Discover the alpine charm of Samedan and Maloja in Graubünden, Switzerland, where emerald lakes meet turquoise skies and every day feels like a fresh adventure. Nestled in the Engadin valley, this corner of Graubünden blends high-altitude air, panoramic mountain trails, and crystal-clear lakes with a laid‑back Swiss hospitality that makes vacation rentals feel like a home away from home. Whether planning a quick weekend break or a longer escape, the region offers a wealth of Unit / Apartment Unit / Apartment Accommodation destinations that suit solo travelers, couples, and groups of friends alike. From sunlit balconies with mountain views to convenient stays near the train lines and lake shores, Samedan and Maloja are built for holidays that spark energy, curiosity, and a touch of holiday romance with friends.
Where to stay in Samedan and Maloja: vacation rentals and apartment units
For vacation rentals and holiday rentals in Samedan and Maloja, you’ll find a range of apartment units designed to maximize comfort and convenience. Think bright, well‑equipped kitchens, cozy living rooms for movie nights after a day on the trails, and terraces that invite sunset aperitifs against a dramatic alpine backdrop. Accommodation options span compact Studio Units perfect for a couple or solo traveler, through one‑ and two‑bedroom Apartment Units ideal for small groups, up to larger Apartment Accommodation destinations that can host a weekend crew without crowding.
Many Unit / Apartment Unit / Apartment Accommodation listings emphasize practical features that travelers love in this region: fast Wi‑Fi for planning day trips, washer/dryer for longer stays, secure parking, and easy access to public transport. A stay in Samedan often means stepping out of a comfortable apartment and just a short stroll away from the historic town center, with its traditional Engadin houses, shops, and cafés. In Maloja, several properties offer serene lake‑view porches and proximity to the Maloja Pass, making morning starts feel truly cinematic. When searching for the right listing, consider the vibe you want—sunny balcony, quiet courtyard, or a bustling base near the station—and filter by proximity to your must‑do activities.
For travelers planning a scenic exploration of the region, the right apartment unit can become a launchpad to unforgettable experiences. Bookings can be found on searchandstay.com, a go‑to resource to locate accommodations in Samedan, Maloja, and the broader Graubünden area. The platform highlights vacation rental options across the spectrum—from compact, efficient Studio Units to expansive multi‑bedroom Apartment Units—so you can tailor your stay to fit your travel style and budget.
Neighbourhoods and bases: where to base your holiday in Graubünden
Samedan serves as a charming gateway to the Engadin: a compact town with a rich train history, ancient stone pathways, and a welcoming village center. It’s perfectly positioned for day trips to St. Moritz, the nearby lakes, and high‑altitude trails. Staying in Samedan puts you close to railway lines that whisk you to famous alpine destinations, while still offering intimate local flavor in your apartment unit—coffee shops, bakeries, and small boutiques all within a short walk from your door.
Maloja, perched above the lakes and forests of the Upper Engadin, offers a more tranquil retreat with sweeping views of Lake Sils and Lake Silvaplana. The Maloja area is ideal for visitors who want to feel the pulse of the mountains without sacrificing calm evenings on a private terrace. In Maloja, choose a waterfront Apartment Unit or a hillside holiday rental that opens onto long sunsets and gentle alpine air—a serene contrast to the livelier pace near St. Moritz.
Both bases provide easy access to the region’s lakes, trails, and iconic passes. Whether you’re up for a scenic walk around the shores of Lake Sils, a hike along the ancient paths that wander through Engadin villages, or a mellow afternoon in a riverside park, Samedan and Maloja offer a spectrum of experiences in a compact, walkable footprint. The area is well connected by public transport, making it simple to drop into a comfortable apartment unit after a day of exploration.
Seasonal activities: what to do in Samedan, Maloja, and Graubünden
Summer adventures
Summertime in Graubünden invites outdoor enthusiasts to lace up boots, pinch‑yourself‑beautiful vistas, and glide along tranquil mountain trails. In Samedan and nearby Engadin valleys, long sunny days are perfect for hiking, trail running, and leisurely bike rides along well‑kept paths. The area around Samedan offers a mix of forested switchbacks, wildflower meadows, and alpine viewpoints where you can pause for a postcard‑worthy photo session. Many vacation rental units place guests within easy reach of the day’s route, so you can return to a relaxing apartment Unit and unwind on a balcony with a cold drink in hand as you soak in the last light of the day.
