Lake Sils
Intro
Though there are many mountain lakes at higher altitudes, Lake Sils is the only one with daily scheduled passenger boats in summer that carry tourists and hikers from Sils Maria to Maloja via Chastè, Plaun da Lej and Isola. This is Europe's highest passenger boat service.
The “Lej da Segl” is located next to the watershed of the Maloja pass, the crossing to the Bregaglia Valley. It is the largest lake in the canton of Graubünden and forms part of the Upper Engadine lake district. During the summer months, a small boat operates a scheduled service. The “Segl-Maria” ploughs across the lake from Sils Maria to Maloja on the south-western lakeshore and back again in 40 minutes, four times a day. During this scenic cruise, it stops at the Chastè peninsula, Plaun da Lej and Isola.
An idyllic hiking and cycling route runs around the lake. The Upper Engadine lake tour is one of the classic Upper Engadine hikes: starting from St. Moritz, the walk passes by the lakes of St. Moritz, Champfèr, Silvaplana and Sils before ending in Maloja. The route can also be travelled by bicycle, inline skates or motorcycle.
The famous German philosopher Nietzsche spent considerable time by Lake Sils. As you pass by the Chastè peninsula, you may catch a glimpse of the bench beneath the larches where Friedrich Nietzsche would often sit and daydream during his summers in Sils.
Boat service only from the end of June to September/October. See timetable.
