Autumn hikes in the Engadine: The most beautiful routes in November

Golden larches, crisp mountain air, and tranquil trails: November is a quiet yet magical time to experience the Engadine Valley on foot. Away from the crowded summer months, the alpine autumn charm unfolds in all its splendor. But which routes are particularly impressive and still accessible before the first heavy snowfall? In this article, we present the most beautiful autumn hikes in the Engadine – ideal for November days that call for exercise and a connection with nature. From the scenic Lej Muragl loop to the leisurely Val Roseg tour, all levels of difficulty are represented. You'll find specific tour details, preparation tips, and safety information for late autumn.

• 1. Why hike in the Engadine in November?
• 2. The 7 most beautiful autumn hikes in the Engadine
• 3. Comparison table: Route, difficulty, highlights
• 4. Important equipment and safety tips
• 5. Avoid common mistakes: Expert tips for autumn
• 6. FAQ: Hiking in the Engadine in November
• 7. Conclusion: Enjoy autumn hikes in Switzerland

Why hike in the Engadine in November?

Autumn magic at 1800+ meters

• Golden larch splendor: In the Upper Engadine, the larch forests turn an impressive golden yellow in late autumn – a picturesque spectacle between Silvaplana and Pontresina.
• Fog-free: Thanks to its altitude of over 1800 m above sea level, the Engadine is usually above the typical November fog line.
• Visibility: The clear mountain air provides wonderful long-distance views – ideal for photographers and summit views.
• Off-season peace and quiet: The tourist quiet period between the hiking and skiing seasons offers you deserted paths and undisturbed nature experiences.

Snow-free paths – but not for long!

• Typical climate: In the Upper Engadine, the first significant snowfalls usually occur from mid-November onwards. Many exposed hiking trails are still accessible until then.
• Snow line: Often the line is still above 2200 m at the end of October – valley paths or south-facing slopes such as at Lake Sils remain snow-free for longer.
• Tour tips depending on snow conditions: Easy routes such as Val Roseg, Morteratsch or Fextal often remain snow-free until the end of November, while high alpine tours (e.g. to the Chamanna Es-cha) are only possible in safe weather and snow conditions.

The 7 most beautiful autumn hikes in the Engadine

1. Val Trupchun – The National Park Pearl

Region: Lower Engadine, Swiss National Park
Starting point: Prasüras parking lot near S-chanf
Duration: approx. 4–5 hours
Elevation gain: 600–700 m
Difficulty: Medium
Special features: The circular hike through the Val Trupchun in the Swiss National Park is considered one of the best wildlife observation routes in the Engadine. In November, the valley reveals itself in autumnal solitude with yellow-tinged larches and good views of chamois, deer, or even ibex. From Prasüras, the well-marked path leads into the valley to its head, where a spectacular mountain panorama unfolds. Attentive hikers experience pure wilderness here – without infrastructure, but with maximum enjoyment of nature.

2. Morteratsch Glacier Trail – Easy and educational

Region: Upper Engadine, Bernina Group
Starting point: Morteratsch train station
Duration: approx. 2–2.5 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 200 m
Difficulty: Easy
Special features: Ideal for families, the glacier trail offers an educational hike with 16 information panels about the history of the retreating Morteratsch Glacier. The trail follows wide forest roads, through late-autumn larch forests to the glacier tongue viewpoint at the end of the valley. Particularly impressive: Between October and the end of November, the light here is especially clear for photography. Also ideal with a stroller or as a relaxed outing for beginners.

3. Muottas Muragl – Lej Muragl panoramic trail

Region: Upper Engadine
Starting point: Muottas Muragl mountain station (cog railway from Punt Muragl)
Duration: approx. 3–4 hours
Elevation gain: 400–500 m
Difficulty: Medium
Special features: The Lej Muragl circular trail runs along an ideal southern exposure, offering magnificent views of Lake St. Moritz and the Engadine lake district. The paths lead across open plateaus, past Lej Muragl with its photogenic reflection. Numerous benches invite you to linger. Caution: Depending on the weather, the return route can be shady and slippery – good shoes and an early start are recommended. The hotel-restaurant at the mountain station often remains open until mid-November.

4. Silsersee shore path – reflections and silence

Region: Upper Engadine
Starting point: Maloja or Sils
Duration: 2–3 hours
Elevation gain: 100–150 m
Difficulty: Easy
Special features: One of the most popular autumn hikes – and rightly so. The lakeside paths between Maloja and Sils lead through light larch forests directly along Lake Sils. Especially when there's no wind, the sky and mountains are perfectly reflected in the water. Ideal for fantastic photos in the morning. The path is easy to walk and often still snow-free in November. There are also places to stop for refreshments with lake views in Sils.

5. Chamanna Es-cha – High Alpine Silence above Zuoz

Region: Upper Engadine, Piz Kesch area
Starting point: Zuoz train station
Duration: 4–5 hours
Elevation gain: 750–900 m
Difficulty: Medium–Hard
Special features: The hike to the Chamanna Es-cha leads through open mountain slopes with sweeping views towards the Albula Alps. The hut itself is located at 2594 m – often already closed, but a worthwhile destination for well-equipped autumn hikers. Chamois can regularly be observed in calm weather. Recommended only in dry, snow-free conditions (ideal: early November).

6. Hahnensee Trail via Alp Laret (Autumn Edition)

Region: Upper Engadine
Starting point: St. Moritz-Bad
Duration: 3–4 hours
Elevation gain: 500–700 m
Difficulty: Medium
Special features: The classic winter trail is a quiet panoramic tour through colorful coniferous forests to Alp Laret and on to Hahnensee in late autumn. The lake views and the vistas around St. Moritz are spectacular. As it is a one-way trail, the return journey can alternatively be made by public bus. Ideal on clear days before the onset of winter.

7. Val Roseg – Glacier views on a gentle path

Region: Upper Engadine
Starting point: Pontresina train station
Duration: 2.5–3.5 hours (round trip)
Elevation gain: 200–300 m
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: A wide, well-maintained valley hike along the picturesque Ova da Roseg river. Framed by larch forests and with views of the Roseg Glacier at the head of the valley. Horse-drawn carriage rides are also available. The light conditions in the late afternoon are particularly impressive – ideal for beginners and those who simply want to enjoy the scenery.

Comparison table: The perfect route for your level & goal