Flora and fauna

Rich in biodiversity


Bregaglia is home to nearly 1300 species of flowers. In the summertime, nature lovers and bees alike enjoy the flowering meadows. The local honey is excellent.


The vegetation is distinctly diverse. In Castasegna, even typical Mediterranean plants, such as figs and grapes flourish. At up to 1000 meters (3280 ft.), Bregaglia's mountainsides are covered with dense mixed forests. Locust, birch, ash, poplar, hazelnut shrubs, oaks and, of course, the chestnut trees of Castasegna all thrive in Bregaglia's forests. Walnut trees are also cultivated, especially around Soglio. Above the deciduous forests are the conifer trees, primarly spruces, but also European silver firs and Scotch pine. Alders line the riversides, and larch trees, which turn to a golden yellow in the autumn, line the banks of the Silser Lake.

Above 2100 meters (6890 ft.), vegetation becomes sparser and the mountainsides are dotted with the odd larch, Swiss stone pine, mugo pine, alder shrub or red rhododendron with flaming red blooms. Higher still, are the alpine meadows with a rich variety  of plants species. Cushions of moss and tiny flowers cover parts of the rocky areas.


Bregaglia has many species of wild animals. The largest among them are stags, deer, chamois and ibex. The first two live in dense forests emerging at dusk and during the night to gaze and sometimes approach the villages. Chamois and ibex tend to stay in the highlands above the tree line. It is common to see the charming marmots standing tall on the sunny mountainsides and their whistles are frequently heard in Maroz Valley and around the Albigna Hut. More luck is needed to come across a hare. In the winter, the hares' fur turns snow white, blending in perfectly with their surroundings.

The forest is also habitat for squirrels, dormice and snow volves. Less commonly seen are badgers, foxes, weasels and stoats, which tend to be nocturnal animals. Although there are not a large number of birds in the valley, the diversity of species is surprising. Thrusheds, blackbirds, finches, nightingales and chickadees are most frequently seen, but woodpeckers and other species of birds are also present. Nocturnal birds, such as owlets, owls and eagle owls, and birds of prey, such as buzzards and kestrels are also around.

For more information about Bregaglia flora and fauna, please visit the Ciäsa Granda Museum. Exhibits include local species as well as species that were present in the valley at one time, but no longer exist here, such as the bear.

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Tourist Information in Stampa

Stampa Tourist Information
Bregaglia Engadin
Strada Principale 101
7605 Stampa

T +41 81 822 15 55
F +41 81 822 16 44