From the Atlantic to Lake Sils

«A friend told me about the horse-drawn carriages in Sils in the Engadin and that they need skilled coachmen there. And so I made my way from the shores of the Atlantic to the Engadin mountains.» Luis Manuel Machado Ferreira was born in Porto. About seven years ago, he packed his belongings and travelled to Sils. Today he is a qualified coachman. «I learned the horse-drawn carriage trade here. I also started my family here. Sils has become my second home.»

See to the horses first, then breakfast.

«My day starts in the stables. At 6.30am we start feeding and grooming the horses. Then at 8.00am, we have breakfast. Afterwards, it's time to head to the village square, where we pick up our guests. There are two horse-drawn carriage businesses in Sils: the Clalüna and the Coretti families. During the day, we ride up and down between the village square and the Fex Hotel. At around four in the afternoon, we return to the stables and feed the horses. Then we are finished for the day. Every now and then, we do a night ride, where we see all the stars, since there are no street lights in the Fex Valley. It's wonderful.» 

Out and about in the horse omnibus

Luis Manuel Machado Ferreira is happiest in summer when driving the horse omnibus. Unlike the horse-drawn carriages, the horse omnibus has a fixed schedule (only in summer). It also stops in Fex Platta, Fex Crasta and at the Fex Hotel. «The horse omnibus is a five-horse carriage. The passengers come from all walks of life. Two people can also sit next to me on the coach box. We're never short of things to talk and laugh about.» 

Contact and prices

Distances with the horse-drawn carriage

Distances on foot Sils – Fex

Luis Manuel`s tips

• Night ride under the stars
  «In a two-horse carriage and by prior reservation only. This is an extraordinary experience in summer or winter.»
• On foot up to the Alp da Segl
  «In summer, take the horse-drawn carriage as far as the Fex Hotel, then walk the short distance to the Alp da Segl, where you can tuck into home-made delicacies. In winter, walk to the Alp Muot Selvas.»
• Fresh Fex meat
  «There's nothing better than meat directly from the farmer.» List of farmers in Sils
  
• Via Gastronomica
  «Take a hike in summer from Furtschellas into the Fex Valley and indulge in the culinary delights en route.» More information