When I plan a getaway with friends, Graubünden in Switzerland is my playground. Samedan and Maloja are my favorite corners of the Engadine for vacation rentals that feel like a home away from home, with the right dash of adventure, luxury, and easygoing fun. Think sunlit chalets, cozy evenings by a crackling stove, and days filled with fresh air, alpine trails, and delicious Swiss bites. If you’re hunting for chalet-style holiday rentals in Switzerland, this is a region that delivers: authentic atmosphere, scenic vistas, and a rhythm that suits a crew of travelers who love holidays with friends as much as the next big adventure. For easy access to a handpicked selection of accommodations, I always check searchandstay.com to discover vacation rentals, chalet accommodations, and holiday rentals in Samedan, Maloja, and the broader Graubünden area.
Why Samedan and Maloja in Graubünden steal the show
Samedan sits at the edge of the Engadin valley, wrapped in a history-rich village vibe that makes every stay feel like a chic Swiss hideaway. The town is perfectly placed for day trips by train or car, with quick access to the glamorous St. Moritz region and its famous winter and summer activities. Maloja, perched above the lake, feels a little more secluded and restorative—an ideal launchpad for long hikes, serene lake days, and sunset moments that beg to be photographed with friends.
The Graubünden canton is known for its dramatic alpine scenery, granite peaks, and a climate that keeps things fresh no matter the season. In winter, the region glitters with powdery runs and Nordic trails; in summer, it comes alive with wildflower-strewn hikes, bike routes along lakes like Sils and Silvaplana, and lively village life that still preserves a quiet, small-town charm. Staying in Samedan or Maloja means you’re never far from a great ride, a cozy ski hut, or a panoramic terrace where you can toast a perfect day with friends.
Chalet accommodations and vacation rentals to fit every group
In this corner of Graubünden, vacation rentals come in all flavors: traditional Swiss chalets with wooden beams and sunlit living rooms; modern alpine apartments with slick kitchens and big balconies; and intimate mini-lodges tucked into the hillside with dramatic views. For a group of friends, the best chalet accommodation often blends space, privacy, and sociable common areas—think open-plan living, a spacious dining zone perfect for long dinners, and a sun-drenched deck for afternoon chats.
When you search for holiday rentals in Samedan or Maloja, look for these features: a well-equipped kitchen for group meals, multiple bedrooms with comfortable bedding, two or more bathrooms to keep mornings smooth, a comfortable lounge area with a fireplace or heater for those cozy evenings, and a location that puts you within a short walk or drive of the essentials—supermarkets, bakeries, cafés, and bakeries where you can pick up a picnic for a lake day.
My tip for arranging a seamless stay: choose a chalet or apartment that offers flexible check-in times and a host who can point you to the best local experiences—whether that’s a private fondue night in a chalet’s dining room or a guided hike that reveals glacier views and hidden viewpoints. For a reliable starting point with verified options across Samedan, Maloja, and nearby villages, explore searchandstay.com to compare vacation rentals, chalet accommodations, and holiday rentals that suit your dates and budget.
Season-by-season activities: what to do with friends
Samedan and Maloja are destinations that shine year-round. Here’s how I like to fill a weekend with friends, depending on the season.
Winter wonders in and around Samedan and Maloja
The Engadin region is synonymous with superb winter activities. In Maloja, cross-country skiing trails wind through serene meadows with postcard-worthy views, while nearby St. Moritz and the surrounding slopes offer options for every skill level. If you love a touch of adrenaline, you’ll find toboggan runs and beginner-friendly slopes just a short drive away. After a day on the powder, a chalet or mountain hut becomes the perfect base for a warm drink and stories by the fire.
For a more relaxed pace, I like a late afternoon walk along the lakefronts when the light hits the snow in a way that makes everything look magical. And of course, the après-ski scene in the broader Engadin valley delivers a playful energy—live music, cozy bars with local wines, and the kind of social buzz that makes holidays with friends extra special.
Summer escapes: lakes, trails, and endless blue skies
Summer in Graubünden is all about cool mornings, long days, and trails that feel almost private. A hike from Samedan toward the Morteratsch Glacier offers dramatic valley views and a chance to see glacial landscapes up close. If you’re into lake days, the lagoons and lakes around Maloja – the famous Lake Sils and Lake Silvaplana aren’t far away – invite stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and paddle ferry rides that make for a playful group activity. For the more adventurous, day trips to the surrounding peaks—or even a short drive to nearby hiking circles—provide routes that range from easy strolls to challenging scrambles.
Cycling is another standout activity here. You can tackle mountain bike routes on forested ridges or opt for road rides along the Maloja Pass with friends who love a scenic, high-altitude gradient. I’ve found that a day spent biking ends with a visit to a lakeside café, where we share a few laughs and refuel with fresh regional specialties.
Local experiences that elevate a stay
Beyond the obvious outdoor options, Graubünden offers rich cultural experiences that pair perfectly with a weekend away with friends. Try a traditional Swiss meal featuring fondue or raclette in a charming alpine restaurant, followed by a stroll through village centers where artisans display crafts and local produce. If you time it right, you might catch a small music night, a farmers’ market with Gruyère samples and Bündner Nusstorte—a nut tart that’s utterly irresistible.
