Castle Crap da Sass, a protected moorland area, a mountain hike, and a practice area for beginner skiers and snowboarders show just how varied a stay in Surlej can be. If you’re looking for a hotel, you can first decide whether local history, the landscape, or winter sports will be the focus of your trip.

Surlej between Silvaplana and the mountains

Surlej is a district of the Upper Engadine municipality of Silvaplana in the canton of Graubünden. The village lies south of the Inn between Lej da Champfèr and Lej da Silvaplauna, at the foot of Piz Surlej and Corvatsch. Silvaplana’s village center is about two kilometers away. This location helps you choose where to stay without suggesting that Surlej and the main village are one and the same.

Castle Crap da Sass stands on a plain in Surlej, overlooking Lake Silvaplana. General A. von der Lippe from Germany had it built around 1906. The castle remains in the private ownership of the Prager family and is not open to the public. If you plan a visit, check the latest visitor information in advance. A chapel dedicated to St. Nicholas stood in Surlej from 1757 until it was demolished in 1955.

Moorland lake, waterfall, and mountain hike

Lej Nair is in the God Surlej forest above Surlej, on the way to St. Moritz-Bad. It lies in a protected moorland area of national importance. From the Surlej parking lot, it takes about 30 minutes to walk to the lake; this is an approximate walking time and may vary depending on conditions. A hiking trail runs along the Ova dal Sagl waterfall to the Ova dal Sagl viewpoint.

The Fuorcla Surlej can be reached from Silvaplana or Surlej on a mountain hike into the Roseg Valley. The pass lies between Munt Arlas and Piz Murtèl. From there, you can enjoy a view of the Bernina, Scerscen, and Roseg peaks. The routes to Lej Nair and Fuorcla Surlej therefore differ not only in their scenery: the latter is specifically reached by a mountain hike. Mountain conditions and access may vary by season; check conditions before setting out.

A dam was built above Surlej in 1873, diverting the stream west into Lake Silvaplana. This created a waterfall that makes an impressive backdrop in summer.

Winter activities and practical information

The Cristins platter lift serves as a practice area for children, beginners, and anyone trying skiing or snowboarding for the first time. It is in Surlej next to the Corvatsch cable car’s valley station and close to parking. Cross-country skiing lessons usually start at the bridge between Silvaplana and Surlej; a ski rack marks the meeting point. As meeting-point information may change, check it before taking part. The large gondola from Surlej reaches the mid-station in seven minutes. If you plan to take the lift, check the current timetable, as operating details may change.

Water sports also require you to check the precise location when planning: in the municipality of Silvaplana, water sports enthusiasts must follow the designated zones and use only the official entry and exit points.

Discover more destinations: Pontresina, La Punt-Chamues-Ch, St. Moritz, Casaccia, Celerina/Schlarigna, Bever, Bondo Gr, Sils/Segl Baselgia.

For the main travel overview: Maloja.