In the heart of the Swiss Alps, Celerina/Schlarigna and Maloja glide along the edge of the Engadin valley, where crystal-clear lakes meet towering peaks and trails wind through pines and larches. This region in Graubünden (GR), Switzerland is a playground for travelers who crave active adventures, sun-filled days with friends, and memories that sparkle like fresh snow. Here, the air is so pure you can practically hear the mountains breathing, and every corner seems designed for shared moments—whether it’s a sunset paddle on Lake Silvaplana, a coffee pit-stop with a view of the Bernina massif, or a playful afternoon exploring kid-friendly paths with a four-legged companion by your side. If you’re planning a holiday with friends or a carefree escape with your furry family, this is where you’ll want to base your search for vacation rentals in Celerina/Schlarigna and Maloja. For finding accommodations in the area, consider searching searchandstay.com, a platform dedicated to helping travelers discover pet-friendly options and well-located stays that suit groups, families, and solo explorers alike.
Why Celerina/Schlarigna and Maloja are the perfect bases for active holidays
These neighboring villages sit near St. Moritz, offering a slightly quieter vibe while still providing instant access to world-class Alpine experiences. In Celerina/Schlarigna, you’ll find red-tiled chalets, stone-paved lanes, and a welcoming, outdoor-loving culture. Maloja, with its famous pass and the dramatic setting at the end of the lake belt, feels like a picture postcard you can step into. In both places, summer or winter, there’s a rhythm to life that suits travelers who want to move fast, but also savor slow moments—like a lakeside picnic, a late-afternoon hike to a sun-warmed rock with a panoramic view, or a hot chocolate break after a brisk snowshoe. The Engadin region is known for its clarity of light, long daylight hours in the summer, and a seamless blend of traditional Swiss hospitality with modern comfort in vacation rentals. When you book pet-friendly accommodations in Celerina/Schlarigna or Maloja, you’re choosing not just a place to stay, but a portal to experiences you’ll be talking about for years.
Pet-friendly vacation rentals in Celerina/Schlarigna and Maloja
Finding a comfortable, pet-friendly rental that suits a group of friends or a family-and-pet combo is essential for a smooth Alpine escape. Look for vacation rentals in Celerina/Schlarigna and Maloja that offer the following pet-friendly features: a secure garden or terrace where dogs can lounge after a day on the trails, easy access to outdoor dining spaces, and proximity to walking routes that keep paws happy without long car rides. Main advantages of staying in these villages include being close to the lakefront promenades, direct access to bike paths along the lakes, and quiet streets that feel like a retreat after a day of outdoor adventures. In summer, the area blooms with fragrant alpine meadows and cool breezes; in winter, the landscape is a snowy wonderland—ideal for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and gentle evening strolls with a pup in tow. When you search for holiday rentals in Maloja and Celerina/Schlarigna, you’ll want listings that clearly mark “pet-friendly” and outline what pets are allowed (dogs, cats, or both), any breed restrictions, the number of pets permitted, and whether there are any additional cleaning fees or deposits. Platforms like searchandstay.com curate these details so you can compare options quickly, filter by pet-friendly criteria, and find a home base that feels tailor-made for a crew of friends sharing laughs and adventures.
Inside a well-equipped pet-friendly rental, you’ll often find features that make group stays effortless: wifi that supports streaming movie nights after a day of hiking, a fully equipped kitchen for shared meals, cozy communal spaces for late-night games, and washer-dryer facilities to rinse out hiking socks and apres-ski gear. Some properties even offer welcome baskets with local snacks or a map of dog-friendly routes in the area. For travelers who value a sense of home away from home, these rentals can become a launchpad for long weekends or extended stays that let you settle into the Engadin rhythm—sunrise runs, midday swims in the lake, and evenings spent swapping travel stories by a crackling fire.
When you plan your stay, consider how your group will move around. Celerina/Schlarigna has easy rail links to St. Moritz and other parts of the Engadin, making day trips convenient without having to rely entirely on a car. Maloja offers a scenic drive or a relaxed bus hop to nearby villages and lakes. For those who want the flexibility to hop from lake to trail, a central, pet-friendly rental with a balcony or terrace can become your home base for miles of adventure. If you want to combine a chalet vibe with modern comfort, many vacation rentals in the area provide rustic charm—think wood-beamed ceilings, open-plan living spaces, and panoramic windows that frame the surrounding Alps as if they were another room in the house. And yes, many of these properties welcome furry friends with open arms, which means you won’t have to leave your dog at home to enjoy the region’s best trails and lakes.
