Isola – a jewel on the shores of Lake Sils
Looking across Lake Sils from Maloja, as the eye follows the right hand shore it is drawn to the gentle contours of a river delta on which lies the picturesque hamlet of Isola. Sparsely inhabited and free of motor traffic, this little known haven is a much-appreciated destination amongst hikers and gourmets.
Since way back in time the delta has grown from the debris deposited by the Fedoz stream, and over centuries its lush green pastures have provided summer grazing for cattle belonging to farmers from the Bregaglia valley.
Not much has changed; during the summer months Isola’s sparkling green continues to stand out like an emerald, and the meadows are still farmed, though there are fewer cows nowadays. Many other animals, however, appreciate the rich grass growing there, in particular the numerous “Bündner Strahlziegen”, a breed of goats that is local to the canton of Grisons and which almost became extinct. Around one hundred of these goats are at home here on the organic farm run by the Cadurish family, and are free to roam as they please alongside the lake of Sils or ascending the mountain valleys in search of the tastiest alpine herbs. Their aromatic milk is processed by the Cadurisch family to produce a goats’ cheese that is much appreciated and in great demand. It is not unusual for connoisseurs to place an order in advance equivalent to a day’s production, in order to ensure that they can obtain this much sought after delicacy. Alongside the goats, other animals that may be seen grazing on the rich meadows of the organic farm include Scottish highland cattle, donkeys and horses.
It is not only the animals that enjoy a sense of well-being here; this little hamlet, with only ten houses, a hotel and a restaurant, invites one to stay a little longer and leave one’s cares behind. Whatever your reason for stopping here – at the end of a pleasurable hike, or because you came here by chance – once you have taken a seat inside the Trattoria or on their garden terrace, you will surely want to linger here and not rush away, for Isola is very relaxing and good for the soul.
