Green valleys, snow-covered peaks and alpine lakes define Graubünden. The canton encompasses 150 valleys, more than 1,000 lakes and over 900 mountain peaks. Three official languages—German, Romansh and Italian—are also part of its character; Graubünden is the only Swiss canton where Romansh is an official language. For trip planning, it helps to choose a clear focus: railway and cultural history, hiking, geology or city visits. Before choosing where to stay, decide which experiences you want to focus on, rather than trying to fit as many different destinations as possible into a short trip.
Experience railway routes as cultural heritage
The UNESCO World Heritage Site “Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes” connects two historic railway lines that cross the Swiss Alps over two passes. The Albula line is 67 kilometres long and includes 42 tunnels and covered galleries, as well as 144 viaducts and bridges. The Bernina line is the highest transalpine railway and is among the steepest adhesion railways in the world. The Bernina Railway connects St. Moritz with Tirano in Italy via the Bernina Pass. Those interested in engineering structures and railway routes will find two distinct facets of the same World Heritage Site here.
The Landwasser Viaduct is considered an emblem of the World Heritage Site. The Landwasser Viaduct Trail leads from Filisur station along the railway line and through the forest to a viewing platform above the viaduct. Check trail conditions before setting out.
Hiking and nature on your own schedule
Parc Ela lies in the heart of Graubünden and brings together the Romansh, German and Italian language cultures. The Parc Ela Trek follows 17 daily stages around the nature park, across alpine passes and mountain pastures; check the route details before departure. For a shorter hiking idea, there is a leisurely day hike with puzzle-solving fun through the landscapes and villages of Parc Ela. Offer details may change seasonally. Graubünden also has a network of 11,000 kilometres of hiking trails and 4,500 kilometres of mountain biking trails. The day hike and the multi-stage route offer different time frames for choosing a tour.
At the Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona, mountain formation through the collision of continental plates is visible. The Glarus Thrust, along with the rocks above and below it, is exposed in three dimensions. More than 3,500 species of fungi, plants and animals have so far been observed across around five square kilometres at Alp Flix; inventories of this kind can grow as research continues. A clear visitor rule applies in the Swiss National Park: do not leave the marked hiking trails or the rest areas designated by posts. The National Park Centre presents its exhibition in four rooms with interactive stations; the layout may change.
City history, museums and remarkable architecture
In Chur, explore the old town on a stroll or a guided walking tour through its winding lanes; the availability of tours may vary. The old town is one of the best-preserved in Switzerland, is now almost entirely traffic-free and can be explored using red signs pointing to sights, squares and lanes. The Rhaetian Museum tells the story of Graubünden from its beginnings to the present day. Its permanent exhibition spans four floors, alongside changing special exhibitions. The Cathedral of the Assumption of Saint Mary, over 800 years old, is one of Switzerland’s most important cultural monuments.
Chur is also a place to explore natural and geological history: the Grisons Natural History Museum showcases the diversity of Graubünden’s animals, plants and rocks. Its earth sciences exhibition explains how climate, water, glaciers and erosion are continually changing the Alps. In Heididorf, you can explore Heidi’s house and the alpine hut, with the grandfather’s workshop, goat shed, Heidi’s hay bed and the cheese dairy. There is also a village school where visitors can experience the school day of Heidi and Peter, as well as the “Johanna Spyri’s Heidi World” exhibition. The Heidi Trail begins at the Heidi Shop on Bahnhofstrasse, leads through Maienfeld’s historic lanes and continues to Heididorf. Check trail conditions before setting out.
Gorge and church art
The Viamala Gorge was carved into the solid rock thousands of years ago by glacial ice and the waters of the Hinterrhein. From the visitor centre, 359 steps lead down into the gorge; physical access may vary seasonally. In Zillis, the ceiling of St. Martin’s Church consists of 153 unique square panels painted with images dating from the 12th century. The church exhibition explains the historical and geographical context of the ceiling, its construction, its state of preservation and how the panels were dated. Nature and crafted cultural heritage thus offer distinct focuses for trip planning.
Discover more travel destinations: Moesa, Bernina, Maloja, Prättigau-Davos, Hinterrhein, Inn, Albula, Glenner, Imboden, Plessur, Landquart, Surselva.
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