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Boat trip with Franco

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Boat trip with Franco

Captain Franco Giani

The highest scheduled boat service in Europe operates on Lake Sils. At the helm you find greying captain Franco Giani with the calm composure of an old sea dog. Climb aboard the passenger boat in Sils, glide past the stunning backdrop of mountain peaks and listen to Franco as he spins his sailor's yarn.

Operating since 1907

«My great grandfather, Luigi Giani, came to the Engadin by chance with a friend. When he saw Lake Sils, one thing became clear to him: Something was missing here – a passenger boat. He therefore founded the only scheduled shipping line in Graubünden.» This occurred practically around the same time as the opening of the Waldhaus Hotel. Initially, however, Luigi Giani took visitors across the lake with his rowing boat because even back then, the use of electric boats was a topic of debate.


Franco Giani

«I've been doing this for over 40 years. But every day is different, just like the light on the water.»

La vita sul lago

The boat trip from Sils Maria to Maloja takes around 40 minutes. Unfortunately! This is because you can never get enough of the stunning mountain scenery. The captain of the MS Segl Maria feels the same way too. «I've been doing this for over 40 years. But every day is different, just like the light on the water. We Gianis were originally fishermen from Lake Como. We are now in our third generation here. La vita sul lago – this is our life.»

Anyone wanting to come aboard must carry cash

«No, nessun problema.» Fair weather captain Giani has no experience of storms or distress. Just satisfied guests, among these, of course, famous people from far and wide. «All guests are kings in my opinion. I'm just the skipper.» Together with him on the boat is the gentle-natured Igor Bigiolli, family friend, first officer, pilot and ticket seller. Anyone wanting to come aboard must carry cash. «I am a private company», apologizes the captain in Italian when passengers produce their credit cards or half-fare cards.

30 seats with a view

From June until the end of September/beginning of October, Franco Giani lives in the cosy boathouse not far from the jetty at Sils Maria. He does the Sils Maria – Chastè – Plaun da Lej – Isola – Maloja tour three to four times a day. In the evenings, when the 30-seater Sils passenger boat is safely moored, its captain sometimes likes to go dancing. And he's just as at home there as he is behind the wheel of the MS Segl Maria, which was constructed by the famous speedboat shipyard «Tullio Abbate» on Lake Como.

Timetable

11th June to 16th October 2022
From 17th - 23rd October on demand
Service operation during bad weather on request

a) only from 15th July - 15th August

Sils Maria (Bootshaus) 10.40 14.10 15.40 17.10 a)
Chastè 10.45 14.15 15.45 17.15 a)
Plaun da Lej 10.55 14.25 15.55 17.25 a)
Isola 11.05 14.35 16.05 17.35 a)
Maloja 11.20 14.50 16.20 17.50 a)

Maloja 11.30 15.00 16.30 17.50 a)
Isola 11.45 15.15 16.45 18.05 a)
Plaun da Lej 11.55 - 16.55 18.15 a)
Chastè 12.05 - 17.05 18.25 a)
Sils Maria (Bootshaus) 12.10 15.30 17.10 18.30 a)

Prices

single journey return journey
Sils Maria – Plaun da Lej/Isola CHF 11.00 CHF 18.00
Maloja – Plaun da Lej/Isola CHF 11.00 CHF 18.00
Sils Maria – Maloja CHF 18.00 CHF 27.00


Children up to 16 years pay half price.
Big dogs pay CHF 5.00. Small/Medium dogs travel for free.
The tickets can only be bought in cash.

Information

Silser Schifffahrt
Family Franco Giani
7514 Sils Maria
T +41 79 424 32 27
silsersee.schifffahrt@gmail.com
timetable boat service

Captain Franco`s tips

  • Take a short cut
    «Simply hop aboard with me and spend less time walking and more time enjoying the amazing view.»
  • Enjoy the indian summer
    «If the weather permits and I'm still operating at the beginning of October, you really must take a trip with me on the water: from there, you see the autumnal mountains at their best.»
  • Twilight hour with captain Franco
    «You can also rent the MS Segl Maria for private occasions. Sunsets and evening trips with aperitifs are a delightful experience.» Information

Discover more about the Lake Sils 

For further information click here

Useful links

Timetable Here you can find the departure times for the MS Segl Maria.

Interactive hiking map See all routes at a glance.

Water sports in Sils Sailing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding – practically anything is possible.

Hike to the six lakes Witness how the six small mountain lakes on Furtschellas reflect the sky.