Samedan

General

Samedan delights visitors with its variety of beautiful Engadin houses; from December 2009, it will also boast the new Mineral Baths & Spa. Samedan's new Mineral Baths & Spa is the first "vertical" mineral spa in Switzerland; amidst the impressive architecture by Miller & Maranta, guests work their way through a labyrinth of bathing and steam rooms distributed over three storeys.

The pistes around the Survih ski lift are a draw for families, while the cross-country ski centre is the starting point for idyllic trails.

Samedan owes its importance to its central location in the heart of the Upper Engadin: it serves as a hub for the Rhaetian Railway, has a small international airport and is regarded as a Mecca for hang-gliding enthusiasts. The Badrutt family, who wrote hotel history in St. Moritz, hailed from here, and Samedan is also home to the legendary Chesa Planta and a highly modern hospital. It is the business and political centre of the region – but there’s much more to Samedan than that!

The picturesque yet lively village, with its handsome Engadin houses, has an idyllic picture-postcard appearance without being kitschy. The inhabitants (and the two museums) make sure that Samedan actively retains its traditional Engadin heritage. Moreover, from here you can quickly reach all parts of the Engadin, as well as the village's home mountain, Muottas Muragl. This is the most tranquil peak in the region, for skis and snowboards are prohibited here. Instead, besides a magnificent panoramic view, visitors are lured here by the beautiful winter hiking paths and an exhilaratingly-fast toboggan run down to the valley.