Oldtimer Excursions

Here is a selection of worthwhile destinations that are all within approx. one hour’s drive by classic car. You can either drive these routes yourself or take part in a “dinner cruise” with a small group of like-minded enthusiasts:

Over the Maloja Pass to Promontogno in the Bergell valley
Depart from the Upper Engadine towards Maloja and on to Vicosoprano. Apéritifs at Hotel Corona, run by the Petti-Bricalli family. Visit of the old Pretorio gaol and the late Gothic Stube of the Castelmur family. Onward journey towards Promontogno. Cena alla trattoria Bregaglia. A. Previtali. Return journey to the Upper Engadine.

Over the Albula Pass to Bergün
Depart from the Upper Engadine over the Albula Pass to Bergün. Visit of the church at Bravuogn (park behind Hotel Piz Ela). The church of Bravuogn was built in 1188. Of the Romanesque complex only the tower and side walls have been preserved to this day. The building underwent reconstruction in the late Gothic style around 1500. New choir, timbered ceiling over the nave with rich stencilled painting. New tower roofing with pointed spire. Most of the mural paintings in the nave were uncovered in 1930. Thereafter, dinner in the Rittersaal [Knights’ Hall] on the 1st floor of Hotel Piz Ela. Return journey to the Upper Engadine over the Albula Pass.
      
Over the Maloja Pass to Coltura and Soglio
Depart from the Upper Engadine over the Maloja Pass to Stampa-Coltura. Park in front of the garden walls of the Palazzo Castelmur. Guided tour of the Palazzo Castelmur. The northern part of the Palazzo was built in 1723 as a stately patrician house. The ostentatious southern section was added around 1850 by Baron Giovanni de Castelmur. Original furnishings in the halls and living quarters of the Palazzo (19th century). Exhibition of Grisons confectioners working abroad. Onward journey to Soglio. Park in the large car park up on the left before entering the village. Short walk through the village for dinner at the Palazzo Salis Famiglia Cicognani.

To Zernez and over the Ofen Pass to the Hotel Parc Naziunal
Depart from the Upper Engadine to Zernez. Visit of the National Park Centre in Zernez and visit of the indoor swimming pool just around the corner. A visit of Wildenberg Castle is also possible. Parts of the tower quarters from the 12th/13th century date back to the lineage of the Wildenbergs in Falera. Ownership of the Castle passed from the bishops into the hands of the Planta family, who then became the Planta-Wildenbergs. As party followers of Austria and Spain they played an important role in the politics of the Grisons. Wildenberg Castle was expanded and embellished in the 18th century. Today the Castle is owned by the municipality of Zerner. Onward journey to Hotel Parc Naziunal at the Ofen Pass. Dinner at the Restaurant. Return journey over the Ofen Pass to the Upper Engadine.

Over the Bernina Pass to Poschiavo

Depart from the Upper Engadine over the Bernina Pass to Poschiavo. Opportunity to take in the sunshine atmosphere at the Bernina Pass. In Poschiavo turn right after the bridge and park in front of the Museum Mengotti-Bassus. Visit of the Heimatmuseum. Alternatively walk on to the Museum Casa Tomé on the right at the entrance to the village. See the oldest entirely preserved farmhouse from 1357, truly a slice of life as it was back then. Also to the rear of the village square on the left, the Casa Console art museum in Poschiavo. Collection of important paintings from the 19th century Munich School (Carl Spitzweg, Franz von Lenbach, Ferdinand Hodler, and others). A guided tour by the landlord himself, Ernesto Conrad, is of course ideal. The building has been entirely restored in the style of the 19th century, with stucco ceilings and stucco lucido on the walls, and also houses a gallery, a school of painting and a small music room. Precious floors, doors and stoves complement this gem of a building. Apéritifs at the Café on the village square. Dinner at Hotel Albrici in the middle of the village square. The stately patrician house was built during the years 1680 to 1682 by Bernardo Masella. Three coats of arms are a modern reminder of the noble family of Masella. One coat of arms is located above the current balcony; the other adorns the Hotel's Weinstube while the third recalls the Masella family in the Sala delle Sibille. Several male members of the Masella family hold the honourable office of podesta in the municipality of Poschiavo. The building was sold to the Albrici family in 1848, who converted it into a hotel. Famiglia Zanolari serves the most delicious cuisine.

Down into the Lower Engadine to Tarasp Castle
Depart from the Upper Engadine in the direction of Scuol. Take the left exit to Guarda. On through the village towards the Lower Engadine. Continue on the cantonal road, then turn right to Tarasp Castle. Guided tour of the Castle. Volante guided tour by the custodian Jon Fanzun and organ concert by Jürg Perron. Apéritifs and dinner at Schlosshotel Chastè, a Relais & Chateaux with exquisite cuisine, run by Rudolf Pazeller and family. Then homeward journey back to the Upper Engadine.

More Information:

www.volantecar.ch