Surlej: Mountain Trails, Landscape and Local History

Surlej is a district of the Upper Engadine municipality of Silvaplana in the canton of Graubünden. It lies south of the Inn between Lej da Champfèr and Lej da Silvaplauna, at the foot of Piz Surlej and Corvatsch. Surlej is about two kilometres from the centre of Silvaplana. This distance provides a point of reference when comparing Surlej with the town centre. Different priorities may guide your choice of where to stay: mountain hikes, scenic landscapes or winter sports.

Mountain Trails and Landscape

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 views of the Bernina, Scerscen and Roseg peaks. The destination, the mountain pass and the views give the hike a clear scenic focus. Plan a mountain hike and check conditions before setting out: mountain conditions and access can vary seasonally.

Lej Nair offers a different kind of landscape. It lies in the God Surlej forest above Surlej, on the way to St. Moritz-Bad, within a protected moorland area of national importance. The lake is about a 30-minute walk from the Surlej car park. The approximate walking time can help with your day’s planning; allow for variations depending on conditions.

The history of the area’s waterways can also be seen in a specific engineering project. In 1873, a dam was built above Surlej, diverting the stream westwards into Lake Silvaplana. This created a waterfall that makes an impressive backdrop in summer.

Winter Sports in Surlej

The Cristins platter lift is in Surlej, next to the Corvatsch cable car’s valley station and close to parking. Its practice area is for children, beginners and people trying skiing or snowboarding for the first time. This makes the lift relevant for getting started in these winter sports. The large gondola from Surlej reaches the middle station in seven minutes. As operating details can change, check the current timetable before planning a trip.

Cross-country ski lessons usually start at the bridge between Silvaplana and Surlej; a ski rack marks the meeting point. Since meeting-point information can change, it is advisable to check in advance. This helps you fit the cross-country ski lesson into your day’s plans without confusing it with the practice area at the platter lift: the information concerns different winter sports and locations.

Local Character and History

On the plain in Surlej, Crap da Sass Castle overlooks Lake Silvaplana. General A. von der Lippe from Germany had it built around 1906. The castle remains privately owned by the Prager family and is not open to the public. It can therefore be considered part of the local landscape, but not a public visitor attraction.

The local history also includes St. Nicholas Chapel, which stood in Surlej from 1757 until it was demolished in 1955. It was already there when Crap da Sass Castle was built around 1906. The histories of the two buildings overlapped for several decades; the chapel was later demolished. Together, these dates offer a glimpse into the history of the district, without suggesting that the former chapel still exists today.

Discover more destinations: La Punt-Chamues-Ch, Bregaglia, Sils/Segl Baselgia, S-Chanf, Silvaplana, Casaccia, Soglio Gr, Sils in the Engadine

For the broader travel overview: Maloja.