Ornately decorated Engadine houses, a medieval watchtower and trails with a variety of themes give Samedan its distinctive character. The village and political municipality are located in the Upper Engadine in the canton of GraubĂĽnden and belong to the Maloja region. A simple way to choose what to see is to start with the historic village centre for a look at local history and architecture, while circular trails, sports facilities and seasonal activities cater to other interests.
Engadine architecture and local history
Well-preserved Engadine houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries stand in the historic village centre, including in Crappun, Crasta and Surtuor. Bay windows and ornate sgraffito designs are among their distinctive features. The patrician houses also tell the story of Samedan’s development: income from transit traffic, agriculture and mining contributed to a measure of prosperity. As a result, various patrician houses and imposing Engadine houses were built in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
One particularly historic building is the restored watchtower La Tuor in Surtuor. It was first mentioned in official records in 1281 and was the seat of the Lords of Samaden. Later, it served, among other things, as the seat of the Sur Funtauna Merla court and as a district prison. Local history extends beyond the buildings: the old Engadine houses are associated with, among others, the Reformer and Bible translator Giachem Bifrun and the Jenatsch family. In 1560, Bifrun published the «Nouv Testamaint», the first printed work of Ladin literature.
Churches, art and guided visits
The tower of the Evangelical Village Church is considered a landmark of Samedan; the church itself is regarded as one of the most beautiful church buildings in the canton of GraubĂĽnden. San Peter makes its own distinct impression: the late Gothic church is used for weddings and cultural events, as well as for Reformed services during the summer season. Funeral services are now held there only rarely. Event and service schedules may change.
If you would like to explore the historic village centre with an expert guide, you can consider a guided tour, which takes place once a week. Topics include sgraffito designs on Engadine houses, patrician houses, churches and fountains. Check the current date before your visit. The Samedan Architecture Trail offers another way to experience the architecture: the 2.59-kilometre route offers insights into buildings from the past and present. Contemporary art is on display at the riss art space, which hosts changing exhibitions; its programme may change.
Plan trails to suit your interests and schedule
For a trail with a stated duration, consider the Inn–Flaz–Flaz Vegl–Inn Water Trail: the circular route is 8.8 kilometres long, suitable for pushchairs and takes about 2.5 hours. Digital information along the route is available at benches and bridges. Allow about two and a half hours for the circular route.
La Senda focuses on biodiversity: the trail is 6.5 kilometres long, has an elevation difference of 227 metres and includes 32 learning stations. If you would rather explore the area through a game, there is a digital treasure hunt along a 2.8-kilometre walking route around Samedan. Starting at the Tourist Information office, it takes you to 11 puzzle stations, is free of charge and requires registration. Route and activity details may change.
Sports, winter and regional produce
The Promulins Arena in the centre of Samedan combines indoor and outdoor sports. Activities on offer include bouldering, curling, football, beach volleyball and a skate park; the complex also features an artificial ice rink, a multipurpose hall and a fitness room, among other facilities. Golf is available at the Samedan golf course run by the Engadin Golf Club: an 18-hole championship course with a par of 72, considered the oldest golf course in Switzerland. Activities and operating conditions may change.
In winter, two activities differ in their timing and frequency. The Cross-Country Skills Park in the Golfseeli area has 16 stations for improving fitness and technique through play. It is groomed daily from mid-December to March; the seasonal period may change. The Winter Trail from Samedan to Alp Muntatsch is groomed once a week from November to March and offers a nature experience with panoramic views of the Samedan landscape. Grooming depends on conditions.
From June to September, a weekly market selling regional produce is held on Chesa Planta Square every Tuesday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. As the seasonal schedule may change, it is worth checking the date before your visit. The mineral bath in the historic village centre extends over three floors up to the attic. Its outdoor pool is directly below the church tower and offers views of the Engadine mountains; operating conditions may change.
Getting there and planning your trip
Samedan has one of the most important railway junctions of the Rhaetian Railway in the canton of GraubĂĽnden. For your specific journey, check the current timetable, as connections and times may change. When choosing a holiday apartment or accommodation, use your travel plans as a guide: architecture and local history, trails with different themes or seasonal activities can each add a different focus to your stay.
Discover more destinations: Surlej, Bever, Bondo Gr, Castasegna, La Punt-Chamues-Ch, St. Moritz, Casaccia, Madulain.
View the broader travel overview: Maloja.
