Madulain – Culture and Landscape in the Engadin

Madulain is located in the Maloja region on the left bank of the Inn, around ten kilometres northeast of St. Moritz, amid the wide-open landscape of the Upper Engadin. The village has a peaceful, alpine character, with forests, meadows and mountains surrounding the settlement. The alpine climate brings cold winters and pleasantly cool summers. Traditional Engadin houses and the Church of San Andrea are part of Madulain’s cultural heritage. Here, architectural heritage meets a landscape shaped by the seasons.

History and Architectural Heritage

Guardaval Castle was built between 1237 and 1251 on the orders of Bishop Volkard of Neuburg. As an episcopal administrative seat, it served in particular for collecting the major and minor customs duties. The historic castle and the stage of the Guardaval Festivals can be reached on foot from Madulain railway station in about 20 minutes.

San Bartrumieu also has a long documented history: a document from 1370 mentions a church in Madulain for the first time; documents from 1441 and 1454 explicitly name San Bartrumieu. Inside, a late Gothic choir ceiling with a ribbed cross vault shapes the space. The central keystone is painted with a Maltese cross. The church can be visited daily from 08:00 to 18:00. As opening hours may change, check them before your arrival.

Stalla Madulain, a contemporary art gallery in the village centre, offers a different perspective on architectural heritage. It is housed in a barn built in 1488, which was lightly restored while preserving its original structure. Works by local artists and by artists inspired by the Engadin are exhibited and sold.

Village Culture and Events

Around 1 March, Madulain celebrates Chalandamarz as a lively spring festival: winter is bid farewell and spring welcomed. The occasion also celebrates Romansh culture and a strong sense of community. Visitors are very welcome; details may vary from year to year.

On a guided village tour, you can learn more about the history, development and cultural significance of the place. It takes place every Tuesday at 17:00; the published schedule may change. Together with the historic buildings and the gallery, the tour offers insight into different sides of Madulain, from its history to contemporary art.

Trails and Alpine Landscape

Walking and hiking trails run through the Upper Engadin, following the Inn and crossing wide-open landscapes. The area around Madulain is well suited to walks, cross-country skiing and mountain excursions. The village is also connected to cycling: the Inn Cycle Path passes through Madulain, and a route through the village is recommended for its course.

In winter, the Madulain–Zuoz ice trail offers views of snow-covered mountains, old Engadin houses and the glittering Inn. The ice trail is a seasonal activity; check conditions and operations before travelling. In winter, sledges can be rented at Alp Es-cha Dadour for the journey to Madulain or Zuoz. Confirm availability in advance, as this is a seasonal offer.

Alpine Cuisine and Practical Planning

Alp Es-cha Dadour offers fresh alpine cuisine and culinary experiences at its mountain inn. Alpine cheese, alpine butter and yoghurt are also available for direct sale there; availability may be seasonal. The alp’s operations and programme may also change. If you are planning a visit, take these seasonal conditions into account.

The Engadin Bus connects Madulain with the villages of the Upper Engadin and the ski areas. As routes and timetables may change, check connections before your journey. This makes it possible to plan village visits, walks along the Inn and seasonal activities around your stay, while keeping in mind the differing conditions for timetables, opening hours and winter operations.

Discover more destinations: Silvaplana, Samaden, Zuoz, Stampa, La Punt-Chamues-Ch, Bondo Gr, Soglio Gr, S-Chanf.

Back to the main travel overview: Maloja.