Guarda is a tiny village so beautiful that it was awarded the distinction of town of national importance in Switzerland. It is situated in the Lower Engadine, high enough up (1653 meters) to offer up stunning views along the valley. Park your car (2 euros for 2 hours) on the outskirts of town and walk in and take a wander. The town has a soundtrack of clanking bells being rung by an orchestra of cows meandering the pastures surrounding town. Each building is prettier than the next. Keep your eyes open for signs saying “cheese” that will take you to a fridge filled with locally made cheeses (be sure to have cash as the mini store is self service using an honesty system).
Right in the middle of town is a restaurant called Crusch Alba which, unlike the deserted streets of town, is so busy they don’t have space for us inside but do outside on the terrace. It was opened in 2021 by Sophie Badel who works front of house (and is an award winning bar chef) and Felix Hufner, the chef. The menu is simple and local, entree, main and dessert.
They serve a ‘Heisse schoggi “Crusch Alba” (hot chocolate) made of dark or milk couverture chocolate by Felchlin, a Swiss brand that makes very nice chocolate (6.50 euros). You can order it with Rahm (which means cream, not rum as I had originally hoped) for +1.50 more. It was dark, rich and generous and a gorgeous addition to a fantastic hours in this picture perfect place.
Crusch Alba, Chant da la Signura 45, Guarda, Switzerland. Hours: 11:30am – 22:00 closed Mondays www.crushalba-guarda.ch