Water lovers have excellent options as well. Lake St. Moritz and Lake Sils-Silvaplana are a short ride away, offering stand‑up paddleboarding, tranquil swims, or boat rentals. The lakeside areas have a lively scene during the summer months, with gentle promenades, waterfront cafés, and farmers’ markets featuring local cheeses, cured meats, and Engadine specialties. If you’re after a touch of culture in your outdoor holiday, consider a day trip to nearby villages for traditional music, crafts, or a small local festival. An apartment unit with a sunny terrace makes a perfect base for these lake days and sunset strolls.
Winter wonders
Winter in Graubünden is all about powdery slopes, alpine villages, and crisp mountain air. The famous Engadin ski area around St. Moritz offers a spectrum of pistes for beginners to seasoned skiers, with world‑class runs on Piz Nair, Corviglia, and Muot Tal. For guests staying in Samedan, a short transfer or train ride brings you to the ski lifts, while some apartment accommodations are perched closer to gentle beginner runs, ideal for families or travelers easing into winter sports. If cross‑country skiing is more your speed, the Engadin’s impeccably groomed cross‑country trails run through open fields and forests, with scenic backdrops that feel almost cinematic at sunrise.
Even if you’re not hitting the slopes every day, there’s plenty of winter magic to enjoy. Snowshoe excursions, winter hiking along snow‑dusty trails, and tobogganing are popular, family‑friendly options. After a chilly day outside, return to your Unit / Apartment Unit / Apartment Accommodation and warm up by a cozy fireplace or under radiant sunbeams that spill across the living room. Winter evenings in Samedan and Maloja are perfect for sampling hearty Alpine fare—fontina‑rich fondues, Bündnernusstorte after a long day, and locally cured meats—paired with a glass of Swiss wine or a hot chocolate from a nearby café.
Local experiences and day trips: beyond your doorstep
The Engadin region is a compact playground for day trips that feel immersive yet easy to fit into a relaxed itinerary. From a stay in Samedan or Maloja, one classic option is the Bernina Express journey. The train line winds through dramatic mountain scenery, past glaciers and viaducts, connecting travelers from the Swiss landscape to the Italian risotto and espresso culture of Tirano. Whether you ride part of the way or hop off for a quick exploration, this scenic rail experience makes a memorable addition to any vacation rental itinerary.
For a more grounded day, head to St. Moritz, where a mix of luxury and outdoor fun meets the Swiss cultural mosaic. You can stroll along the lakefront promenades, browse boutique shops, and linger in coffee houses that serve traditional Engadine pastries. A comfortable Apartment Unit in Samedan can be a strategic staging point for quick returns to your base and late‑afternoon rest before an evening of dining or nightlife with friends.
Nature lovers may want to explore the Val Fex valley from nearby Chamuiez or Pontresina—an easy day trip that reveals a different side of the Engadin: pine forests, stone bridges, and pastoral farms. Or venture to the nearby Maloja Pass for a scenic drive with sweeping views and photo opportunities that seem to magnetize travelers to return with a camera full of unforgettable frames. Your rental apartment can be a calm refuge between these day trips, offering a private space to recharge after a day of discovery.
Food, drink, and culture: a flavor of the Engadin
Graubünden’s cuisine is a celebration of mountain ingredients and time‑honored techniques. In and around Samedan and Maloja, you’ll sample hearty dishes like capuns (Swiss chard bundles filled with meat and risotto), Bündnerfleisch (air‑dried beef), and Maluns (potato grouts with butter and cheese). In the evenings, many vacation rental units provide the option to cook with local products from farmers markets or village shops, turning your apartment unit into a cozy culinary hub after a day on the trails. A wine or fruit brandy from the region can be a delightful finish to a day of exploration.
For a lighter break, try a lakeside café or a bakery in Samedan that serves fresh pastries alongside a robust espresso. In Maloja, slow mornings on a private terrace paired with a simple breakfast of local dairy, fresh bread, and honey from nearby beekeepers create a daily ritual that feels indulgent yet simple. If you’re hunting for a more social evening, several villages host small concerts or seasonal markets where residents and travelers mingle, sharing stories and recommendations about the best hiking paths or hidden viewpoints.
