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Inn Wetlands at Samedan

Grisons  >  Switzerland

Area with diverse habitats for breeding birds and migration hotspot at high altitude.

Geplaatst* door Peter Wittemann
Meest recente update 6 november 2025

Beschrijving

Similar to the Inn floodplains at Bever, the floodplains between Samedan and Celerina lie in a wide mountain valley at 1,700 m in the Upper Engadin.

The route first leads through fields and a horse paddock dotted with trees (1). From the viewpoint, there’s a good view of the golf course—larger than the wetlands themselves—and it may be worth scanning briefly with a scope. Next come shallow ponds (2) where the IJsvogel often hunts, and where resting ducks and waders are likely to be found. The surrounding bushes offer stopover sites for songbirds. On the way back, ducks, Grote Gele Kwikstaart, and Waterspreeuw can be observed along the Inn (3). Towards Samedan (4), the river’s varying flow speeds and oxbow channels form a mosaic of habitats with shallow and deep waters, sandbanks, and deadwood. The redesigned riverbanks serve as orientation landmarks for migrating songbirds.

The mix of trees, shrubs, and extensively grazed meadows provides breeding grounds for Kleine Barmsijs, Gekraagde Roodstaart, Grauwe Klauwier, Braamsluiper, and Paapje. The aquatic habitats are among the few in Switzerland where the Kuifeend breeds. Waterspreeuw, Waterral, and Dodaars have also nested here.

Of the roughly 180 species recorded, most appear during migration. In spring, when bad weather hits the Alps, the trees and bushes fill with resting songbirds. Autumn also offers some opportunities. Nachtegaal, Ortolaan, and Blauwborst are seen occasionally, while the sighting of a Kleine Vliegenvanger remains exceptional. Gele Kwikstaart and Graspieper are noted regularly, and even a Roodkeelpieper once appeared. Among the foraging Zwarte Kraai, a Bonte Kraai or hybrid may be spotted.

Regular waders include Watersnip, Kievit, and Witgat, with Bosruiter and Kemphaan more rarely. The record of a Poelsnip shot in 1973 remains unique.

Other rarities include a Grote Mantelmeeuw shot in 1920, a Blonde Tapuit seen (and surviving the observation) in 1985, and more recent sightings of Sneeuwgors, Witwangstern, and Roodstuitzwaluw.

Details

Toegang

The area is best reached from Celerina train station, but can also be accessed from Samedan train station. It is also located on a popular bike trail.

A tip for train travellers from Celerina: the station has only one platform, and the train to St. Moritz usually arrives first. It then waits for the train to Chur to arrive. Only after the train to St. Moritz has departed can you cross the tracks to board the train to Chur.

Terrein en leefgebied

Bos , Wetland , Vlakte , Rivier , Rietvelden , Landbouw , Verspreide bomen en struiken , Grasland/weide , Dal , Vijver , Stad/dorp

Omstandigheden

Vlak

Rondlopende wandeling mogelijk?

Ja

Telescoop meenemen?

Kan handig zijn

Wanneer hier vogels kijken?

Lente , Herfst , Zomer

Toptijd voor dit gebied

Voorjaarstrek

Route

Breed pad , Onverharde weg

Zwaarte wandeling

Gemakkelijk

Toegankelijk via

Te voet , Fiets , Rolstoel

Vogelkijkhut aanwezig?

Nee

Bekijk vogelgebieden in de buurt op Birdingplaces

Kaart

Top 5 vogels

Andere vogels die je hier kunt zien

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