In the Engadin valley, Celerina/Schlarigna and Maloja invite playful travelers to mix mountain air with lakeside charm. This pair of neighboring villages in Graubünden, Switzerland, blends timeless Alpine scenery with a modern, adventurous spirit. Here, I chase sunrises over shimmering alpine lakes, swap stories with friends over fondue after sunset, and always have a backup plan for a spontaneous hike or a fluttering day at the cable car. If you’re scouting vacation rentals for a flexible, social getaway, you’ll want options that feel like a home base for your crew, with easy access to outdoor activities, good cafés, and a touch of Swiss culture. For finding accommodations in the area, searchandstay.com is a reliable starting point to compare vacation rentals and holiday rentals that fit a fun, active itinerary.
Why Celerina/Schlarigna and Maloja belong on your vacation rentals shortlist
The two villages sit in the eastern Swiss Alps, just a short hop from St. Moritz, yet they maintain a relaxed, non-glitzy vibe that’s perfect for groups of friends who love to explore together and unwind with a plate of regional treats. Celerina/Schlarigna offers a compact, walkable center, easy access to cross-country trails, and a legendary sledding run that becomes a nighttime stage for laughter after a day on the snow. Maloja, perched above Lake Sils (Silvaplana) and surrounded by pine forests and sweeping meadows, feels like a serene rural postcard with selective, stylish lodgings—ideal for those who want to balance adventure with quiet moments by the water or on a sunlit terrace. When you’re hunting for vacation rentals or holiday rentals, you’ll want places that are spacious enough for friends to spread out, with kitchens ready for big breakfasts before the day’s activities, and wi‑fi strong enough for streaming playlists after a long day of exploring. These towns are also well connected to the broader Engadin and Bernina regions, making it easy to plan day trips or multi-day loops without losing your base’s comfy vibe.
From a search-and-stay perspective, look for properties that emphasize accessibility to outdoor routes, proximity to public transport, and options for flexible check-in times—especially if your crew spans different time zones or travel styles. Holiday rentals in this area often come with panoramic mountain views, cozy wood interiors, and terraces that are perfect for catching the late-afternoon sun after a canyon of pine-scented hikes. A well-rounded vacation rental in Celerina/Schlarigna or Maloja should also offer practical touches: reliable heating for icy mornings, well-equipped kitchens for social cooking, and secure storage for bikes, skis, or backpacks. With the right vacation rental in hand, your group can pivot between spontaneous adventures and lazy afternoons, making every day feel like a new chapter of your Alps escape.
Winter magic: skiing, cross-country, and sledding with friends
Winter in Celerina/Schlarigna and Maloja is a postcard come to life. The area sits at the heart of the St. Moritz region, offering access to legendary slopes and a world-class cross-country network. If you live for après-ski banter, long evenings with hot drinks and games in a cozy rental, and days spent chasing fresh powder, you’ll feel right at home here. The local terrain is versatile enough for varied skill levels, from confident powder hounds to first-timers learning to glide on groomed trails.
- Skiing and Snowboarding: The St. Moritz region is renowned for its diverse terrain. From Celerina’s base area, you can connect to lift systems that lead you to a mix of tree-lined runs and open plateaus. If your crew includes first-timers, consider a morning lesson followed by a group lunch on the mountain and an afternoon descent along a gentler trail. For more experienced skiers, a half-day mission to fresh powder coves or a longer run by the upper pistes can be thrilling.
- Cross-Country Skiing: Engadin’s cross-country tracks are among the world’s best. The network around Celerina/Schlarigna weaves through spruce forests and open fields with gentle to challenging routes. Rent high-quality cross-country gear locally or opt for a guided tundra-tilt if you want a scenic route with a resident expert who can point out wildlife and alpine microclimates.
- Tobogganing and Sledding: A playful evening activity for groups of friends is to glide down a sun-warmed or moonlit slope after dinner. The sledding routes near Maloja are especially magical when the stars come out and the village lights glow across the lake’s surface. A rental property with a cozy lounge and a ready-to-serve hot chocolate station becomes a perfect base for this kind of night.
- Snowshoeing and Winter Walks: For those who want a quieter pace, the Engadin’s snowshoe trails unveil serene panoramas—frozen lakes, frost-kissed pine needles, and distant peaks. A guided snowshoe hike can be a thrilling way to learn about local flora and winter atmospheric conditions while keeping the group together.
