Experience the Best of Swiss Alps: Graubünden Offers Stunning Scenery, Luxurious Resorts, and Unforgettable Adventures
Graubünden, located in eastern Switzerland, is a stunning mountainous region perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its breathtaking scenery, wide range of activities, and charming villages, Graubünden has something for everyone.
From skiing and snowboarding to hiking and biking, visitors can experience the best Swiss Alps in Graubünden. The region is also home to several thermal baths, luxurious ski resorts, and some of the most beautiful train rides in the world.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Graubünden is a must-visit destination that will leave you in awe of its beauty.
Here is our list of things to experience:
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Graubünden is known as the “cradle of winter sports” with over 200 ski lifts and 450 km of slopes, it offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. The region has many slopes for all levels, from beginners to experts, and is home to some of the most popular ski resorts like St. Moritz, Davos, and Arosa.
- Glacier Express: The Glacier Express is a scenic train ride that takes you through the Swiss Alps, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and picturesque villages. The train runs from St. Moritz to Zermatt, passing through Graubünden, and is known as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world.
- Hiking: Graubünden offers some of Switzerland’s most beautiful hiking trails, with over 10,000 km of marked trails. The region has many courses for all levels, from leisurely strolls to challenging multi-day hikes. Some popular hiking destinations include the Swiss National Park and the Engadine Valley.
- Thermal Baths: Graubünden has several thermal baths, perfect for relaxing after skiing or hiking. Thermal baths are known for their healing properties and offer a variety of treatments, including massages, saunas, and steam baths.
- Biking: Graubünden is a paradise for bikers, with over 4,000 km of marked bike trails. The region offers a variety of trails for all levels, from easy family rides to challenging mountain bike trails. Some of the most popular biking destinations include Davos-Klosters and Lenzerheide.
- St. Moritz: St. Moritz is one of the most famous ski resorts in the world, known for its luxurious hotels, high-end boutiques, and Michelin-starred restaurants. The resort hosts several international events, including the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow and the White Turf horse races.
- Swiss National Park: The Swiss National Park is located in the heart of the Alps and is home to various wildlife, including ibexes, chamois, and marmots. The park has several hiking trails and is a great place to spot wildlife and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Engadine Valley: The Engadine Valley is a beautiful region in the southeastern part of Graubünden. The valley is known for its picturesque villages, colorful houses, and beautiful landscapes. It is an excellent place for hiking, biking, and skiing and is home to several popular resorts like St. Moritz and Pontresina.
Did you know?
One thing you may not know about Graubünden is that it is the only Swiss canton where Romansh is an official language. Romansh is a Romance language spoken by only about 60,000 people, primarily in Graubünden. It is one of Switzerland’s four national languages. It is said to be descended from the spoken Latin used by the Roman soldiers who occupied the region during ancient times.
A little history?
Graubünden has a rich and diverse history. Various Celtic tribes inhabited the region before the Romans conquered it in the 1st century BC. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Graubünden became part of the Germanic kingdom of the Alemanni. In the early Middle Ages, the region was ruled by local counts and bishops until it became part of the Holy Roman Empire in the 12th century.
During the Reformation, Graubünden became divided between the Protestant and Catholic factions. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the region was caught up in conflicts between various European powers, including the French, Spanish, and Austrians. Despite its small size, Graubünden managed to maintain its independence and neutrality throughout these conflicts.
In the 19th century, Graubünden became a popular tourist destination thanks to its stunning natural scenery and therapeutic thermal baths. The region’s economy also expanded with the development of the textile industry and the construction of the Rhine River dam.
Graubünden, Switzerland‘s prized Alps beauty, is a prosperous and diverse region with a mix of traditional and modern industries. Its stunning natural beauty, and world-renowned ski resorts continue to attract visitors worldwide.