For a guided touch, arrange a snowshoeing or winter hike with a local guide in Maloja or Samedan; summer guided hikes can reveal hidden waterfalls and panoramic views you’d miss on your own. A food-and-wot experience (that’s wine-and-dine!) often includes a pairing of regional cheeses with local wines, a perfect way to wind down after a day on the trails.
Where to stay: tips for choosing the right vacation rental
When selecting a vacation rental or chalet in Samedan or Maloja, consider the pace of your group. If you’re all about late-night chats and a shared kitchen, prioritize spacious living areas, a large dining table, and comfortable common spaces. If some friends need a quiet corner to retreat, ensure there are private bedrooms with good lighting and sound insulation.
Accessibility matters too. A chalet with a compact stairway and ground-floor access is a smart pick for a mixed-age group or travelers who want a smooth arrival after a long day of hiking or skiing. A well-equipped kitchen is a big plus for vacation rentals in Switzerland, where you’ll want to make easy breakfasts before a day of activities, plus the option to host a sunset dinner with a view.
Practical planning: getting there, staying connected, and moving around
Getting to Samedan and Maloja is straightforward from major Swiss cities. If you’re flying into Zurich or Geneva, a train ride from the airport to Samedan or St. Moritz area is efficient and scenic, delivering you into the heart of the Engadine in comfort. Car rental is available, and some chalets offer shuttle options or parking on-site, which helps when you’re transporting skis, bikes, and picnic gear for a day out on the trails.
Once you’re there, the local transport network makes it easy to explore further afield. The region is well-served by buses and trains, and the proximity of Samedan to St. Moritz means you can hop on a quick ride to a world-class lake or a stylish café in minutes. If you’re planning a multi-day itinerary, consider a base in Samedan with day trips to Maloja and beyond—this way, you maximize both the social vibe of your group and the variety of experiences you can pack into one trip.
Dining, shopping, and nightlife: how I spend evenings
Evenings in the Engadine valley can be as lively or as laid-back as you want. In Samedan, you’ll find cozy bistros and wine bars where locals and visitors swap travel stories over shared boards of charcuterie and slices of Bündnerfleisch. In Maloja and the surrounding villages, a newer wave of alpine restaurants offers modern takes on Swiss classics, plus spectacular terrace views to cap off a day of adventures.
If you’re in the mood for a more energetic night, you’re never far from a lively après-ski scene in the broader St. Moritz area, or a late-night lounge where the conversation flows as freely as the local wine. Wherever you end up, your accommodation can be a convenient launchpad for a casual night out or a relaxed evening in with friends, a bottle of regional wine, and a good playlist.
Finding and booking your perfect stay with Search and Stay
Planning a trip to Samedan, Maloja, and the Graubünden region is easier when you have a trusted source for vacation rentals and chalet accommodations. Searchandstay.com brings together a curated selection of holiday rentals across Samedan, Maloja, and nearby villages, helping you compare options by price, size, and features. Whether you’re looking for a large chalet with multiple bedrooms to host a weekend with friends or a cozier alpine apartment for a romantic-friends combo, this platform streamlines your search and makes booking straightforward.
For the most enjoyable stay, filter your search by essential amenities like a fireplace, terrace with a lake view, a fully equipped kitchen, and proximity to hiking trails or the lake. Read recent guest reviews to gauge the vibe of the space and the responsiveness of hosts. Then, book a vacation rental that aligns with your dates and activity plans so you can maximize your time in Samedan, Maloja, and the wider Graubünden area.
Sample 3-day itinerary to kick off your Graubünden adventure
Day 1: Arrive in Samedan, settle into your chalet, wander the village streets, have a relaxed dinner at a local bistro, and toast the group with a regional white wine. Day 2: Take a morning hike toward a scenic overlook, swap stories over a picnic lunch by the lake, and end with an evening fondue night in your rental or at a cozy chalet restaurant. Day 3: Short drive or train to Maloja for a lakeside bike ride or a gentle paddling session, followed by a sunset at a terrace café and a night of stargazing back at your chalet.
Booking a place through Search and Stay gives you access to a range of options that fit a sporty, social, and sun-loving group. From luxury chalets with spa facilities to breezy mountain apartments with balconies for après-ski views, the right stay sets the tone for an unforgettable Engadine experience.
Whether you’re here for winter sports, summer lakeside lounging, or a mix of both, Samedan and Maloja offer vacation rentals that suit your style, your pace, and your budget. The region invites you to slow down enough to savor the scenery, yet keep moving enough to keep your energy high with friends. With the right chalet or holiday rental, every day feels like a new adventure—and every evening ends with a memory you’ll tell again and again.
Ready to start planning your trip? Visit Search and Stay to explore vacation rentals, chalet accommodations, and holiday rentals in Samedan, Maloja, and the broader Graubünden area. Your Swiss alpine escape is waiting, and the best accommodations are just a click away.