Engadin Valley, southeast Switzerland,
literally translates as the Inn Garden. It is known for its breath-taking
scenery, of deep blue lakes famous for windsurfing, airy larch forests with
high peaks, and quaint villages with characteristic Engadin-style houses.
The best preserved village is probably Zuoz of
typical Engadin houses, with large, thick stone and masonry walls,
funnel-shaped windows, and wall paintings called sgraffito.
The most famous ski resort in the region is St.
Moritz with short distance access to Muottas Muragl, which offers spectacular
views of the lakes with heated terrace restaurant.
The region is also known for an annual cross-country
ski race called the Engadin Skimarathon from Maloja, across the frozen lakes
and over the open meadows, ending in S-chanf village.
Tradition of Engadin is the winter horse-drawn
sleigh ride. It is composed of many sleighs, each carrying a young woman and a
young man paired up by a lottery, and one sleigh carrying musicians to serenade
the riders. Typical black and red Engadine dress is used by the townspeople and
the horses are decorated with plumage and trimmings in addition to the bells.
The long ride makes stops for eating, dancing and drinking. At the end of the night,
the young woman’s partner is invited to her home for more celebratory dining.
