Engadin Autumn Photography Weekend – 16-18 October 2026

Engadin Autumn Photography Weekend

16–18 October 2026

Photograph the Golden Autumn of the Swiss Alps

Autumn is one of the most spectacular times to photograph the Engadin. Golden larch forests surround clear alpine lakes, the first snow may begin to appear on the high peaks, and the valleys of the Bernina Range are transformed by constantly changing light.

During this three-day photography workshop, we explore some of the most beautiful locations around St. Moritz, from the Morteratsch Glacier and Val Roseg to the reflective waters of Lej da Staz and Silsersee.

Our schedule is built around sunrise and sunset, when the alpine landscape is at its most atmospheric. Early mornings offer the possibility of calm water, reflections, frost and mist, while the final light of the day can illuminate the mountains and golden forests.

The workshop is suitable for photographers of different experience levels. Throughout the weekend, we work on composition, camera technique, understanding alpine light and finding stronger and more personal ways to photograph the landscape.

The programme remains flexible. Autumn weather in the Alps can change quickly, and locations or timings may be adjusted according to cloud, snow, wind and light to make the most of the conditions.

Trip Highlights

• Sunset photography at the Morteratsch Glacier
• Sunrise at Lej da Staz
• Autumn photography in Val Roseg
• Sunset and blue hour in Val Roseg
• Sunrise at Silsersee
• Golden larch forests and alpine reflections
• Small-group photography guidance
• Post-processing and in-depth image discussions
• Two nights at St. Moritz Youth Hostel

Day 1 — Friday

Arrival in St. Moritz & Sunset at Morteratsch Glacier

We meet at St. Moritz railway station at 14:30 on Friday afternoon and begin our photography adventure immediately.

Our train towards Morteratsch departs at 14:48. Luggage can be left at the luggage storage facilities at St. Moritz station, allowing us to travel directly to our first photography location. Check-in at the St. Moritz Youth Hostel will take place after the evening photography session.

After a short introduction and briefing, we travel to the Morteratsch Valley for our first session.

We walk through the valley towards the Morteratsch Glacier, surrounded by golden larch forests and the impressive peaks of the Bernina Range. The combination of glacier, mountains, streams and autumn vegetation provides a wide variety of photographic possibilities, from expansive alpine landscapes to more intimate compositions.

We remain in the valley for the final light of the day, photographing the glacier and surrounding peaks through sunset and blue hour.

This first session also introduces some of the main themes we will explore throughout the weekend: composition, working with changing mountain light, choosing focal lengths and learning how to simplify complex alpine landscapes.

After the photography session, there will be an opportunity for a quick dinner in the Morteratsch area before returning to St. Moritz.

We plan to take the 19:40 train, arriving at the St. Moritz Youth Hostel at approximately 20:45, where we check in for our stay.

Day 2 — Saturday

Sunrise at Lej da Staz & Sunset in Val Roseg

Our second day begins well before dawn.

We leave the hostel on foot and walk approximately 40 minutes to Lej da Staz, arriving in time to prepare our compositions before sunrise.

Surrounded by forest and mountains, this peaceful lake is particularly beautiful during autumn. In calm conditions, the water can reflect the golden larches and surrounding peaks, while mist, frost or low cloud can completely transform the atmosphere.

We photograph from blue hour through sunrise, working with reflections, foregrounds, layers, colour and smaller woodland details.

After the morning session, we return for breakfast and have time to rest, review images and discuss the photographs from our first sessions.

In the afternoon, we travel to Val Roseg, one of the most beautiful alpine valleys of the Engadin.

We explore the valley throughout the afternoon, photographing the river, golden larch forests, mountain scenery and views towards the glaciers.

We remain in Val Roseg for sunset and blue hour, photographing the last light on the surrounding mountains. After the evening session, we return through the valley on foot, with the option to rent e-bikes for a faster and more comfortable return.

Part of the journey takes place after dark, making a headlamp essential for this session.

We plan to take the 20:01 train back towards St. Moritz, arriving at the Youth Hostel at approximately 20:45.

Day 3 — Sunday

Sunrise at Silsersee & Final Session

Our final photography day begins with another early departure, this time towards Silsersee.

We arrive around sunrise and begin our final morning photography session along the shores of the lake.

Silsersee is surrounded by mountains and autumn forests and offers beautiful possibilities for photographing reflections, layers, golden larches and the changing morning light. Depending on the conditions, mist and low cloud can add an additional atmospheric element to the landscape.

We photograph the changing morning light, exploring both classic wide landscapes and quieter, more intimate compositions.

After the morning session, we return for breakfast and take a longer break during the middle of the day.

This time can be used for in-depth discussions about the photographs created during the workshop. We will look at composition, image selection, editing decisions and how to develop the strongest photographs from the weekend.

We conclude the workshop in the early afternoon.

At approximately 14:00, we say goodbye and take the 14:13 bus from Plaun da Lej towards St. Moritz railway station for onward journeys.

What You Will Learn

Throughout the weekend, we will work on:

• Creating stronger and more intentional landscape compositions
• Photographing reflections in alpine lakes
• Using foreground, depth, balance and visual flow
• Working from blue hour through sunrise
• Understanding changing mountain light
• Photographing golden autumn forests
• Using wide-angle and telephoto lenses creatively
• Choosing the right camera settings for changing light
• Working with mist, frost, clouds and possible early snow
• Finding compositions beyond the obvious viewpoint
• Simplifying complex mountain landscapes
• Developing a more personal approach to landscape photography
• Selecting and post-processing your strongest images

The teaching is adapted to each participant's experience and photographic goals, with practical guidance provided throughout our time in the field.

Accommodation

We stay for two nights at St. Moritz Youth Hostel in single rooms, giving us one practical base for the entire workshop and convenient access to our photography locations.

The hostel provides a comfortable base for an active photography trip, allowing us to avoid changing accommodation and concentrate our time and energy on photography.

What Is Included

• Two nights at St. Moritz Youth Hostel
• Single-room accommodation
• Photography guidance throughout the workshop
• Practical advice on camera settings, technique and composition
• Sunrise and sunset photography sessions
• Post-processing sessions
• In-depth image reviews and discussions

What Is Not Included

• Transportation by public bus
• Train and railway tickets
• Meals and drinks
• E-bike or bicycle rental
• Personal expenses
• Travel and photography insurance
• Camera equipment

Recommended Equipment:

• Camera with manual controls
• Wide-angle lens
• Standard zoom lens
• Telephoto lens
• Sturdy tripod
• Polarising filter
• ND filters, if available
• Spare batteries
• Memory cards
• Lens cloths
• Camera rain cover
• Headlamp
• Comfortable camera backpack

A headlamp is essential, particularly for our early-morning sessions and the return from Val Roseg after sunset.

Waterproof hiking shoes or boots and warm, layered clothing are also strongly recommended. Autumn conditions in the Engadin can range from mild sunshine to rain, frost, strong wind and early snow, particularly around sunrise, after sunset and at higher elevations.

Please Note

This itinerary is deliberately flexible and may change according to weather, light, transport schedules, road conditions and accessibility.

If another location offers significantly better photographic conditions, we may change the order of the programme, adjust our timings or spend longer at a particular location.

The objective is not simply to follow a fixed itinerary, but to put the group in the best possible place for the best available light and make the most of the photographic opportunities that autumn in the Engadin provides.

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