Autumn atmosphere in the Engadine
Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year. Most of the trees lose their leaves, but shortly before that, the leaves change colour and create a wonderful atmosphere, depending on the number of trees. In some forests, countless colours appear, which is very beautiful and interesting. In other forests, with less diversity among the trees, large areas of very similar colours are created. One of the most beautiful places where this phenomenon can be observed is the Engadine in Switzerland. On the far right, close to the border with Italy, there is the wonderful town of St. Moritz.
Surrounded by high mountains in a valley, but still at about 1800 metres above sea level. A wonderful destination for slowing down and taking a holiday in all seasons. St. Moritz is a luxurious alpine resort known for skiing, hiking and many other activities.
The dating of the larch wood of the prehistoric St. Mauritius spring setting showed that the healing springs were already known in the Bronze Age over 3400 years ago. The presence of the Romans in ancient times is attested by findings.
It took until 1856, when the opening of the first hotel, the Kulm Hotel, marked the beginning of the town's rise. Thanks to a bet Johannes Badrutt (a St. Moritz hotel pioneer) had made with four Englishmen in September 1864, winter sports also became established. He proposed that the group spend a winter in St. Moritz. In return, they would be allowed to stay for free and for as long as they wanted. If they didn't like it, he would pay their travel expenses (from London to the Engadine and back). The English accepted the bet and stayed from Christmas to Easter.
Thanks to innovative locals and guests, St. Moritz was several times the first municipality in Switzerland to present technical novelties, such as the first electric light (Christmas 1878), the first powered flight in Switzerland (1910) and the first ski lift (1935).
In the last two years, the term isolation has taken on a whole new meaning for all of us. Isolation is now a rather negative term that is used when a disease needs to be isolated to prevent it from spreading. But isolation can also be something completely different and refers to being cut off from the rest of the world. Of course, this also brings its advantages and disadvantages, as everything. Isn't it fabulous how this little house is completely isolated from the stressed world we live in? On one side separated by a body of water, on the sides wrapped in a forest and at the back cut off by mountains. What a magical place. Isn't it?
How to get to St. Moritz
Public transport in Switzerland is very reliable and punctual. This is mostly true even during the snowy winter months when roads and rails are covered in snow. St. Moritz is easily accessible by train or bus.
But the little town in the Alps is also very easy to reach by car. Whether from the south over the Bernina Pass, from the east over the Maloja Pass, from the north-west over the Julier Pass, or through the valley connection from the north-east. If you are travelling from further abroad, Zurich airport is probably the best choice. However, there is also a small airport just outside the town. I myself have never used the services of Engadin Airport, but apparently you can hire helicopter flights and perhaps also private jets from there, or maybe arrive in your own private plane.
All Photos shot on Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS Rp
