Discover Graubünden’s sun-kissed Alps from the charming hubs of Samedan and Maloja, where the air tastes like fresh pine and the views invite a playful stroll. This corner of Switzerland, tucked in the Engadin valley, blends crystal-clear lakes, pink sunsets over snow-dusted peaks, and a pace that’s perfect for groups of friends who chase long days outdoors and even longer nights of laughter. Whether you’re hunting for vacation rentals, holiday rentals, or hotel room accommodations, Samedan and Maloja are the kind of destinations that make planning a getaway easy, breezy, and beautifully unforgettable. If you’re scouting for options, you’ll find a landscape of vacation rentals in Samedan and Maloja that cater to every vibe—from stylishly furnished apartments to alpine-chic chalets that fit a crew of four to six. And for a centralized starting point to locate your ideal stay, you can search for accommodations on searchandstay.com, a trusted website to find vacation rentals and hotel rooms in the area.
Samedan and Maloja: Your base for Graubünden adventures
The town of Samedan sits at a comfortable altitude in the Upper Engadin and acts as the gateway to St. Moritz’s high-energy scene without the tourist crush. It’s where a fast morning burn-up the hillside can be followed by a relaxed afternoon in a café with a view of the Adula Alps. Maloja, perched above Lake Silvaplana, feels a bit like a secret you want to keep—until you want to share it with friends. Here, narrow lanes lead to sunlit meadows, and the Maloja Pass stitches together landscapes that feel like a collage of postcard-perfect scenes. Together, these towns knit a Swiss experience that’s both luxurious and adventurous, making them ideal for vacation rentals and hotel room accommodations that need to balance comfort with access to nature’s best playgrounds.
When you’re hunting for a vacation rental in Samedan or Maloja, you’re not just booking a space—you’re reserving a front-row seat to Engadin life. Expect kitchens that spark social cooking sessions, living spaces that double as planning hubs for the day’s activities, and bedrooms that promise deep conversations after long days of exploration. For holiday rentals in Graubünden that feel like a home away from home, look for properties with mountain views, balconies where you can sip a sparkling aperitif at dusk, and easy access to the public transport network. And if you’re new to the area, a quick search on searchandstay.com can help you compare options by price, size, and neighborhood vibe, so you can lock in a hotel room or vacation rental that genuinely fits your crew.
Where to stay: vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and hotel rooms
Graubünden offers a spectrum of places to stay, and Samedan plus Maloja is a microcosm of that variety. If you’re traveling with friends, you’ll love vacation rentals that come with multiple bedrooms, open-plan living spaces, and kitchen setups designed for group meals. For couples or solo travelers who want a blend of city convenience and alpine charm, boutique hotel rooms in Samedan or Maloja can provide classic Swiss service with modern amenities. In this region, holiday rentals often blend traditional stone and wood elements with contemporary comfort, giving you a genuine Alpine atmosphere without compromising on Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and heated floors.
In terms of what to search for, aim for keywords like “vacation rentals Samedan,” “holiday rentals Maloja,” “hotel rooms Graubünden,” and “accommodation Samedan Engadin.” These terms align with traveler intent and help you surface options that match your dates and style. If you’re planning a longer stay or a big group, a chalet or spacious apartment in Maloja with a terrace and barbecue can be a standout choice. If you’re after a more intimate, hotel-style experience, a well-appointed hotel room with breakfast included—coupled with easy access to trains or buses—can be the perfect blend of convenience and relaxation. Regardless of your pick, the Engadin’s rail and road network ensures that your daily itinerary remains flexible and fun.
For all the planners and organizers, remember to check the proximity to key transport hubs. Samedan Airport, although small, is an advantage for quick getaways or for friends traveling from different corners of Europe. The region’s public transportation system is famously punctual and reliable, allowing you to hop from lake to peak with minimal fuss. If you’re undecided about the best base, consider mixing: start with a few nights in Samedan to soak up the local vibe, then relocate to Maloja for a hillside atmosphere and a different set of day trips. Either way, you’ll find vacation rentals and hotel rooms that suit your preferred pace and social calendar.
Destinations and day trips in Graubünden
Graubünden is the largest canton in Switzerland and one of the most diverse. Within a short train ride or drive, you can shift from valley floors dotted with lily bells to high-altitude meadows where wildflowers pepper the landscape. Samedan and Maloja sit at the heart of this tapestry, offering access to a network of destinations ideal for day trips, spontaneous adventures, and memorable group experiences.
- St. Moritz and the Engadin Valley: A short transit from Samedan, St. Moritz is synonymous with refined winter sports, lakefront strolls, and upscale dining. If you want a blend of luxury and outdoor fun, this is your playground. A few days here can anchor your vacation rentals in Samedan or Maloja with easy day trips to nearby cable cars and scenic trails.
