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Hotel Meisser, Guarda: Engadine Valley Winter Walking

- Hotel Meisser, Guarda
Charming Guarda | Engadine Valley village with pretty stone houses & pastel murals
Winter walking | Set out on excellent winter routes or take day trips to Scuol & St Moritz
Hotel Meisser | Old-world charm & access to a variety of nearby trails
Cuisine | Enjoy great dishes at the historic hotel restaurant with fantastic hospitality
What is included
  • 7 nights
  • 7 dinners
    7 breakfasts
  • snowshoe and toboggan hire
  • travel pass for local buses and trains
  • detailed information about the area
  • rail and bus from/to Zürich Airport (if flying)
  • Hotel Meisser, Guarda: Engadine Valley Winter Walking
    - Hotel Meisser, Guarda
  • Breathtaking scenery
  • The pretty village of Guarda
  • Snowshoeing near Guarda
  • Well-prepared walking trails
  • A refreshment stop with a view
  • Funicular to Muottas Muragl
  • High-level paths
  • Ancient stone-built house
  • There are several toboggan runs
  • Hotel Meisser © Daniel Zangerl
  • Fireplace in the hotel lounge © Daniel Zangerl
  • The old hay barn, now the hotel restaurant
What is included
  • 7 nights
  • 7 dinners
    7 breakfasts
  • snowshoe and toboggan hire
  • travel pass for local buses and trains
  • detailed information about the area
  • rail and bus from/to Zürich Airport (if flying)

Holiday information

A winter holiday in Guarda

- perfect for non-skiers
The sunny Engadine Valley in eastern Switzerland is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. It’s a place where winter is truly special, with quintessentially Alpine scenery and picture-book villages whose streets transport you back in time as you walk amid the distinctive stone houses decorated with pastel murals.

High on the mountain slopes perches the most charming village of them all, Guarda, silently watching over the valley from its panoramic location. From here the walking opportunities are truly fantastic, but this is not the only activity that Guarda has to offer. Snowshoeing is another very rewarding way to explore this beautiful valley, or for a change of scene, visit the spa town of Scuol or take the train to glamourous St Moritz, where winter tourism became popular in the mid-19th century.
Right at the heart of Guarda lies the Hotel Meisser, a fittingly romantic hotel with a refined and relaxed atmosphere that earns consistently high levels of praise from Inntravel guests. Its old-world charm will quickly seduce you, making it one of those special places that you will never want to leave. This is escapism at its very best!




 

Our expert says

“Everything is stunning about the Meisser: the hospitality, the stylish interiors, the village setting, the food. This unspoiled corner of Switzerland is perfect for a holiday without skis, with a good variety of winter walking trails both high up and down in the valley.”
Inntravel winter holiday expert


Winter activities

There’s no fixed itinerary, so take your pick of the trails as the mood takes you. 
  • 136km in the valley
    Situated midway along the Lower Engadine, Guarda is a perfect base for winter walking. There is a choice of walks to neighbouring villages direct from the hotel door, whilst further trails can be reached by bus or train, use of which is free in the local area with the guest card that you will be given on arrival.

    All trails are well signed, and the snow specially flattened to facilitate walking. In the detailed documentation we provide, we give an overview of our five favourite options, including the following three routes:

    Guarda to Lavin: 4km (8km with optional extension)
    This is the perfect first walk, not only because of its length and the fact that it’s mostly downhill, but also because it affords sweeping views across the valley. You could time it so that you arrive in Lavin for lunch (there are two restaurants, plus an excellent family-run bakery). You then have the choice of taking the train and bus back from Lavin or, for a longer walk, of continuing through the valley along the forested banks of the River Inn to Guarda station, from where it is just a short bus ride to the village itself.

    Motta Naluns to Ftan: 2km (6km with optional extension)
    This superb high-level route from the top of the Motta Naluns gondola to Ftan is a real highlight – the views over the surrounding peaks and Tarasp Castle are breathtaking. From Ftan – a great spot for lunch or Kaffe und Kuchen – you have three choices for the descent: on foot, by chairlift or by toboggan.

    Tarasp circuit: 4km
    Built on a 100-metre-high rock, Tarasp Castle is an impressive sight. This enjoyable walk leads around the base of the rock, giving you the chance to see the castle up close.
    Beautiful views
    Motta Naluns route
  • Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and more

    Snowshoeing
    Snowshoeing is a great way to explore this enchanting valley. There are a number of options easily accessible from the village, and you can borrow equipment from the hotel free of charge. One route leads uphill from Guarda through meadows and forest. Your target is a mountain hut at 2,120 metres (6km) but, since you return via the same route, you can turn back at any point. Another route (8km) winds through forest from Lavin to Zeznina.

    Tobogganing
    There are several toboggan runs in the area, including a 2-kilometre run above Guarda itself. Toboggans can be borrowed free of charge from the hotel.

