The best traffic-free bike rides around Ftan

pretty here, very pretty

Very beautiful lake near Tarasp-Fontana. Swimming is prohibited.

Romanesque showcase village Ardez Even from afar, the ruins of Steinsberg Castle catch the eye. They tower over this showcase village of Romanesque living culture: sunlight plays around the sgraffito of the beautiful Engadin houses, the diverse agricultural landscape is omnipresent, conjuring a stoic tranquility. Thanks to the bypass road and careful planning, Ardez owes its intact village appearance, which couldn't be better integrated into the landscape and creates a sense of security. Whether we descend from the mountain lakes on Piz Cotschen, come from the Val Tasna past Chanoua to the WWF Emerald Area, or ascend from the Inn Gorge after visiting Sur-En or Tarasp: we are not going to Ardez, but arriving there. Text / Source: Scuol Tourist Information, Stradun 403a, Scuol https://www.engadin.com/de/das-unterengadin/ferienorte/ardez

Very beautiful old houses, each one more beautiful than the last!

Ardez is an architectural gem in the Lower Engadine, one of the best-preserved villages in the region. Its Engadine-style houses, with their typical thick walls, small windows, and facades decorated with elaborate sgraffito, give it a unique charm. Dominated by the imposing ruins of Steinsberg Castle, the village is a place of great tranquility, where time seems to have stood still. Ardez is an ideal starting point for hikes and walks.

Guarda is a true gem in the Lower Engadine, a village seemingly straight out of a fairytale. Famous for its beautifully preserved historic houses, decorated with characteristic sgraffitos that tell local stories and traditions, it is a protected, traffic-free village. For its beauty and authenticity, it has received a prestigious award for the preservation of its architectural heritage. Guarda is also the setting for the famous children's book "Schellen-Ursli," which tells the story of the courageous young boy Ursin.

Guarda "Guarda – a village for all the senses" The most beautiful corner of the world? You'll find it in Guarda. This Lower Engadin village, famous for the story of Schellen-Ursli, is one of the most beautiful places in Graubünden. We went on a winter discovery tour and experienced Guarda with all five senses. Guarda is a feast for the eyes. It's no coincidence that it was voted one of the ten most beautiful mountain villages in Graubünden and was awarded the Wakker Prize for the best-preserved village in 1975. Strolling through Guarda will make you lose track of time, even though the small village could be crossed quickly. But you can't get enough of the picturesque Engadin houses with their paintings and sgraffito, as well as the view of the Lower Engadin Dolomites. Most of the buildings date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. This is unique in the valley because, unlike other Lower Engadine villages, Guarda was spared major fires. The church, with its ornamental tower, is even more original. It has survived both wars and the Habsburg raids and destruction. What is striking is that the houses in the village center are all oriented toward the road. This is surprising, given the sunny hillside location, but it has something to do with the fact that 500 years ago, Guarda was a street village, and the main traffic artery ran through the small town. Today, Guarda is traffic-free. Those arriving by car should leave their vehicles in the parking lot at the entrance to the village. An even better option is to arrive in a relaxed manner by public transport. Text / Source: Scuol Tourist Information, Stradun 403a, CH-7550 Scuol https://www.graubuenden.ch/de/graubuenden/regionen/bergdoerfer/guarda

Ardez is a former small commune now attached to the city of Scuol. It is distinguished by its center, listed in the Swiss inventory of cultural assets of national and regional importance. It includes the ruins of Steinsberg Castle.