- Lake Silvaplana and Lake Sils: Windsurfing and kitesurfing are popular on these lakes in summer, and the still, reflective mornings are perfect for a slow paddle or a scenic lakeside picnic with friends.
- Corvatsch and Diavolezza: For alpine panoramas that steal your breath, these high-altitude passes and ski areas deliver. In winter, they become a playground for powder lovers; in summer, they offer hiking and glacial views that are nothing short of cinematic.
- Morteratsch Glacier and Piz Bernina region: A hike here can be a dramatic, memorable highlight of a Graubünden holiday. The glacier’s blue ice and surrounding moraines create a striking backdrop for photos, group selfies, and thoughtful conversations about the Alps’ changing face.
- Julier Pass and the Bernina Express route: Take a day to ride along one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. The Bernina line threads through tunnels and over viaducts, connecting Engadin with the sun-drenched valleys of Lombardy; the views are dramatic enough to earn this ride a permanent place in your travel journal.
- Engadin Diet: For a taste of local culture and cuisine, explore small towns along the lakes, enjoy a slice of Engadine nut tart (Nusstorte), and savor Capuns (greens-wrapped dumplings) with a side of alpine vistas.
When you’re choosing a destination within Graubünden, consider the kinds of activities your group loves. If you’re a group of hikers and photographers, the trails around Maloja and Samedan offer endless lookout points, waterfalls, and valley panoramas. If you’re more into water sports, the lakes near Silvaplana and St. Moritz are ideal for summer trips. If your crew craves après-ski or elegant lakeside dinners, St. Moritz and nearby towns deliver with a refined touch. The best vacation rentals and hotel rooms in Graubünden are those that sit at the crossroads of these experiences, giving you both a base and a springboard for daily adventures.
Seasonal activities and local experiences
The Engadin region is famous for its year-round appeal. Here’s a season-by-season snapshot to help you align your itinerary with the outdoor calendar and local experiences.
Summer adventures
When the mountains shed their winter sparkle, Samedan and Maloja transform into a biking, hiking, and water-sports haven. Trail lovers will want to explore the high alpine routes that loop around Piz Rosaz, Piz Palü’s less-trodden faces, and the sprawling networks near Corvatsch. Lake Silvaplana and Lake Sils become natural laboratories for stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and sailing. If you’re visiting with friends who live for sunrise workouts and late-night sunset sessions, the longer days make it easy to fit in multiple activities. For travelers choosing accommodation in vacation rentals, the ability to cook together after a day outside often saves time and creates a shared base for planning the next day’s escapade.
Winter wonder and alpine sport
Winter in Graubünden is a study in crisp air and glittering slopes. Samedan and Maloja are slotted into a network that includes the St. Moritz pistes, cross-country tracks, and scenic winter hikes. Even if you’re not on the ski lift all day, you can still savor the winter vibe with toboggan runs, snowshoeing along serene trails, and evenings spent in cozy restaurants that serve hearty Swiss favorites. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, a day at a spa or a hot chocolate by a fireplace in a boutique hotel room can feel like a luxury retreat. Remember, your rental or hotel room should offer warmth, comfort, and a view—think plush bedding, a well-equipped kitchen, and a balcony where you can watch the snow fall while planning the next day’s excursion.
Autumn and spring: shoulder-season magic
During the shoulder seasons, the Engadin valley slows to a gentle tempo, and the light takes on warmer hues. This is a wonderful time for scenic drives over the Maloja Pass, quiet lake walks, and fewer crowds at top attractions. It’s also a great period to find favorable rates on vacation rentals and hotel rooms in Samedan and Maloja, while still enjoying landscapes that feel intimate and unspoiled. If you’re a traveler who loves to blend outdoor activity with cultural immersion, shoulder seasons are perfect for long lunches on sunlit terraces and lengthy conversations with locals about regional traditions and seasonal recipes.
Local experiences and gastronomy
Engadin cuisine is a conversation between German, Romansh, and Italian influences, built on simple, high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques. In Samedan and Maloja, you’ll encounter cozy osterias and refined eateries where Swiss staples get a modern twist. Try Capuns (bundles of chard or chard leaves filled with meat and dumpling mixture) and Maluns (potato-based dish with floury goodness), paired with a glass of local red wine or a creamy hot chocolate after a day on the slopes or trails. Don’t miss the iconic Engadine Nut Tart (Nusstorte) for a sweet benediction to a day of adventures. Your vacation rental can be a convenient place to unwind with a pre-dinner recipe night, especially when you’ve stocked up from a local market and want to share cooking duties with friends.