Seasonal activities and top experiences for every day of the trip
Whether you’re visiting in the heat of summer or the crisp breath of winter, Celerina/Schlarigna and Maloja offer a spectrum of experiences designed for an active lifestyle and a dose of playful flair. Here’s a season-by-season glimpse of what to book and what to do, all within reach of pet-friendly holiday rentals.
Summer adventures
In the warm months, swap city crowds for alpine serenity. The hills around Celerina/Schlarigna are a tapestry of well-marked hiking trails that suit families, friends, and solo explorers with a friendly dog in tow. The Val Bernina and Val Roseg valleys are standout routes where you can admire glacier-fed streams, pine forests, and meadows dotted with Edelweiss. For a lake-centered day, head to Lake St. Moritz, Lake Sils, or Lake Silvaplana. Paddleboarding and stand-up paddleboarding are popular, and many rental properties arrange or partner with local guides for beginner lessons or rental gear rental with a safety briefing. Mountain biking is huge here; the Engadin network includes everything from gentle lakeside circuits to more technical climbs that reward you with incredible views and a sense of accomplishment. For an easy win, take a sunset bike ride along the water’s edge and end with a picnic on a sun-warmed rock by the lake.
Winter wonder and alpine sports
Winter in this part of Graubünden is a wonder of powdery snows, quiet villages, and world-class pistes. Corviglia, with its famed lift system above St. Moritz, is accessible for day trips from Celerina/Schlarigna, offering runs for all levels and breathtaking panoramas. If you’re staying in a pet-friendly rental, keep in mind that some trails are closed to dogs during certain hours or at specific distances from the high-alpine routes, so plan accordingly. For families and groups, a day of tobogganing on the fun runs near the village or a snowshoe excursion through tranquil forests can be just as thrilling as a day on the slopes. Après-ski can mean warming up with hot chocolate by the fireplace, sharing a pot of fondue with friends, or tasting local specialties like capuns (Swiss chard-wrapped dumplings) or maluns (potato-dough bites) in a cozy mountain restaurant that welcomes pets at the outdoor tables.
Water and wind: lakeside and beyond
The lakes around Maloja and the Engadin are a magnet for water lovers. In summer, a gentle wind can turn Lake Silvaplana into a windsurfing hotspot, while paddlers glide across the glassy surface of Lake Sils at dawn. If you’re keen on a scenic boat ride, there are options that allow dogs, and some rentals include a private corner of the dock for your group to unwind with a blanket and a cooler. The landscape between Maloja and St. Moritz is an open-air gallery in every season, with color-shifted skies and reflections that make long photo sessions irresistible. A stay in a pet-friendly vacation rental increases your chances of capturing that perfect “friends on holiday” moment, with a backdrop of alpine summits and a lake that whispers in your ear to slow down and savor the moment.
Wellness and charity in the mountains
Even in a region known for adrenaline, there’s space for restorative moments. Pick a quiet morning to practice a group yoga session on a terrace overlooking the lake, or book a guided nature walk that includes informative stops about the flora and fauna of the Engadin valley. Several local operators offer pet-friendly options or can suggest trails where dogs are welcome. The goal is to balance activity with downtime so you return to your vacation rental feeling energized, not exhausted.
Local experiences, culture, and cuisine
The Engadin region is brimming with culture and culinary delights that make a trip feel rich and complete. Engadine nusstorte (nut tart) is a beloved sweet treat you’ll want to sample at a bakery near your rental, followed by a savory lunch of capuns or maluns paired with locally sourced cheese and herb butter. In Celerina/Schlarigna, you’ll often find small family-run restaurants serving classic Swiss favorites with a modern twist, and several spots offer outdoor seating where your pet is welcome to join the group after a day on the trails. For a taste of regional storytelling, consider a visit to a local dairy or a small museum that highlights the history of alpine farming and traditional crafts. When you plan your days, leave space for spontaneous discoveries—an unplanned hillside lookout, a friendly chat with a local guide, or a detour to a view that takes your breath away.
St. Moritz, though famous for its luxury, remains deeply connected to its valley roots. A day trip or an evening stroll through the town’s historic streets can be paired with a river of reflections on a lakefront promenade, and a final stop at a gelateria where you can share a scoop while the sun sinks behind the peaks. If you’re traveling with friends, a private guided tour that includes a narrative about the Engadin’s distinctive languages and culture can be a highlight—many guides are flexible and can tailor the pace for a group that wants to mix light walking with photo stops and a few cultural insights. The region’s gastronomy beautifully wuses Swiss traditions with Italian and German influences, making every meal an opportunity to discover something new while keeping the group’s energy high for the next day’s adventure.
Practical tips for booking and staying in pet-friendly rentals
To maximize your stay, consider these practical guidelines when searching for accommodation in Celerina/Schlarigna and Maloja:
- Filter for pet-friendly properties explicitly and verify any pet fees, deposits, or size restrictions before booking.
