Location
Sils i.E. lies 1802 m above sea level and has nearly 700 inhabitants. Picturesquely embedded between the Silsersee and the Silvaplanersee it is divided into Sils/Segl Maria on the right side of the valley at the entrance to the Val Fex (Fextal) and Sils/Segl Baselgia at the river mouth of the Silsersee into the Sela (old Inn); to Sils belong furthermore the Val Fex and the three settlements 'Grevasalvas', 'Blaunca' and 'Buaira' on the left side of the valley above Plaun da Lej.
How to get here
The Albula and Bernina lines of the Rhaetian Railway have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2008. With winding tunnels and dizzying viaducts, it is one of the most picturesque and technically interesting railway lines in Europe. From St. Moritz, the Engadin bus takes you to Sils.
Alternatively, you can travel from Landquart via Klosters - Vereina Tunnel to St. Moritz. Thanks to the new connections, you can reach the Upper Engadine from Zurich HB in just over 3 hours. And from Chiavenna you can reach Sils by bus (Postauto).
Restaurants and Hotels
Concerning the size of the village, it offers a uniquely broad spectrum of restaurants and cafés of all gastronomic concepts. In addition to hotels, restaurants and agriculture, local crafts are also extremely competitive.
Schools
The local school "Champsegl" runs the kindergarten (2 years) and primary classes from grade 1 to 6. For advanced levels, adolescents attend either secondary school in St. Moritz or one of the middle schools in Samedan and Zuoz.
Shopping
Sils offers everything you need for your daily needs in the local shop Volg, in the bakery and in the farm shop. Sports shops, gift boutiques and local art shops also offer their products.
Sports and leasure activites
Sils and the entire Upper Engadine region offer their guests a huge and comprehensive range of sports and leisure activities in summer and winter.
Winter
The large family ski area of Furtschellas and endless ski areas on the Corvatsch and in St. Moritz as well as many prepared hiking trails and cross-country ski runs invite you to winter activities in the unique Upper Engadine mountain world.
Summer
In summer, nature lures you to beautiful hikes, walks, bike tours and inline explorations. The Silser mountain world offers a multitude of varied hikes practically on your doorstep. The forests on the Chastè peninsula provide quiet walks along and around Lake Silsersee and cool shade. The lakes Silsersee and Silvaplanersee offer excellent conditions for water sports activities such as sailing, surfing or stand-up paddling. You can also relax while fishing.
Sightseeing
The Nietzsche House, the Robbi Museum, the Reformed Church in Sils Maria, Lake Silsersee, the Fex Valley and the entire Upper Engadine. You can also visit the Hotel Waldhaus, where those who were famous like Thomas Mann, Hermann Hesse, Alberto Moravia, Carl Gustav Jung, Erich Kästner and Friedrich Dürrenmatt stayed. Anne Frank spent her holidays in the immediate vicinity of Villa Spitzer in 1935 and 1936. The Galleria Chesina and the Galerie Fex are also well worth a visit.
Guests in Sils
Very early on, special people were attracted to Sils. Important personalities from the fields of the humanities, art and politics sought relaxation here. The charming town still enjoys the privilege of accommodating educated, individualistic and famous guests. The cultural offer is always something to be proud of. In no other village than Sils so many thinkers, poets, painters and musicians have crossed paths.
Traffic development
Sils has always benefited from a bypass so that the main road from St. Moritz to Maloja does not pass through the village. The Fex Valley is also subject to strict traffic restrictions. Up to 400 motorised visitors can park their cars comfortably in the centrally located underground car park, which brings a pleasant traffic calming effect to the village centre after the village almost suffocated in traffic for a long time. In addition, the road connecting Sils Maria to Baselgia was blocked by a barrier, so that transit traffic remains on the main Maloja - St. Moritz road without affecting the village centres. The quality of life for the guests and the local population is first-class.
