to-day basis in Samedan’s Coop, Aldi and Migrolino shops and in the local bakery and butcher. Various sportswear and clothing boutiques are on hand to provide the perfect outfit for any activity, winter and summer alike.
Restaurants und Hotels
Samedan has a great selection of hotels and restaurants, with more than 20 gastronomic venues offering everything from local specialties to national dishes and international cuisine.
Sightseeing / points of interest
- Village center with well-maintained traditional buildings typical of the Engadine
- La Tuor, a restored watchtower
- Chesa Planta, an imposing patrician building
- Mineral baths and spa in Samedan
Prime locations
- Cristolais
- Funtanella
- Sur Puoz
- Quadrellas
- Crusch
- Mantarütsch