Experiences that truly bring the area to life include guided hikes with a local naturalist, photography strolls at golden hour by the lakes, and seasonal markets where artisans share crafts and stories. For travelers who love to pair activity with culture, a day trip to nearby towns can include a mini-wine-tasting, a viewing at a gallery, or a small, spirited concert in a parish church or chalet-style hall. When you book accommodations in Graubünden, look for hosts or properties that offer insider recommendations—especially for off-the-radar trails, sunrise viewpoints, and seasonal events that aren’t always in tourist brochures.
Getting there and getting around
The logistics of visiting Samedan and Maloja are refreshingly straightforward. The Engadin valley is well-connected by rail, road, and air, with a network designed to simplify Swiss travel. If you’re arriving by air, Samedan Airport offers convenient access for regional flights, while longer journeys can originate from major hubs like Zurich or Milan. The train network—part of the broader Swiss Travel System—allows you to hop between lake towns, pass through the Julier and Maloja passes, and reach the doorstep of your vacation rental or hotel room with ease. For travelers who want maximum flexibility, consider a multi-day pass that covers trains, buses, and ferries in the Engadin region. When you’re planning your routes, think about a schedule that lets you savor both the journey and the destination, so your days aren’t rushed and your evenings feel relaxed and social.
Choosing a place to stay that aligns with your daily rhythms can be the difference between a good trip and a great trip. If you’re chasing a scenic base with easy access to outdoor adventures and a lively social scene, you’ll find it in Samedan and Maloja. For options that balance comfort, price, location, and ease of booking, searchfor accommodations at searchandstay.com, where you can filter by dates, budget, and amenities to discover a vacation rental or hotel room that fits your travel plans.
Plan your stay with searchandstay.com
When you’re ready to turn this Engadin dream into a booked reality, head to searchandstay.com to find accommodations in Samedan, Maloja, and throughout Graubünden. The site aggregates vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and hotel room options, helping you compare features like number of bedrooms, kitchen facilities, view, and proximity to lakes and lifts. For a group trip, look for multi-bedroom apartments or chalets with shared living spaces, which make it easy to keep up the party while preserving privacy for late-night conversations. For a romantic escape or a solo adventure, you can filter for cozy hotel rooms with intimate dining options or spa extras. The platform’s search tools simplify the planning process, so you can focus on the experiences that draw you to Graubünden in the first place—the lake breezes, the mountain light, the laughter with friends around a table after a day of epic adventures.
In planning your itinerary, keep a few practical tips in mind. Book early for peak seasons and weekends, especially around holidays when vacation rentals in Samedan and Maloja can fill quickly. Check the cancellation policies and the property’s amenities to ensure you have a smooth experience should weather or travel plans shift. If you’re traveling with a larger group, request a floor plan or layout of bedrooms to confirm that the space will accommodate everyone comfortably. And don’t hesitate to reach out to hosts or property managers with questions about local transport, trailheads, or seasonal recommendations—the best hosts in Graubünden are happy to tailor suggestions for your crew and can often provide insider tips on the best lake spots, quieter hikes, and seasonal events not listed in mainstream guides.
Sample 3-day plan for Samedan, Maloja, and Graubünden
- Day 1: Arrive in Samedan and settle into your vacation rental or hotel room. Spend the afternoon exploring the town’s old streets, coffee shops, and a lakeside stroll along the nearby Engadin lakes. Have a relaxed dinner at a traditional eatery and toast to the start of a high-altitude adventure.
- Day 2: Take a morning hike from Samedan to a lookout point with panoramic alpine views, followed by a lakeside lunch around Lake Silvaplana. In the afternoon, head to Maloja for a sunset walk through the meadows, then dine at a hillside restaurant with views over the lake and mountains.
- Day 3: Embark on a Bernina Express-inspired excursion—either via a short train ride to the Bernina range or a full-day trip to nearby towns—then return to your base for a cozy evening together, perhaps a cooking night using local ingredients, and share travel stories from the trip so far.
Whether you’re after adrenaline-fueled days or relaxed afternoons with friends, Samedan, Maloja, and the broader Graubünden region offer an unparalleled backdrop for vacation rentals and hotel room accommodations that suit every taste and budget. The combination of mountain drama, lake serenity, and Swiss hospitality creates a setting where you can book a vacation rental with confidence, knowing you’ll wake up to fresh air, stunning scenery, and a day full of possibilities. For travelers seeking a place to stay that gives them access to the best of Engadin life while keeping travel logistics simple, the pair of towns at the heart of Graubünden is a destination that consistently delivers.
Ready to start planning your trip? Visit searchandstay.com to explore a curated selection of vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and hotel room options in Samedan, Maloja, and across Graubünden. Your next Swiss holiday with friends—full of outdoor action, shared meals, and new memories—awaits.