Practical planning: transport, seasons, and booking tips
Transport in Graubünden is efficient and traveler‑friendly. Rail connections link Samedan, St. Moritz, and Tirano, with buses and local shuttles filling in the gaps to reach more secluded valley villages. If you’re staying in a Unit / Apartment Unit / Apartment Accommodation destination, check the listing for proximity to the station or bus stop, as many properties are optimized for walkers and day trips. Having a car is convenient for exploring remote lakes or mountain passes, especially in shoulder seasons, but it’s not strictly necessary for a rich Engadin experience.
Expect a climate that shifts with altitude. Summers are warm and dry, with cool evenings, while winters are crisp and snowy. Pack layers, sun protection for high altitude days, and reliable footwear for varied terrain. Swiss currency, contactless payments, and card acceptance vary by shop and café, so keep a small amount of cash on hand for markets or village kiosks. English is commonly understood in tourist areas, but learning a few basic phrases in German or Romansh can enhance local interactions and your overall experience.
When it comes to accommodations, booking in advance is wise, especially for peak seasons and holiday weekends. Look for apartment units with flexible cancellation policies, a fully equipped kitchen if you plan to cook, and features that align with your travel style—private balconies for sunset views, in‑unit laundry for longer stays, or a shared lounge for social evenings with friends. To explore a wide range of options, including many that cater to vacation rentals and holiday rental Unit / Apartment Unit / Apartment Accommodation destinations, visit searchandstay.com. This site curates listings in Samedan, Maloja, and the broader Graubünden area, helping you compare prices, check amenities, and secure your ideal home base.
Why Samedan and Maloja are perfect for holidays with friends
The Engadin valley offers a blend of active adventures and relaxed getaways that suit groups of friends who want to balance outdoor pursuits with social evenings. Large apartment units with multiple bedrooms provide comfortable spaces to gather after a day on the hills, while shared living areas offer places to plan tomorrow’s adventures over coffee or a glass of wine. The region’s compact size makes it easy to coordinate a schedule: morning hiking or cross‑country ski sessions, midday lake stops, and evenings around a dinner table in your own apartment or at a nearby restaurant.
Stays in Samedan give access to a historic Alpine town scene with charming streets, a welcoming atmosphere, and easy rails connections that invite spontaneous day trips. Maloja brings a touch of high‑altitude serenity with lakeside panoramas and a cooler, quieter vibe that can be perfect for a small group seeking a peaceful base. Both locations offer a variety of accommodations that fit vacation rental goals, from modern apartment units to traditional Alpine lodges converted into stylish holiday homes. With flexibility in mind, these destinations support a travel style that favors shared experiences, outdoor activities, and plenty of opportunities to create lasting memories with friends.
Ready to find your perfect stay?
Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a longer Engadin holiday, the combination of Samedan, Maloja, and the Graubünden region delivers a versatile stage for vacation rentals and holiday rentals. Explore Unit / Apartment Unit / Apartment Accommodation destinations in Samedan, Maloja, and nearby towns to tailor your space to your group’s needs—whether that means a sunlit balcony for morning coffee, a kitchen ready for long dinners with friends, or a cozy living room perfect for movie nights after a day on the trails. For a seamless search and booking experience, head to searchandstay.com to compare listings, read guest reviews, and secure your preferred accommodation in this enchanting Swiss corner.
Embark on a Swiss Engadin adventure that blends active days with relaxed evenings, dramatic alpine scenery with tranquil lake views, and the comfort of well‑appointed apartment units designed for travelers who want flexibility and style. Samedan and Maloja in Graubünden offer a vacation rental landscape where scenic beauty meets practical comfort, and every day holds the promise of a new discovery. Your next holiday with friends could start with a stroll through a sunlit square, a coffee break in a lakeside café, or a late‑afternoon plan to explore a hidden valley—followed by returning to a private apartment unit that feels tailor‑made for your group. The Alps await, ready to be explored at your pace, with accommodations that adapt to your plans and a region that rewards curious, active travelers with memories that last long after the trip ends.