«All lake, all midday, all unending time» wrote Nietzsche in a poem he wrote on the shores of Lake Sils (German original: «Ganz See, ganz Mittag, ganz Zeit ohne Ziel»). Your mind and soul will find peace here. Sometimes the lake reflects the surrounding mountain peaks with razor-sharp clarity, other times the persistent Maloja wind churns up the four square kilometres of water. Depending on temperatures and weather conditions, Lake Sils freezes between the end of December and mid-January and turns into a lovely footpath or a cross-country ski trail along signposted routes.
From turquoise to emerald green to deep blue: the hikes around Lake Sils with their play of colours are utterly stunning. There are 16 kilometres of unique trails around the entire lake leading through forests and across meadows. This hike can easily be divided into several stages. Starting from Sils and heading towards Maloja, you first enjoy varying views of the Chastè peninsula and the Chaviolas islands. After just an hour, you reach Isola: a small village on a majestic delta. From here you can see Maloja, at the southern end of the lake. The hike is considered one of the most beautiful in Switzerland. What's even more beautiful is that you are often alone on the shores of Lake Sils. From Maloja, you can return to Sils via the Via Engiadina, a popular hiking trail.
Travelling by boat
Why not take the boat instead of conventional transport to shorten a hike, enjoy the beautiful view or simply have a special adventure while travelling? The highest scheduled boat in Europe operates on Lake Sils and guarantees unforgettable moments.
Fun water sports
There's so much space for water sports! Lake Sils is neither hectic nor crowded. You can explore the lake in complete peace and quiet by sailing boat, rowing boat, pedalo, kayak, canoe or stand-up paddle. Sports equipment can be hired in Plaun da Lej. Rowing boats can also be hired at the boathouse in Sils.
Cultural events on Lake Sils
The «Wasserzeichen»-concerts in Sils on the Chastè peninsula. Memorable musical experiences. You can book the extraordinary concerts online.
Anyone who still wants to experience the fascinating natural spectacle of black ice in all its facets should observe the following principles: * Never walk on the ice alone. * Avoid fractures and milky areas as well as inflow, flow and outflow points. * Determine the thickness of the ice cover by looking for cracks in the ice or by drilling test holes with an ice pick. * Only enter the lakes when the light is good. What to do if the ice breaks? React correctly: * Stay calm. * Spread your arms out and try to crawl up onto the ice - back in the direction you came from. * If the ice is not strong enough, break it away with your elbows until you reach a place that is strong enough. * As soon as you are back on the ice, crawl further away from the break point, lying on your stomach. * Rescuers should approach the victim carefully on their stomachs, paying particular attention to their own safety, and try to hand them ski poles, rescue poles, lifebuoys or a rope (there are some posts with rescue equipment on the shore). * Passers-by should immediately call the emergency services: Tel. 117.
The Sils concert series “Wasserzeichen” takes place every summer in a secluded bay on the Chastè peninsula.
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The «Ristorante Murtaröl» in Plaun da Lej is well-known for its fish specialties and seafood. Some of the delicacies come directly from Lake Sils.
The association “Pro Lej da Segl” is committed to protecting the Upper Engadin lake landscape.
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