La Punt Chamues-ch lies in the Upper Engadine and belongs to the Maloja region. The municipality consists of two settlement centres: La Punt lies on the left bank of the Inn, while Chamues-ch is on the plain at the entrance to the Chamuera Valley. Near La Punt, the Ova Chamuera flows into the Inn. The Engadine valley road and the Inn also meet there at the foot of the Albula Pass. The two settlement centres and the river courses provide clear points of reference for describing the village.
Engadine architecture and living traditions
San Andrea is an important late Gothic church in the Engadine. The church incorporates Romanesque architectural elements from the Middle Ages as well as modern stained-glass windows. The Chesa Merleda was built in 1642; it is considered a landmark of La Punt and one of the most significant architectural monuments in the canton of Graubünden. La Punt’s Baroque church dates from 1680 and is richly decorated inside and out. Together, these buildings showcase different styles and eras that make up the village’s architectural heritage.
Engadine houses are also defined by specific architectural features: thick walls, small windows, various types of bay windows and sgraffito. These features draw attention to façades, window openings and the shapes of building fronts, rather than reducing the village’s architecture to a single style.
Another way to experience local culture is through Chalandamarz, which children in La Punt Chamues-ch continue to celebrate. The custom is traditionally observed on 1 March. Children parade through the village, ring their bells and sing the five Chalandamarz songs. Handmade silk roses, known as «Rösas», are made in La Punt for the festival. The date, songs and craftsmanship give the custom a distinctive and easily recognisable place in the village’s annual calendar.
Art and nature in the Val Chamuera
The Val Chamuera is characterised by high mountains, deep gorges, unspoilt nature and the mountain stream Ova Chamuera. The diversity of plant life and abundance of wildlife are also among the valley’s defining features. A well-maintained nature road starts at the southern exit of La Punt Chamues-ch and invites visitors to go biking and hiking in the Val Chamuera. Conditions may vary by season. Hikers in the valley will also come across the remote Haus Serlas, in the municipality of La Punt Chamues-ch, at an altitude of 2,016 metres above sea level.
The forest gallery in the God Fainchs stone pine and larch forest above Chamues-ch brings art into the woods. Artists display their work at ten stations in exhibitions that change with the seasons. The gallery can be explored on a walk through the forest of around 45 minutes. The approximate duration and changing exhibitions are useful points to consider when planning to combine nature and art.
Exploring on foot, by bike and in winter
The trail-running course in La Punt Chamues-ch is one kilometre long and includes eight training stations. On a range of surfaces, it helps train sure-footedness and running technique. The Skills Park has obstacles for skateboards, scooters, bikes, BMX and inline skates, including a mini ramp. The facilities may be modified or maintained seasonally. For cycling trips, you can ride sections of the Inn Cycle Route from La Punt Chamues-ch in the direction of Maloja or Zernez.
In winter, the La Punt–Madulain–La Punt walk starts in the historic village centre, first following the Inn, then looping through Madulain and back. Winter conditions may vary. Cross-country skiing is available in both skating and classic styles, across a network of more than 230 kilometres of groomed trails. Along the Inn, you’ll find gentle sections as well as family-friendly stretches that are suitable for use with a pushchair. This means there are different activities and times of year to choose from when planning a trip; they don’t all have to be part of a single itinerary.
La Punt Tourist Information provides personal guest assistance on site and by email, chat and phone. When looking for a hotel in La Punt-Chamues-Ch, the architecture, the date of Chalandamarz or the seasonal outdoor activities can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Bondo Gr, Celerina/Schlarigna, Sils in the Engadine, Soglio Gr, Castasegna, Samaden, Silvaplana, Bregaglia
Back to the main travel overview: Maloja.
