Engadin Festival 2026 - classical concerts in Sils Maria
From 25 July to 7 August 2026, the Engadin Festival marks its 85th anniversary with ten classical concerts in churches and historic hotel halls across the Upper Engadin. Two of the evenings take place in Sils Maria itself, a short walk from Hotel Schweizerhof.
The event
Founded in 1941, the festival is one of Switzerland's oldest classical music events, known for bringing leading international soloists to intimate alpine venues. The 2026 programme runs under the banner "Concerts of a Lifetime" and features pianist Jan Lisiecki on 29 July and violinist Janine Jansen on 2 August. The festival opens on 25 July at the Rondo in Pontresina and closes on 7 August at the church of San Gian in Celerina, with concerts in Samedan, St. Moritz Bad, Silvaplana, Zuoz and Bever in between.
The Sils concerts
On Tuesday 28 July at 21:15, the Swiss Chamber Soloists play chamber music from baroque to modern at the Hotel Waldhaus. On Wednesday 5 August at 17:30, a baroque ensemble around Maya Nikitassova and Christophe Coin performs works by Buxtehude, Biber and their contemporaries on period instruments in the Offene Kirche.
Around the village
The two Sils concerts are within a few minutes' walk of the hotel. Most other venues lie 15 to 30 minutes away by car or Engadin Bus, so an evening in Zuoz or Pontresina still ends with a quiet night back in Sils Maria. Classical music continues through the summer here: the free Silser Sunday Concerts play every Sunday until mid September.
Practical information
Dates: 25 July to 7 August 2026
Venues: churches and hotel halls across the Upper Engadin, including two evenings in Sils Maria
In Sils: Swiss Chamber Soloists, 28 July, 21:15, Hotel Waldhaus; baroque ensemble, 5 August, 17:30, Offene Kirche
Tickets and programme: engadinfestival.ch and Ticketcorner outlets
Plan your stay
Hotel Schweizerhof, a Faern Collection Hotel, puts you within walking distance of the Sils concerts and an easy drive of every other venue. Book a few nights around your chosen concerts and let the days by the lake set the tempo between them.
Photo copyright Engadin Festival
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Engadin Festival?
The Engadin Festival is one of Switzerland's oldest classical music events, founded in 1941. The 2026 edition marks its 85th anniversary with ten concerts in churches and historic hotel halls across the Upper Engadin. The programme runs under the banner "Concerts of a Lifetime" and brings leading international soloists, including pianist Jan Lisiecki and violinist Janine Jansen, to intimate alpine venues.
When does the Engadin Festival take place, and which concerts are in Sils Maria?
The 2026 festival runs from 25 July to 7 August. Two evenings take place in Sils Maria itself: the Swiss Chamber Soloists play at the Hotel Waldhaus on Tuesday 28 July at 21:15. A baroque ensemble around Maya Nikitassova and Christophe Coin performs at the Offene Kirche on Wednesday 5 August at 17:30.
How do I get tickets for the Engadin Festival?
Tickets and the full programme are available through engadinfestival.ch and Ticketcorner outlets. Booking ahead is sensible, as the venues are intimate churches and hotel halls rather than large concert houses. The festival opens on 25 July at the Rondo in Pontresina and closes on 7 August at the church of San Gian in Celerina.
How do I reach the festival venues from Sils Maria?
The two Sils concerts are within a few minutes' walk of the village centre. Most other venues, in Samedan, St. Moritz Bad, Silvaplana, Zuoz, Bever, Pontresina and Celerina, lie 15 to 30 minutes away by car or Engadin Bus. An evening concert in Zuoz or Pontresina still ends with a quiet night back in Sils Maria.
Why stay at Hotel Schweizerhof for the Engadin Festival?
Hotel Schweizerhof stands in the village centre of Sils Maria, within walking distance of both Sils concerts and minutes from Lake Sils. The Arvenstube and Restaurant Vuolp d'Or take care of dinner before or after the music. Between concert evenings, the lakeside and the region's 580+ km of hiking trails set the tempo.