Lej da Gravatscha

Lej da Gravatscha is a small artificial lake beside the Inn River near Samedan and Bever in the Upper Engadin (canton of Graubünden, Switzerland). It sits at roughly 1,700 m above sea level and ranks among the valley's best-known birdwatching spots. The name is Romansh: "lej" means lake.

What kind of place is it?

The lake lies next to the Inn's channel and forms one piece of the wetland mosaic on the valley floor. The river changes pace here, splitting into side arms and leaving shallows, sandbanks and fallen deadwood. Shallow and deep water sit side by side, which is why so many species find a home in so little space. Swiss family-outing sites call it a bird paradise of the Engadin.

Which birds can you see?

Records for the nearby Inn wetlands run to roughly 180–210 species, most of them during migration. April and early May, the spring passage, are the peak weeks. Breeding birds mentioned for the lake include:

• the hoopoe, rare in much of the country but easy to spot here,
• the Eurasian teal, which finds good nesting conditions on the water,
• the tufted duck, which regularly raises chicks here, something few Swiss waters can claim,
• skylark, bullfinch and nuthatch.

Binoculars are the one essential item.

How do you get to Lej da Gravatscha?

The easiest way is to take the Rhaetian Railway to Samedan or Celerina and walk across meadows and along the Inn. A marked route through the Samedan to Celerina wetlands passes fields, shallow ponds and the river. A campsite called Gravatscha operates in Samedan, and barbecue spots at the lake make it simple to turn the walk into a family picnic.

When should you visit?

Birders should come in spring, from April to early May. In summer the lake is a quiet valley stroll with Engadin mountains in view. At 1,700 m, mornings can be cool even in the warm months.

What can you combine with the visit?

The lake pairs well with a walk across the Inn plain between Samedan, Celerina and Bever. All three villages have railway stations, so you can start in one and finish in another without retracing your steps. The valley floor is flat, which suits a short, easy outing for families with children and for anyone who prefers to skip steep trails.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Lej da Gravatscha?

Beside the Inn River in the Upper Engadin, near Samedan and Bever, at about 1,700 m above sea level.

What does the name mean?

"Lej" is Romansh for lake, so the name simply means Gravatscha lake.

Can you barbecue there?

Yes, the lake has barbecue spots that are popular with families.

When is the best time for birdwatching?

April and early May, during the spring migration. Hoopoe, teal and tufted duck are seen in the breeding season.