Reservoir, Village and Landscape
The area around Lai da Marmorera lies at an altitude of about 1,680 metres above sea level. Turquoise water and the surrounding GraubĂĽnden mountains define this part of the landscape. The wider area is part of Parc Ela and includes protected natural landscapes and diverse ecosystems. The dam is 91 metres high and made entirely of local earth.
The lake also represents a profound turning point in the village’s history: the original village of Marmorera was destroyed and flooded during the construction of the dam. The present-day village was built above Lai da Marmorera. Alongside the mountain scenery, visitors interested in the area will also encounter the history of a village rebuilt in a different location.
Churches, Inscription and Marmels Castle
At the entrance to the village, a house bears the words “La Resistenza” in large white letters. A new little church was built in Neu-Marmorera in 1964. The roof of the church of Son Fluregn is covered with natural stone slabs, following the construction style of old Marmorera; its little bell dates from 1640. These details offer different points of connection for a walk through the village’s history: an inscription at the village entrance, a 20th-century building, and older building and bell traditions.
The ruins of Marmels Castle lie above the western end of the dam. The castle’s foundation is estimated to date to the 11th century. It is thought that Andreas von Marmels, as a ministerial of the Bishop of Chur, monitored the routes over the Septimer and Julier passes. A narrow, steep path leads to the castle from the dam; it is recommended only for experienced mountain walkers. Check the latest safety information before setting out.
Hiking and Choosing a Route
The Marmorera–Alp Flix–Rona hike starts in Marmorera Pardela and leads through a larch forest above Lake Marmorera. Along the way, it passes the disused Gruba iron ore mining area, the lakes Lais Blos, and the Plang da Crousch viewpoint. The route is marked “closed.” Check its status before including it in your plans.
Another trail option is the Bivio–Marmorera–Alp Natons route. It passes the barbecue area at Guet da Beiva and continues to the village of Marmorera; it is designated as suitable for pushchairs. By contrast, the trail run around Lake Marmorera is classified as difficult: it is 19.9 kilometres long and includes 980 metres of ascent. The described route goes via Alp Radons, Alp Flix and Sur, then returns to Bivio over the dam. The different route details help you distinguish the tours by their stated level of difficulty and length.
In winter, the Bivio–Marmorera return cross-country ski trail is another option. It runs through high-alpine Swiss stone pine forest via Stalvedro to Marmorera. Snow conditions and seasonal preparations may vary; take this into account when planning.
Getting There and Places to Eat
Lai da Marmorera can be reached from Tiefencastel or the Engadin via Silvaplana and the Julier Pass. There are only a few parking spaces in the village. If you are travelling by car, take this limited capacity into account when planning your trip.
The Ustareia agl Lai Murmarera restaurant is located right by the reservoir. It offers views of the lake and serves hot dishes made mostly with regional ingredients. Check the latest opening hours before your visit.
When looking for a holiday apartment, you can first decide which aspects you want to shape your stay: the village’s history, the trails in the surrounding area, or the landscape by the reservoir. This makes it possible to consider Marmorera as a destination based on its specific attractions, without treating the different routes and their respective conditions as interchangeable.
Discover more destinations: Alvaneu Bad, Tinizong-Rona, Filisur, Stierva, Cunter, BergĂĽn, Savognin, Tiefencastel
For the regional travel overview: Albula.
