Discover Zuoz: Engadin culture and trails along the Inn

Zuoz is in the canton of Graubünden and belongs to the Maloja region. As the centre of the historic La Plaiv landscape, the village is characterised by Engadin homes, cultural venues and trails for different seasons. When planning your stay, you can focus on village history, a specific cultural offering or outdoor activities.

Historic houses and culture in the village

Engadin homes with characteristic oriel windows and sgraffito decorations shape the appearance of the historic village centre. One of the Engadin’s notable historic houses is the heritage-listed Chesa Planta in Zuoz. It was extensively remodelled in the Baroque style in 1760. The Upper Engadin Cultural Archive is also based there. This public institution collects documents on Engadin culture and makes them available to the public. The archive offers guided tours once a week by request: Thursdays from 5 to 6 pm. If you plan to join a tour, arrange the date in advance.

Another structure adds a technical accent: the Punt da l’En, also known as the Robert Maillart Bridge, is an arch bridge over the Inn. Its main span is 39 metres. Robert Maillart designed the bridge; it was completed during 1901. This makes it possible to distinguish between two dates in the history of the buildings: 1760 refers to the Baroque remodelling of the Chesa Planta, and 1901 to the completion of the bridge.

The Galerie Tschudi displays contemporary art in a medieval building on the historic main square. It has been active in Zuoz since December 2002. Il Mulin vegl da Plagnoula also tells the story of the village and its economy: of the four former mills fed by the Ritscha millstream, it is the only one still standing. It is a reminder of the time when grain was grown and processed in the Upper Engadin.

Zuoz’s Chalandamarz tradition includes the Prouva da Chalandamarz, a procession of bells around all the village fountains. The exact format may vary from year to year. The Chesa Cafè Badilatti offers another way to experience local culture, with events and guided tours about coffee, as well as information on coffee history. As dates may change, check them before planning a visit. The meeting point for the Zuoz village tour is the Bärenbrunnen on the village square.

Trails and activities in different seasons

Alp Arpiglia lies at an altitude of 2,115 metres. From Resgia in Zuoz, it can be reached in about 1.5 hours via the alpine road or the Himmelsleiter; availability may be affected by weather conditions. If you are planning a longer hike, you can extend the ascent into a four- to five-hour tour via Munt Seja and Lej da Prastinaun. This route leads from Resgia via Munt Seja, at 2,445 metres, to the alpine lake and back to the starting point via Alp Arpiglia. The time estimates therefore describe different plans: the route to the alp and a longer loop via the lake. Trail conditions may vary along the way.

The 2.5-kilometre Madulain–Zuoz ice trail runs along the Inn and reaches Zuoz. In Zuoz, it starts at Pundschremaun, opposite Resgia; parking is available there. A cycling route along the Inn also passes through Zuoz. Check trail conditions and signage on site before setting out.

In winter, the Zuoz/Pizzet ski area offers opportunities for first attempts at skiing, a timed course and a snowpark. Children learn basic techniques such as snowplough turns, braking and turning with the help of a pony lift, a conveyor belt and other terrain aids. Lift and piste operations are seasonal. Cross-country ski trails run between Samedan, Bever, La Punt Chamues-ch, Madulain, Zuoz and S-chanf; they can also be used with dogs, and grooming is seasonal. The Zuoz cross-country skiing centre has changing rooms, heated lockers, showers, toilets and a waxing room.

For another activity to enjoy together, the Zuoz-Madulain golf course offers family golf, where children can try golf for the first time. In both summer and winter, the Engadin Bus connects Zuoz with the villages of the Upper Engadin and the ski areas. As routes and timetables may change, check the timetable for your journey.

The Genussloipe also leads to Zuoz: it ends at Restaurant Sur En, where dessert is served. The restaurant’s participation and seasonal opening may change.

Discover more destinations: Soglio Gr, Sils/Segl Baselgia, St. Moritz, Stampa, Madulain, Silvaplana, La Punt-Chamues-Ch, S-Chanf.

Return to the main travel overview: Maloja.