    Ice-skating
    Rather than a conventional ice rink, the Engadine boasts a 3-kilometre ‘ice path’ along the forested banks of the River Inn near Scuol.

    Cross-country skiing – suitable for all levels
    The Lower Engadine boasts 77km of trails for both classic and skating skiers. An enjoyable route runs along the valley floor between Guarda and S-chanf. If you are feeling energetic, you can ski to S-chanf and get the train back. Otherwise, take the train to S-chanf and ski back – it is mostly gently downhill in this direction.
    Snowshoeing
    Snowshoeing
  • Scuol, Muottas Muragl & St Moritz

    Scuol
    Scuol’s main draw is the Bogn Engadine Spa, where you can relax in the saunas, steam baths and heated outdoor swimming pool. For added relaxation, take your pick of the treatments on offer, which include an unusual Roman-Irish bath combining steam and dry, hot air.

    Muottas Muragl
    The main reason to visit Muottas Muragl is the view – located at almost 2,500 metres above sea level, this high mountain plateau in the Upper Engadine commands superb vistas of the surrounding peaks and lakes. You could simply enjoy a leisurely lunch at the panoramic restaurant, but there are also several walking options – including a philosophy-themed path – and a couple of snowshoe hikes if you wish to take in more of the scenery.

    St Moritz
    The glitz and glamour of St Moritz – a good choice for a day of people-watching – is 90 minutes away by train. As well as boasting 5-star hotels and chic boutiques, the resort is home to the Olympia Bob Run (the oldest bobsleigh run in the world) and the famous Cresta Run. 
    View from Muottas Muragl
    St Moritz © Filip Zuan St Moritz Engadin Tourismus
  • Special events
    Christmas is marked by a special dinner on 24 December. New Year celebrations feature a gala dinner, live music and dancing, followed by a big brunch on New Year's Day.

About Guarda

Widely considered to be the Engadine’s best preserved village, tranquil Guarda (altitude: 1645m) perches high on the slopes of this idyllic valley, affording broad views down to the valley floor and across to the jagged peaks on the other side. The ancient, cobbled streets transport you back in time, lined as they are with typical Engadine houses built of stone, with deep-set windows and delicate pastel murals. The village is renowned for being a haven for artists and there are a number of workshops, plus a small supermarket.
Hotel Meisser
  • 3-star superior

Bedrooms

Hotel Meisser, Guarda

Heritage in the heart of the Engadine
Generations of family-run hospitality rooted in authentic Alpine life
“It took us 80 years to find the best hotel in the world” – hotel guest

Dating back to 1893, this hotel has been run by the same family for five generations. Originally a farmhouse, it still retains its historic hay barn – now the dining room – with beautiful valley views, reflecting a deep-rooted connection to the Engadine mountains.
Read our Q&A with hotel owner, Benno Meisser
View image gallery
 

Extend your stay

Prices & travel
All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter. For general information on pricing, see the 'your holiday price explained' page.
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  • 7 nights: 20 December 2025 - 08 March 2026

    Start varies according to travel method* | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Adult (Price *)
    20 Dec - 31 Dec 2025 from £1611
    01 Jan - 31 Jan 2026 from £1761
    01 Feb - 28 Feb 2026 from £1891
    01 Mar - 01 Mar 2026 from £1721

    * Final price is subject to change due to the customisable nature of our holidays and is dependent on accommodation availability for the dates selected. We will contact you to confirm the final price. Single supplements are applicable on many of our holidays. Please contact us for full details.

    * Start days: 20 Dec-04 Jan Saturday/Sunday; all other dates any day

     

    A supplement is payable for a single room – please enquire.

  • RECOMMENDED AIRPORT(S):
    Zürich (latest flight arrival time: 1530; earliest flight departure time: 1300)

    As an alternative to flying, we can arrange rail travel from London

    Travelling from the UK

    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend Zürich. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    Travelling from outside the UK
    We have many years' experience catering for customers who live outside the UK, and will be happy to make tailored arrangements to fit with your plans.

    You have two options:

    1) Book your own flights to London, from where we can book onward flights and connecting travel to your hotel.

