Scuol – The perfect Hideaway
Tucked away in the Swiss Alps and only a stone throw away from the Austrian border, Scuol welcomes its visitors with the villages’ symbol, a sulfurous fountain. This charming village has attracted visitors for decades mainly because of its ferrous springs and health-enhancing climate. Roughly half of its 2’400 inhabitants speak Romansh, a Latin inspired language which was brought to Scuol by the Romans and is Scuol’s official main language. But don’t fret, you won’t have to bring your Romansh language guide, almost everybody speaks German or Schwitzerdütsch.
Scuol’s adorable old town is characterized by the typical Underegadine Houses with its massive stown walls which are often decorated using the local “Sgraffito” technique. Everywhere you are greeted with a cheerful “Allegra” the Romansh equivalent of “Grüezi”.
What to do:
In the summer
The alpine mountains offer spectacular tours for mountain bikers and hikers. Check out S-Charl which offers demanding routes and an enchanting scenery http://www.mountainbikeland.ch/de/services/orte/ort-029.html
For the adventure seeker: Try out Kayaking on the Inn ( http://www.kanuschule-scuol.ch/) and explore Grisons spectacular canyons.
In the winter:
Pack your ski’s or snowboard – Scuol’s winter sport region in and around Motta Naluns is not to be missed. There are many easy and wide slopes if you are just starting out and challenging declivities for those with more practice.
Wellness
Scuol’s Bath, the Buogn Engadin offers a Roman Irish private spa. The 2 hour treatment works you through steam and mineral water baths and a 13 minute massage. After this you will be wrapped in warm linen and left to relax while marveling at Scuol’s mountain scenery.
In addition to the Roman Irish spa, Buogn Engadin also offers an open bathing and sauna area which has recently been renovated. Don’t miss the fireplace sauna and try out Scuol’s mineral water which comes directly from its original ferrous springs “Sosstal” and “Vi-Vi “(available at no extra costs in the sauna area).
Where to eat:
For lovebirds:
Guardaval: This restaurant belongs to the boutique hotel by the same name and offers delicious upscale cuisine. In the evening Guardaval offers a 3-5 course menu. The cuisine is inspired by local Engadine, seasonal food. The interior is classy and cosy at the same time and service is attentive and very pleasant. The wine list is exhaustive. If you are not a sweet tooth try the cheese buffet and indulge in an excellent choice of local and international cheeses. The perfect place for a romantic evening.
All you can eat:
Astras: This rustic restaurant offers a good choice of Engadine classics such as Capuns at and seasonal inspired dishes such as game in the fall. Prices are very reasonable, the service is cordial and servings are simply enormous – the perfect place after a strenuous day on the slopes or the bike. The restaurant is open throughout the year.
The easy choice:
Pizzeria Taverna is a good place if you want to take a break from Engadine cuisine. It offers a good choice of Italian classics. In the winter, try the lamb salad with figs.
Where to stay:
Classic:
Belvedere, has been around ever since, the hotel has direct access to the bath “Buogn Engadin”
Romantic:
Guardaval – Charming 4 star boutique hotel
Apartments
Why not stay in one of Scuol’s cosy apartments: Check out: http://www.afida.ch/