Compact village on the banks of the Inn River, situated at an altitude of 1700 metres. It is the smallest of the 11 Upper Engadin municipalities. Ideal as a starting point for discovering this beautiful region. 

There are various hypotheses about the origin of the name Madulain: the first one claims that ‘Madulene’ is derived from metallum in literature and associated with the former mining of iron ore in the Es-cha stream; the second one states that Medio Lacu means ‘in the middle of the lakes’. This could be another explanation for the origin of the name Madulain.

On a steep rocky spur above the village stands the ruin of the fortified complex of Guardaval, built in 1251 by Chur Bishop Volkard von Neuburg. A fief of the Planta family in 1377, the fortress was never inhabited and was abandoned as early as the 15th century. In 1543, Madulain separated from Zuoz and became an independent neighbourhood. The first mention of a church in the village dates back to 1370. The ruined chapel of St Bartholomew can be found on the border with the municipality of Zuoz. Around 1510, the village church was built in late Gothic style and in 1554, the municipality joined the Reformation.

Madulain in recent years is becoming a landmark for culture lovers in this part of Canton Graubünden thanks to installations such as the ‘Stalla Madulain’ or the presence of a boutique hotel in one of the oldest Engadin houses, the ‘Chesa Colani’. Finally, the renovated Alp Es-cha Dadour above Madulain is an excursion tip. On the alp, owned by the municipality of Madulain, you can enjoy a wonderful panorama and the tranquillity of nature. In 2000, 22% of the population spoke Romansh.