Things to know about Maloja
Maloja and Isola
The gateway to the Engadin
The village of Maloja - On the border with Italian-speaking Switzerland, people appreciate the uncomplicated atmosphere, the spirit of famous painters, the nature and culture of a pass landscape. On one side you can see the Engadin with its larch forests and lakes, on the other the Maloja Pass leads steeply down between majestic granite cliffs into the Bergell valley.
The fascinating interplay of light and shadow has always attracted many artists, and Giovanni Segantini chose Maloja as his last home and subject for many nature paintings. Giovanni Giacometti, the father of Alberto Giacometti, also worked here. Their spirit still inspires exhibitions, readings and concerts in the Belvedere tower or in the Chiesa Bianca.
Maloja - in summer
The pass village on the border to the original Bergell is popular with hikers, art lovers and families. The Sentiero Segantini invites you to learn more about the life of Giovanni Segantini in Maloja. On the smugglers' trail, you can explore the world of smugglers in a wonderful landscape, every child will be overwhelmed by the Kukuk playground and Lake Cavloccio at 1907 meters is perfect for a summer swim.
Maloja is also connected to the entire cycle path network of the Upper Engadine and is the starting point of the famous Inn Cycle Path, which leads from Maloja through various regions of Switzerland to Passau in Germany.
Maloja - in winter
As the starting point of the Engadin Ski Marathon, Maloja is a mecca for cross-country skiers. The 20 kilometers of paradisiacal trails around Maloja are the perfect training ground for the 42-kilometer route of this world-famous cross-country race. The Aela ski lift and the pony lift are family-friendly, cozy and sunny. The new snowtubing facility is also located here - children can whizz down the slope on a rubber tire over a length of 90 meters.
The hamlet of Isola
If you drive along the cantonal road from Maloja towards Sils Maria, you will see the small, idyllic hamlet of Isola on the other side of Lake Sils. Isola is the last fraction of Bergell before the Engadin and is an hour's walk from Maloja and Sils Maria. Isola used to be an alp and was mainly only inhabited in summer. Farmers from Stampa and Borgonovo used to bring their animals here to graze. Nowadays, Isola is a popular destination for those who want to stroll across the frozen lake in winter or simply enjoy the peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle.
