Samedan(Switzerland) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Samedan, the top choice for ski-in/ski-out convenience is Alpina Hotel & Spa, located directly at the base of the Samedan Ski Area. Guests can step straight from their rooms onto groomed pistes with no need for lifts or shuttles. The hotel offers free ski storage, guided tours, and a luxury glacier spa using Alpine meltwater. It also features an on-site chocolate workshop and seasonal cheese fondue dinners, blending alpine comfort with authentic Swiss charm. Nearby, the Bernina Railway provides easy access to other world-class resorts like St. Moritz.

The Samedan town center is the ideal district for lodging, offering proximity to the St. Moritz–Samedan Railway Station, shops, restaurants, and ski lifts. This historic core hosts boutique hotels like Hotel Castel, housed in restored alpine architecture with modern amenities. With cobblestone streets, wooden façades, and evening lantern lighting, the area feels like a fairy tale. It’s perfect for travelers seeking charm, accessibility, and a genuine mountain village experience.

Samedan hosts the annual Alpabzug (Alpine Cattle Drive) festival in summer, where herders lead decorated cows and goats through the village accompanied by traditional music and folk costumes. Visitors can explore the Graubünden Folklore Museum to learn about the region’s Romanic and Germanic heritage. Don’t miss tasting Älplermagronen, a hearty dish of cheese, potatoes, and pasta, made with local ingredients. These experiences offer deep insight into the authentic alpine lifestyle.

Luxury stays at Hotel Castel include private butler service, personalized hiking guides, and access to the Glacier Spa, one of Europe’s few facilities using glacial meltwater. The hotel sources ingredients from nearby organic farms for daily breakfasts featuring local cheese, honey, and rye bread. Guests enjoy complimentary rides on the Samedan Mountain Cable Car to panoramic viewpoints above 3,000 meters, offering breathtaking views of the Alps.

Familienhotel Samedan is a premier family-friendly option, featuring a kids’ playroom, mini ski school, and a family-sized hot tub. The hotel offers spacious family suites and free shuttle service to ski areas. Daily activities include craft workshops such as chocolate-making and wood carving. Nearby, safe walking paths lead to Lake Samedan, where families can enjoy scenic views of the Matterhorn while relaxing in nature.

Though quiet, Samedan offers charming evening options. Bergrestaurant Alpina features live jazz nights paired with regional craft beer and smoked herring. Another hotspot is Samedan Bar & Lounge, with a stone fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the valley. On weekends, some hotels host snowy bonfire parties with traditional dances and warm cocoa—perfect for a cozy, social evening under the stars.

Samedan boasts stunning landscapes including Lake Samedan, reflecting the peaks of Piz Bernina and Matterhorn. Hike the Samedan Plateau to see wildflowers and alpine meadows. For unforgettable views, take the Bernina Railway to Brèggia Pass, passing through tunnels and cliffs. Reach the summit of Pilatus Mountain via the world’s longest mountain cable car system, offering panoramic vistas of glaciers and remote alpine valleys.

Must-try dishes in Samedan include Älplermagronen, a rich blend of cheese, potatoes, and pasta cooked with local milk. Another highlight is Rösti Suppe mit Lamm, a savory lamb stew served with homemade rye bread. Restaurants like Zum Bären specialize in organic meats and seasonal foraged vegetables. Weekly markets sell handmade Samedan chocolates and almond candies, excellent souvenirs for food lovers.

Yes, Samedan is well-connected. The St. Moritz–Samedan Railway links to the UNESCO-listed Bernina Railway, reaching St. Moritz in just 25 minutes. Free local buses connect major attractions and ski lifts. While Samedan has a small airport, it offers scheduled flights to Zurich and Milan, making it accessible for travelers seeking quick access without compromising on alpine serenity.

Photographers love Lake Samedan at dawn, where mist floats above the glassy surface. Capture the Bernina Railway snaking through tunnels and cliffs, especially during golden hour. The intricate wood carvings at Hotel Castel offer architectural detail shots. In winter, photograph lantern-lit streets under snow; in summer, frame herds moving across the plateau. Visit Brèggia Pass at sunset for dramatic silhouettes of mountains and trains against a glowing sky.