Revitalisation of the Inn

Like many other bodies of water in Switzerland, the natural development of the Inn at Celerina has been restricted over the last century by bank reinforcement. Following extensive revitalisation projects in Samedan and Bever, Celerina also followed suit. The project involved measures designed to restore parts of the Inn’s natural freedom of movement. In the process, various constraints – such as the expansion of the settlement, the needs of agriculture and tourism, and groundwater and flood protection – had to be reconciled with the planned environmental improvements. This led to the separation of protective and utilisation zones. The revitalisation work was completed in 2025.
 

Grayling: the dominant fish species The Inn in the Upper Engadine is home to Switzerland’s highest-altitude native grayling population. The fact that the population is able to sustain itself through natural reproduction at this altitude is remarkable and gives it national importance. A key objective of the project was therefore to enhance the natural grayling habitats in the Inn. In addition, target species from other animal groups as well as rare plants also benefit from the revitalisation.
 

1. The river widening project on the Inn at Grevas aimed to promote the natural development of the floodplain. Since the Schlattainbach was diverted below the village in the 1940s, this section has lacked a natural supply of alluvial deposit. As a result, the driving force for natural floodplain development is largely absent, which is why gravel islands were initially created as a key element.

2. The nutrient-poor ruderal sites and alluvial deposits form an increasingly rare ecological niche for numerous flora and fauna species typical of floodplains.

3. The curved exposed stone wall along Vietta Grevas provides flood protection for the village of Celerina.

4. The cross-country ski bridge is erected each autumn for flood protection purposes and dismantled in spring before the snow melts. The bridge piers remain in the water all year round.
 

At Grevas, visitors will be able to observe and experience the development of the newly created river landscape up close.