Tip: When booking in winter, prioritize a vacation rental with a robust heating system, a dry room for boots and gear, and proximity to a bus stop or parking area. Accessibility between Celerina/Schlarigna and Maloja is straightforward, but a central base with easy access to snow lanes ensures you’ll spend less time commuting and more time making memories with your friends.
Summer escapes: hiking, lakes, and mountain-bike trails
When the snow melts, the Engadin reveals a different kind of high-altitude playground. Summers here are about long, bright days, cooler breezes, and a chorus of birdlife above glacier-polished lakes. Celerina/Schlarigna and Maloja become launch pads for epic day trips, refreshing swims, and long, social meals outdoors after a day of exploration.
- Hiking with a View: The region has trails for every level, from short lakeside strolls to demanding ridge hikes that reward you with panoramas of the Bernina massif and the turquoise glacial lakes below. A popular combo is a morning hike from Maloja toward Lake Sils, followed by a late lunch with a lakeside table at a local restaurant.
- Bike Adventures: Mountain biking in the Engadin is a dream for groups who want an adrenaline spike with a view. From flowy single-track sections to longer, more technical routes, there are choices for all riders. If you’re traveling with friends who want to explore on two wheels, choose a vacation rental with a bike-friendly space and a secure place to clean and dry gear after the ride.
- Lake Days and Water Activities: Lakes around Maloja and St. Moritz offer swimming, paddling, and stand-up paddleboarding with a sparkling backdrop of peaks. A relaxed afternoon on the water is the perfect counterpoint to morning hikes and a hearty lunch at a sun-filled terrace beside the lake.
- Rail and Road Pairings: Consider a scenic day trip that pairs a gentle train ride with a mountain encounter—think the Bernina Express route or a local excursion that takes you to nearby Sils or St. Moritz. The region’s well-connected transport makes this a flexible option for a social group that wants to mix in a few cultural stops with outdoor adventures.
Summer rentals in this area frequently feature outdoor balconies, al fresco dining spaces, and easy access to shaded paths for post-hike cooldowns. Look for accommodations with parking, bike-storage, and perhaps a shared barbecue area so your crew can dine together under the stars after a day in the mountains.
Local experiences that make you fall for the Engadin
Beyond the obvious mountains and lakes, Celerina/Schlarigna and Maloja offer experiences that deepen your connection to the region. You’ll find a delightful blend of Swiss traditions with a modern, social twist—perfect for a group of friends who want more than just scenery.
- Engadine Cuisine with a Modern Twist: Try capuns (meat-filled chard bundles) or maluns (potato dough with butter and sugar) in a traditional setting, then sample a contemporary interpretation at a trendy Alpin-chic restaurant. Don’t miss the nutty sweetness of an authentic Engadiner Nusstorte after a long day outside.
- Local Markets and Artisan Shops: Small weekly markets in nearby towns offer local cheeses, breads, and crafted goods. It’s a great place to pick up picnic supplies for a lakeside lunch or to bring back as mementos for friends who didn’t make the trip.
- Castle and Cultural Walks: Explore a few centuries of architecture in the Engadin’s stone houses and churches, many of which have beautifully painted facades and small museums that tell the area’s layered history. A guided cultural walk can be a nice contrast to the outdoors-heavy days and a chance to learn about Romansh, the local language family, and the valley’s evolution as a travel hub.
- Stargazing and Nightlife-lite: After a clear alpine night, the sky above the Engadin is a canopy of stars. Some evenings feature small live music or fireside storytelling in village squares—pleasant for a laid-back group night with friends, a perfect balance to the day’s adventures.
Practical tips for planning your stay
To make the most of your time in Celerina/Schlarigna and Maloja, here are practical tips that help you tailor your vacation rentals and vacation experiences to a group of friends.
- Booking windows and flexibility: Peak seasons around winter holidays and late summer can book quickly. If you’re traveling with a large group or with seasonal activities in mind, start your search early and consider a flexible cancellation policy to accommodate weather changes or postponements.
- Location and access: Choose a rental with easy access to outdoor routes, as well as proximity to a bus line or train station. The Engadin’s public transit is reliable, but you’ll save time with a central base that minimizes long walks in ski boots or hiking shoes.
