Zuoz combines striking architecture with cultural attractions and trails along the Inn. The Punt da l’En is a striking example of local craftsmanship: the arched bridge spans the Inn with a main span of 39 metres. It was designed by Robert Maillart and completed in 1901. It is also known as the Robert Maillart Bridge.
Village history and culture
The historic village centre is characterised by well-preserved Engadine homes with typical oriel windows and sgraffito decorations. One important historic building is the listed Chesa Planta. It was extensively remodelled in the Baroque style in 1760. The Chesa Planta is also home to the Oberengadin Cultural Archives, which collects documents on Engadine culture and makes them available to the public. The archives offer guided tours weekly on request, on Thursdays from 5 to 6 pm.
Art and local traditions are also part of the cultural programme: Galerie Tschudi presents contemporary art in a medieval building on Zuoz’s historic main square. It has been based in Zuoz since December 2002. The Chalandamarz tradition includes the Prouva da Chalandamarz, a procession with cowbells around all the village fountains. The exact programme may vary from year to year. Il Mulin vegl da Plagnoula is the only surviving one of four former mills fed by the Ritscha millstream. The mill recalls a time when grain was grown and processed in the Upper Engadine.
Trails, elevation changes and planning your time
For an excursion to Alp Arpiglia, you can follow either the alpine road or the Himmelsleiter from Resgia; the walk takes about an hour and a half. The alpine pasture lies at 2,115 metres above sea level. If you have more time for a hike, you can combine the ascent with a four- to five-hour tour via Munt Seja and Lej da Prastinaun. This route leads from Resgia via Munt Seja at 2,445 metres to the alpine lake Lej da Prastinaun, then back to the starting point via Alp Arpiglia. The main difference between the route to the alpine pasture and the longer circular hike is the time required. Weather and trail conditions can affect the routes.
Another option along the Inn is the 2.5-kilometre Madulain–Zuoz ice trail, which ends in Zuoz. It starts at Pundschremaun, opposite Resgia, where parking is available. In winter, the Zuoz/Pizzet ski area offers beginners a chance to try skiing, a timed course and a snow park. Children practise basic techniques such as snowplough turns, braking and turning with a pony lift, a conveyor belt and other terrain features. Lift and piste operations are seasonal.
More activities and regional information
Cross-country ski trails run between Samedan, Bever, La Punt Chamues-ch, Madulain, Zuoz and S-chanf; dogs are also allowed. Trail grooming is seasonal. If you prefer cycling, a cycling route along the Inn passes through Zuoz. Check local trail conditions and signage before planning your ride. Children can try golf for the first time at the Zuoz-Madulain golf course, which offers family golf.
You can also add a village tour to your cultural itinerary. The meeting point is the Bärenbrunnen on Zuoz village square. Check current dates in advance. Chesa Cafè Badilatti offers coffee-related events and tours, as well as information about the history of coffee; dates may change. In winter, the Genussloipe leads to Restaurant Sur En in Zuoz, where dessert is served. Restaurant participation and seasonal operations may change.
For getting around the region, the Engadin Bus connects Zuoz with the villages of the Upper Engadine and the ski areas. As routes and timetables are subject to change, check the current timetable to suit your excursion plans.
Discover more destinations: La Punt-Chamues-Ch, Surlej, Sils im Engadin, Celerina/Schlarigna, Samaden, Bondo Gr, Castasegna, S-Chanf.
Back to the main travel overview: Maloja.