    2) Book your own flights direct to an airport appropriate to your chosen holiday. You can either make your own way from the airport to the hotel, or we'll be happy to book onward connecting travel for you. Please consult with us before booking your flights, so that we can advise you on the suitability of your proposed route and timings.
    Outward route Airline
    Aberdeen - Zurich (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Aberdeen - Zurich (via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Birmingham - Zurich Swiss 
    Birmingham - Zurich (via Munich) Lufthansa 
    Outward route Airline
    Bristol - Zurich Swiss 
    Bristol - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Edinburgh - Zurich Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Glasgow - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Leeds Bradford - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    London City - Zurich British Airways,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Gatwick - Zurich easyJet,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Heathrow - Zurich British Airways,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Luton - Zurich easyJet,  Vueling 
    Outward route Airline
    Manchester - Zurich Lufthansa,  Swiss 
    Manchester - Zurich (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Manchester - Zurich (via Munich) Lufthansa 
    Outward route Airline
    Newcastle - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Newcastle - Zurich (via Paris CDG) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Norwich - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend Zürich. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    This list of alternative flight options should be used as a guide only, and you should check each airline’s website for current routes, frequency and schedules. Not all flights operate daily, and may not run for the entire season. You should also heed the latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time stated above, as it may not be possible to arrange connecting travel outside these times. Our expert reservations team will be happy to offer advice if you would prefer to fly via a different route to the one included in our standard arrangements. A supplement may be payable for other flights.

  • Combining high-speed Eurostar and TGV with the clockwork efficiency of Swiss railways, this is relaxed independent travel at its finest. You’ll be in the Engadine Valley in time for dinner. 

    However, the best views are kept for the last part of the journey, so in fact we recommend breaking your journey in Zürich, otherwise the passing lakes and mountains will be shrouded in darkness. After a night of traditional Swiss hospitality, take a comfortable Swiss Intercity following the shores of Lake Zürich and Walensee. After just one change onto a local train you pass through a tunnel into the idyllic Engadine Valley. There is no price difference, other than the cost of your overnight accommodation in Zürich.

    If you would prefer an alternative route, our rail specialists can tailor the arrangements to suit you and provide a quotation.

    > Travelling by train to Switzerland: what to expect
    > More about 'by rail' prices

    Route on which prices are based

    Outward journey Departure time
    from London     		Arrival time
    at hotel
    St Pancras–Paris–Zürich–Guarda (Eurostar, TGV, regional rail & postbus, 10h30), walk from Guarda bus stop (100 metres) approx 0755 Mon-Sat (it is not possible to travel from London on Sun) approx 1925
    Homeward journey Departure time
    from hotel     		Arrival time
    in London
    Walk to bus stop (100 metres), postbus to Guarda station (0h10), Guarda–Zürich–Paris–St Pancras (regional rail, TGV & Eurostar, 12h15) approx 0930 approx 2045
Reviews

If you've experienced this holiday first hand, why not write a review?

We are keen for as many customers as possible to review their holiday. To make it easier to do so, we include a specific review section on our post-holiday questionnaire, and this is what we publish here, unedited. Read our full review policy >

All 8 reviews
  • Lynda & Peter, London
    24 February 2025
    A beautiful hotel and location.  The staff are very friendly and helpful.  You have to plan your day based on linking up with the Postbus and local trains both outgoing and return to the hotel but we got the hang of it and everything runs on time.  The Motta Naluns walk with extension down to Ftan was a great first day's walk.  Lovely alpine/ski restaurant at the top of the Prui/Ftan chairlift.  The Muottas Muragl was also a lovely day out, with amazing views at the top of the funicular, as well as options of Easy or Medium walks at the top.  The Walk to Lavin with return to Guarda via Giarson was gorgous in sunny blue sky weather. The holiday would have been perfect had we not had the obstructed view from the side windows all along the side of the supposedly dual aspect Room 16.  This marred our experience and the room should be flagged up as having obstructed views.  This might not bother every one as the room is beautifully decorated but for anyone who loves views, sunshine and light, this is not the room for them.
     
  • Ally
    28 February 2024

    Guarda is a delightful, peaceful village with the most beautifully painted houses; and Hotel Meisser is fantastic. The food was wonderful, the staff were excellent and our room was lovely. The local train / bus network is so well organised, making it easy to access lots of walking and snowshoeing routes. We were lucky enough to see the Chalandamarz parade in the village on March 1st.

  • Mrs J Grech
    Royston
    19 February 2024

    The weather meant our holiday split into two distinct halves. When we arrived there was very little snow at low level and in Guarda, and we therefore took the opportunity to walk some 'summer' paths that were clear of snow. Around the middle of the holiday we had a very heavy fall of snow which gave us the chance to experience winter walking in snow on the prepared trails, and sample snow shoeing. 

    One of our best experiences was the day we went by train to Scoul, then took the gondola up to Motta Naluns, from where we walked in glorious sunshine to Prui and on down to Ftan. We then continued our walk on to Ardez and back to Guarda, taking advantage of the lack of snow in the valley to use one of the summer paths, and thus avoid having to walk on the road or climb all the way up to Munt. 

    We also enjoyed the quieter paths away from the skiing areas, and felt the hotel was special.  

  • Mr H Leftley
    Stratford-upon-avon
    17 February 2024

    Don’t travel at weekends during busy times, ie local holidays as trains are very busy.

    Walking routes work well with local bus and train times and routes.

    Get as much information about walking in winter with good detailed information and maps.