- Amenities that matter for groups: Look for a rental with multiple bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, a spacious living area for group meals, a dedicated gear storage area, and reliable heating. A strong Wi-Fi connection is a bonus for coordinating plans or streaming travel memories after a day on the trail.
- Seasonal gear and storage: If you’re bringing bikes or skis, confirm whether the property offers storage spaces, drying racks, and nearby rack systems in winter. Having a dry, warm place for equipment is a big plus in alpine environments.
- Local guides and experiences: Book a mix of activities with local operators to ensure safety and insider access to the best trails, slopes, and routes. A local guide can tailor a day to your group’s energy and skill level, making sure nobody misses out on the highlights.
- Dining and social plans: For a social group, plan a few shared meals in the rental and test a couple of local specialties at nearby restaurants. A well-thought-out meal plan helps balance active days with downtime, keeping the energy high and the mood light.
- Weather preparedness: High-altitude weather changes rapidly. Pack layers, waterproof outerwear, and sturdy footwear. A daypack with essentials—water, snacks, a light layer, and sun protection—goes a long way on both winter and summer adventures.
Plan your stay with a trusted booking resource
Whether you’re seeking a sleek Alpine-chic apartment, a cozy chalet with a crackling fireplace, or a sunny terrace where your group can gather after a day of explorations, the Engadin region offers vacation rentals and holiday rentals that fit a range of tastes and budgets. For discovering accommodations in Celerina/Schlarigna, Maloja, and the broader St. Moritz valley, consider using searchandstay.com as a launching point. The site aggregates options across the area, letting you compare amenities, locations, and price points side by side. It’s a practical way to see how a given rental stacks up against others on the market, especially when you’re planning a trip with friends and want to maximize both comfort and adventure.
From a search-and-stay perspective, you’ll want to filter results by key priorities: number of bedrooms, kitchen facilities, parking availability, proximity to trails or ski lifts, and price per night. Reading recent guest reviews also helps you gauge how well a property suits a group dynamic—whether the living space lends itself to social evenings, how easy it is to coordinate late arrivals, and whether the outdoor spaces capture the kind of view you’re after. For a vacation destination that centers on outdoor activity and shared memories, the right vacation rental makes all the difference between “we did some stuff” and “we made unforgettable stories.”
Sample itineraries to spark your planning
Here are a few ready-made ideas you can adapt when you book a vacation rental in Celerina/Schlarigna or Maloja. They’re designed to keep a group of friends engaged, energized, and connected to the landscape.
- 3-day winter escape: Day 1—arrival and a relaxed stroll along the lake paths around St. Moritz with a cozy dinner in Celerina. Day 2—day on the slopes with a shared lunch on the mountain, followed by sledding under decorative lights. Day 3—cross-country morning, a spa visit for après-ski, and a farewell fondue night at the rental.
- 4-day summer sampler: Day 1—lake swim and stand-up paddleboarding near Maloja, Day 2—a guided hike with panoramic viewpoints, Day 3—a bike-and-picnic route around Lake Sils, Day 4—cultural strolls in nearby villages and a sunset dinner with lake views.
- Active-weekend triple: Day 1—easy trail run or hike with a friend, Day 2—mountain-biking challenge on a designated route, Day 3—relaxing day by the water and a scenic train ride to a nearby historic town for a late lunch.
Remember to tailor each itinerary to your group’s energy levels, weather, and interests. The Engadin rewards curiosity, and a well-chosen vacation rental serves as your home base for every new discovery.
Final notes: making the most of your Alpine holiday
In Celerina/Schlarigna and Maloja, you’ll discover that holiday rentals aren’t just places to sleep—they’re hubs for connection, exploration, and the kind of shared joy that trips with friends are made of. The region’s natural beauty, combined with approachable, activity-rich experiences, makes it a standout choice for vacation renters who want both consistency and surprises. By choosing accommodations that balance comfort with flexibility, you’ll unlock the freedom to reimagine every day—whether you’re chasing fresh snow, tracing a sunlit trail, or lingering on a balcony as twilight fades over the Alps.
When you’re ready to turn plans into a booked stay, start with searchandstay.com to compare vacation rentals and holiday rentals in Celerina/Schlarigna, Maloja, and the surrounding Engadin area. It’s a practical, user-friendly resource to help you find the right property for your crew, making it easier to focus on the memories you’ll create—laughs over shared meals, sunrise climbs, and the unforgettable thrill of a good Alpine adventure.