Engadin facts for kids
The Engadine is a long, beautiful valley high up in the eastern Swiss Alps. It's located in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland. About 25,000 people live here. The name "Engadine" means "Valley of the Inn people," referring to the Inn River that flows through it.
The Inn River starts its journey in the Engadine at Maloja Pass. It then flows roughly northeast for about 100 kilometers (62 miles) until it reaches Austria. Later, the Inn River joins the mighty Danube River in Passau, Germany. This means the Inn is the only Swiss river that eventually drains into the Black Sea!
The Engadine is connected to the rest of Switzerland and Graubünden by several mountain passes like the Julier Pass, Albula Pass, and Flüela Pass. There's also the Vereina Tunnel, which makes travel easier, especially in winter.
The highest mountains in the wider Engadine area are part of the amazing Bernina Range. You can find these towering peaks in the southwestern part of the valley.
Contents
Exploring the Engadine Valley
The Engadine is often divided into two main parts: the Upper Engadine and the Lower Engadine.
Upper Engadine: Lakes and Glaciers
The Upper Engadine is famous for its chain of sparkling lakes, including Lake Sils, Lake Silvaplana, and Lake St. Moritz. This area is also home to some impressive glaciers and the highest peaks of the Bernina Range. The air here is often described as dry and crisp, which many people enjoy.
St. Moritz: A Famous Resort Town
St. Moritz is the largest town in the Engadine and a very well-known resort. It's famous for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, and it has hosted the Winter Olympics twice! Even in summer, people come here for hiking, biking, and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Lower Engadine: Charming Villages and Nature
The Lower Engadine is a bit different, with narrower valleys and charming, traditional villages. The Inn River flows more quickly here, carving its way through the landscape. This part of the valley is known for its well-preserved Romansh language and culture.
Swiss National Park: A Wild Paradise
A big part of the Swiss National Park is located in the Lower Engadine. This park is a special place where nature is left untouched. You can see wild animals like ibex, chamois, and marmots in their natural habitat. It's a fantastic place for hiking and experiencing true wilderness.
Culture and Traditions
The Engadine has a rich culture, especially in the Lower Engadine, where the Romansh language is still spoken by many people. Romansh is one of Switzerland's four national languages.
Chalandamarz: Welcoming Spring
One unique tradition in the Engadine is called Chalandamarz. It's celebrated on the first day of March. Children dress up in traditional costumes and ring large cowbells to chase away winter and welcome spring. It's a noisy and joyful festival!
Gallery of Engadine
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The highest peaks of the Eastern Alps are in the Bernina range
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Val Roseg, south of Pontresina
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Val Trupchun in the Swiss National Park
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Engadine Dolomites near Scuol
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Tarasp Castle overlooking the valley
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St. Moritz is the largest town in Engadine
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Chalandamarz in Guarda
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See also
In Spanish: Engadina para niños
