Lake Sils
Lake Alpine lake in Upper Engadin with scenic views
A high‑altitude lake in the Upper Engadine near St. Moritz, surrounded by Alpine peaks; popular for sailing, lakeshore walks and access to mountain trails.
Lake Sils is an alpine lake in the Upper Engadine of the canton of Grisons in southeastern Switzerland, located near the village of Sils Maria. It forms part of the Engadine lake system and is noted for its mountain-backed setting.
The lake’s shores are used for walking, small-scale boating and seasonal recreation, with trails connecting to neighbouring valleys and resorts. Visitors frequently combine a visit with nearby St. Moritz and other Upper Engadine destinations.
The immediate area has been a seasonal tourist and alpine recreation zone since the 19th century, with small hotels and guesthouses in nearby villages catering to hikers and winter sports visitors.
Lake Sils lies in a high alpine valley in Grisons; the nearest well-known resort town is St. Moritz, a short drive to the east, and the surrounding landscape is dominated by high peaks and alpine meadows.
- Upper Engadine location: The lake lies in the Upper Engadine valley near the village of Sils and is surrounded by alpine walking routes and small resorts.
How to Get to Lake Sils #
Lake Sils (Sils‑Maria) is in the Upper Engadine. From St. Moritz take the Rhaetian Railway regional train or the PostBus service toward Sils‑Maria (journey typically about 15-25 minutes); from Sils‑Maria station it is a 5-15 minute walk to the lakeshore. By car follow the Engadine valley roads from St. Moritz and park in Sils village (similar driving time of around 15-25 minutes).
Tips for Visiting Lake Sils #
- Plan outings on Lake Sils for early morning when the Maloja wind is usually lightest and the lake offers the best mirror reflections; afternoons commonly get breezy.
- Base yourself in Sils‑Maria or Maloja for the shortest lakeshore access and use public transport from St. Moritz to avoid limited parking in high season.
- Take the western‑shore trails or rent a canoe/paddleboard early in the day-many visitors stay near the main hotels and miss the quieter bays and footpaths on the opposite shore.
Best Time to Visit Lake Sils #
Visit Lake Sils in summer (June-September) for hiking and lake activities, or in winter for snow sports and alpine scenery.
Weather & Climate near Lake Sils #
Lake Sils's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -13°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1008 mm/year), wettest in August.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (119 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
