City escape: through the Engadine in a camper

Day 1

Once again, it got a bit too much for us in the city. The stress, the heat, the noise... So we hired a camper and set off. Our destination: the Engadine. Out of all the possible camping sites, we opted for the Morteratsch Camp Site in Pontresina. The perfect place to relax in the great outdoors and the ideal starting point for an exciting adventure. When planning our adventure, we were inspired by tips from the locals.

After a leisurely drive over the Julier Pass, there was still time for a short walk. We opted for the themed Gletscherweg Morteratsch trail - a quiet two-hour walk right behind our camp site.

Day 2

We used the first morning to have a good lie in, eat a large breakfast and enjoy the wonderful camp site. As we breathed in the scent of the Swiss stone pine forests, all the stresses of daily life faded to the back of our minds.

To be honest, it’s been some time since we last went fishing. But the Engadine is perfect for it with all its lakes and rivers. So we hired a boat from the Murtaröl Restaurant, got a few more local tips and bravely rowed out onto Lake Sils.

No, we didn’t catch anything. Instead, we bought a fish in the Plaun da Lej and posed with it as if our trip had been a success. But we were very successful at preparing and eating it. Only the tackle was left from the brown trout.

Day 3

Today, we wanted to get up to higher ground. So we parked our camper at the valley station of the Diavolezza cableway, packed our rucksacks and set off for Piz Trovat. Ladders, rope bridges, gorges – the “Via Ferrata” offers all sorts of adventures. Only, sadly, it was closed. After a snowy winter, the Via Ferrata was not yet accessible. It’s not so bad - it was beautiful anyway. We enjoyed the wonderful view and an invigorating hot drink in the mountain station, and walked back to the car.

We whiled away the rest of the day leisurely at the camp site. We read, sat by the lake, drank coffee and, for the last time, enjoyed the incredible silence and starry sky, which you only really find up in the mountains.

Day 4

We thought that a few cheese souvenirs would be appreciated in the lowlands, so we paid a visit to the Morteratsch alpine show diary. The famous Heutaler mountain cheese, Gletschermutschli (semi-hard cheese), Gletscher fondue and fresh Ziger (Ricotta) are produced and sold here. As there wasn’t much going on today, we were even allowed to help make cheese. Exciting. The brunch, where you get to taste the products, is also highly recommended.

After the work was done, we walked back to the camp site and reluctantly packed our things and made our way home. But there was still time for a final little adventure: We parked our van at the Silvaplana Camp Site. As it is located right by the lake, it is a popular place for kiteboarders and surfers to stay. We opted for stand up paddle boarding. The weather was pretty horrid, but the setting couldn’t have been more spectacular.

Right next to the paddle board hire centre was Mulets Restaurant: an unassuming place with delicious pizza and a pleasant view. Just the thing before completing our journey home.

Then, sadly, it was time to go. Oh man! There’s at least 121 more adventures to experience. Next time we’ll stay a whole week. Or a month. Or forever.