Hotel Traube Uja

The mineral sources of Scuol

by gmg61

A special geological location makes Scuol a special place for mineral waters. The town is located on what's called the "Geological Window of Engadin", a cave created by erosion through the different layers of the surface.
Magma gas comes to the surface, finding a thinner layer, and gets in contact with water, creating Hydro-Thermal waters rich in CO2 and minerals like Calcium, Magnesium and so on.

The first use of mineral waters in Scuol dates to 1369. In Scuol there are 4 main water springs
LUZIUS SPRING
It's a high sulphur spring; its waters contain sulphates, magnesium, calcium, carbohydrate and chlorine.
SFONDRAZ SPRING
It give one of the calcium highest waters in Europe. Waters contain sulphates, calcium, sodium and chlorine
BONIFAZIUS SPRING
It gives alkaline, sodic, calciferous, chalybeate waters with carbohydrate. Water's most curative elements are calcium, magnesium and iron.
LISCHANA SPRING
Alkaline sodic waters with sulphates, magnesium and carbohydrate.

Winter hiking

by german_eagle

Dozens of miles are groomed in winter for winter hiking. It is the most enjoyable and cheapest way to experience the magic of the Engadine in winter. Gorgeous views along the route, cosy restaurants after every couple of miles, excellent public transportation to starting/from ending points of hikes.

Some particularly fascinating hikes:
Guarda - Bos-cha - Ardez (1.5 h)
Scuol - Ftan (1.5 h)
Vna - Hof Zuort (1h one way)
Motta Naluns - Prui - Ftan (1.5 - 2 h)
Motta Naluns - Jonvrai - Sent (3 h) Bring you own good hiking boots.

SCUOL

by JudyinPA

"TRANQUIL AND QUAINT"

Most of our time was spent in and around Guarda but there is no listing for that village or Zuoz. Both are located in the Engadine region of Switzerland and missed by most tourists. It is worth a visit to these small villages. At Zuoz we got off the train and hiked up the side of a hill to town to see a University located there. At Guarda we spent three nights with a wonderful family in their pension, recommended by VT member german_eagle. It was such a good experience standing on our balcony in the morning waiting to hear the cow bells as the farmer herded them to their pastures. They walked below us down the narrow brick street. I prefer to stay in the mountains and enjoy the "real" people of that area in their natural setting. The streets are cobblestone and brick with homes built directly on the edges. Unlike much of Switzerland these homes are built of concrete with sgraffiti. They speak a language called Romansch.....a combination of Italian, German and French.

"UNIVERSITY"

We could see this institution from the train and decided to go up and see the campus. The buildings were all this red color but closed when we were there. This is a small town called Zuoz, located above the valley and with very old and interesting architecture and sgraffiti drawings on most buildings.

"Exploring The Buildings"

They are all small villages in the Lower Engadine with unique architecture and sgraffiti. Always worth a walk to enjoy the sights in or out of town. Shopping items are mostly items carved and made by people of the village. We came home with animal wood carvings made by crafters in Guarda. All had restaurants and rental rooms to spend the night.