  • Mr M Hoile
    Chester
    10 January 2024

    Guarda was romantic, peaceful, covered with snow and exactly what we wanted as a break. The hotel provided snow shoes, toboggans, poles if you wanted to hike. The post bus was on time and met the train connections. The walks behind the hotel were challenging and spectacular, and it was only 20 mins to Scuol to the Hot baths, and gondola. Take a train to Pontresina and ride the funicular to Muragl see the top of the mountains for miles.

  • Anon
    06 January 2024

    The most delightful walk up to Murtera Dadaint at 2149m (500m above Guarda) was the highlight of our holiday. Beautiful weather and a good climb made for a great day out. Though not relevant to this walk, as there are no facilities at the top other than a barn with sledges if you wish to sledge down (we didn't), it is important to check in advance whether restaurants in villages are actually open - particularly in quieter seasons, when most seem to be closed. A packed lunch or sandwiches from Hotel Meisser are a good standby. 

  • Ms J Fifoot
    Tarporley
    01 March 2023

    The peace and tranquility of Guarda, the spectacular views and the excellent hospitality at Hotel Meisser beat any spa experience I've ever had! This holiday was just perfect for those seeking a quiet setting, jaw dropping scenery, spectacular winter walks in the mountains and amazing food. And Swiss travel is just so easy and slick. A really excellent holiday.

  • Anon
    London
    27 February 2023

    We had a wonderful holiday, thank you! We loved Guarda and the surrounding villages. Hotel Meisser was excellent, with super friendly and helpful staff. As there wasn't much snow around Guarda, we very much enjoyed our higher-altitude trips to Motta Naluns and Muottas Muragi.

FAQs

If you have any questions relating to this or any other Inntravel holiday, our friendly travel experts will be happy to help. You might also find our General FAQs section helpful.
  • In the Alps, most hotels have a vegetarian menu. Please contact us for specific information about this particular hotel.
  • Living far from the capital ourselves, we know better than most that flying from London can be a bind, so we are very flexible with our travel arrangements. Call or email us, and one of the team will be happy to list the different options available to you, and any price implications.
  • Once you’ve decided on your exact itinerary (our travel experts will be happy to offer advice), you need to provide us with your party’s details, either by phone or via our booking form. At this point we also ask you to pay a deposit so that we can secure a room for you immediately on confirming availability with the hotel(s). If it turns out that we can’t secure the accommodation for the holiday you’ve requested, or offer an acceptable alternative, we’ll refund your deposit promptly and in full. After booking your accommodation and other key elements, we'll then book your travel (or you can do so if you’re making your own arrangements) and send you a Booking Confirmation and Invoice.

    More information about the booking process >
    Information about accommodation, general practicalities and more >
    Booking conditions >
  • Yes, it’s something we insist on, even for holidays in the UK. The vast majority of holidays go smoothly, but when things go wrong, it can be expensive to put them right. Buying a new pair of walking boots after your suitcase is stolen mightn’t seem so bad, but the bill for being airlifted down from a mountain with a broken leg or flown home while still recovering from an illness or accident can incur a five or six-figure bill.

    Many insurers offer travel insurance (you can find details on our insurance page of a policy that you may like to consider if you are a UK resident), but you do need to make sure that you’re covered for medical emergencies – including falling ill with Covid-19 while on holiday – and repatriation. We also recommend that you are covered for other eventualities, such as cancellation and loss of luggage and passports.

    When you purchase a policy, be sure to check that it covers the activities you'll be doing on holiday and that it is adequate for your own individual needs.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of the correct travel documents, with the correct validity. If you’re a UK citizen, you need a full British passport to travel to Switzerland, but not a visa (please note, however, that a new travel authorisation system is being introduced). If you are a citizen of another country, you’ll need to check requirements with the national embassy or your own consulate.

    Current information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice for UK citizens can be found through the Travel Health Pro website. You must make sure you have adequate insurance cover for illness, accidents and repatriation (see the insurance question). You should also apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if your EHIC has expired (if you have a still-valid EHIC, you can use this until it expires).
  • The official languages are German, spoken in the majority of the country; French, spoken in the south-west; Italian, spoken in the south-east; and Romansch, mostly limited to the Engadine valley. The currency is the Euro. Swiss time is GMT/UTC + 1. It uses Daylight Saving Time, so in summer is on BST + 1.
  • The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides up-to-date, country-by-country travel advice, as well as information on security, local laws, passports and visas for UK citizens.

    If you live outside the UK, see our essential travel information page for a list of relevant websites.
Hotel Meisser, Guarda: Engadine Valley Winter Walking
7 nights
Price from £1,721pp
Hotel Meisser, Guarda: Engadine Valley Winter Walking
7 nights
Winter walking
Price from £1,721pp
Last fetch time is : 2/24/2026 10:05:04 AM

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