- Look for properties with outdoor spaces—balconies, terraces, or private gardens are ideal for pets and for enjoying the alpine air with friends.
- Check proximity to trailheads, bike paths, and lake access. A short walk to the closest lake or forest trail can save you a lot of time during a busy day of exploration.
- Assess parking and transport options. If you’re traveling by train to St. Moritz or nearby, ensure your rental has easy access to the railway station and local buses.
- Review kitchen amenities and communal spaces. A large dining area supports shared meals and social evenings, while a well-equipped kitchen makes it easy to prepare snacks for long days on the trail.
- Read guest reviews for insights on how welcomely pets are treated, cleanliness standards, and the ease of check-in/check-out in peak seasons.
- Plan a flexible itinerary. The Engadin region rewards those who mix structured activities with spontaneous pauses for coffee, a park bench, or a shoreline sunset.
- Use a trusted platform like searchandstay.com to filter for pet-friendly rentals, compare options, and find current special offers or last-minute deals that fit your group’s dates.
Safety and comfort come first when traveling with pets. Pack a small travel kit for your dog or cat, including a leash, waste bags, a portable water bowl, and any medications. Bring a copy of your pet’s vaccination records, and plan for rest days that keep everyone in good spirits. The Engadin’s clean air, high-altitude trails, and scenic views can be a celebration of outdoor living for both people and pets when you balance energy with relaxation.
For travelers who want to optimize their search, searchandstay.com is a helpful resource to discover accommodations in Celerina/Schlarigna and Maloja. The site offers a curated collection of holiday rentals, including many pet-friendly listings, and provides filters to help you identify properties that match your group size, budget, and preferred amenities. This can save you time and ensure that your chosen rental aligns with your plans—whether you’re chasing sunrise hikes, late-night chats by a warm fireplace, or a lakeside picnic with your four-legged friend at your side.
Sample itineraries for a multi-day escape
Here are two adaptable itineraries that work well for groups of friends traveling with pets. They can be started from a pet-friendly vacation rental in Celerina/Schlarigna or Maloja and adjusted to fit your pace and interests.
Three-day active escape
- Day 1: Arrive, settle into your pet-friendly rental, explore Celerina’s lanes, and take a sunset stroll along the nearby lakefront. Dinner at a cozy mountain restaurant with a pet-friendly outdoor seating area.
- Day 2: Full day on foot or by bike along the lakes and through the valleys. Afternoon hike to a scenic overlook with a picnic along the trail. Evening: casual fondue night in your rental or a nearby restaurant that welcomes dogs on the terrace.
- Day 3: Morning visit to Lake St. Moritz or Lake Sils for a water activity, then a relaxed afternoon exploring local shops before heading back to the rental for a farewell sunset gathering.
Weekend social escape with a lake-to-mountain rhythm
- Friday: Check-in, unpack, and a relaxed walk to a local café with a view. Friends reconnect while your dog enjoys a sniff-friendly route nearby.
- Saturday: A longer hike or bike ride that connects multiple lakes, with a family-style lunch in a lakeside spot. An optional guided nature walk in the afternoon for a deeper dive into the Engadin landscape.
- Sunday: Slow morning, a final lakeside stroll, and a mid-morning check-out after brunch. Optional stop at a bakery to bring home Engadiner specialties as souvenirs.
Plan your next mountain holiday with friends and pets
Celerina/Schlarigna and Maloja offer an irresistible blend of outdoor adventure, Alpine charm, and pet-friendly comfort. The region’s lakes, valleys, and trails are tailor-made for groups who want to mix high-energy days with evenings of laughter and shared meals. Whether you’re searching for a cozy chalet with a private garden, a modern apartment near the lake, or a spacious villa that can host a large crew, you’ll find options that meet your criteria and support your journey from booking to departure. To discover available accommodations in the area—especially pet-friendly vacation rentals—visit searchandstay.com and filter for your dates, group size, and pet needs. The Engadin’s magic is real, and it’s waiting for you to step into it with your friends and your four-legged companions by your side.
As you plan, remember that every vacation rental in Celerina/Schlarigna and Maloja is a doorway to a new day of possibilities—whether it’s the thrill of a morning climb, the serenity of a lakeside afternoon, or the cozy camaraderie of evenings spent under a chalet roof. The mountains are calling, the lakes are inviting, and the trails are ready to be explored by you and your crew. Pack light, travel with curiosity, and let the Engadin region show you how holidays are meant to glow—with sun, snow, and the shared laughter of friends in a setting that feels both wild and wonderfully welcoming.