My husband and I are planning a hiking trip in the Engadine this summer. I've been hiking in the Alps a ton, but haven't been to the Engadine in over a decade. We'll arrive in Zurich at 3:15pm, and then it's a ~3h train ride to Guarda, where we'll start our trip. My question: instead of taking a 3 hour train ride after an 11 hour flight, should we take a 1.5 hour train ride to Chur, stay for the night, and do a little hike the next morning before continuing on to Guarda? Or better to just power through the tiredness and jet lag and go straight to Guarda?
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11869 posts
After an 11 hour flight, I’d stay in Zurich and move on the next day somewhat refreshed. We used to do what you are proposing, but decided a couple of years ago to stop and sleep where we first land in Europe and hit the next day feeling human.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9112 posts
I'd go the additional 1.5 hours and get to where you want to be. It's not that much further. But then, I would fall asleep on the train, and wouldn't feel guilty about it.
Posted by
Green Bay
21542 posts
The most direct route to Guarda does not go through Chur, but Landquart, Klosters, and the Vereina Tunnel. I'd push all the way through.
Posted by
Switzerland
421 posts
Beautiful village and a great area to visit. A few things to keep in mind regarding your decision:
First, in case you are not already aware: the Guarda train station is far below the village and you'll need to take a bus from the station up to the village. To my knowledge, after the 7:11 pm connection, the service operates on-demand by reservation only, either through phone or by online reservation in the SBB App. You must reserve at least an hour ahead of time and space is limited (it's basically a taxi or van depending how many people reserve). This may come into play depending on when you are actually ready to leave the airport on arrival day. It's also important for hiking and planning return travel to Guarda at the end of each day.
Another thing to consider is that by the time you'll arrive in Guarda, the little grocery shop in town will likely be closed. If you'll want something to eat, either stock up on some snacks at a grocery store in the airport to tide you over or make sure you have a plan and check opening hours for the restaurants in town. It is a very small and isolated village with fewer than 200 full-time residents, which is part of the charm, but there are few amenities like you would find in the larger towns.
Personally I'd rather either just go all the way to my final destination or maximize the full benefit of a rest stop, so if you decide not to power through, I'd suggest just staying in Zurich and making arrival day as stress free as possible. You can stretch your legs, have a light dinner and then head out the next morning after a big breakfast and any last minute shopping for supplies.