Graubünden & Engadin

Graubünden gathers more Alpine variety than any other Swiss canton, and each destination keeps its own character. Its valleys, high plateaus, lakes and mountain passes shift noticeably from one place to the next. As a result, a single trip can move from glacier passes to vineyard terraces in under two hours.

The canton also holds three of Switzerland's national languages. German dominates most of the region, while the south speaks Italian and several valleys still use Romansh in daily life. This mix adds another layer to a landscape that dramatic contrasts already define.

In the south, the Engadin lines up high-altitude lakes, larch forests and some of Switzerland's most recognisable peaks. Davos and Klosters combine wide mountain terrain with an established resort atmosphere. Meanwhile, around Flims the Rhine cuts through the limestone of the Ruinaulta, and Arosa keeps a more intimate setting above Chur. Further west, Brigels opens a quieter door into the Surselva.

This variety is what makes the canton worth unhurried exploration. In a single week, we have moved from lakeside resorts to remote villages, and from scenic railways to family trails, without ever crossing the cantonal border.

Engadin

The Engadin ranks among Switzerland's most distinctive Alpine valleys. It lies unusually high, with a dry climate, bright mountain light and a landscape that forests, lakes and high peaks define together.

St. Moritz is its best-known destination, yet the Engadin extends far beyond the resort. Silvaplana, Champfèr, Sils and Pontresina each open a different way into the valley. Meanwhile, the lakes stretch between the mountains, and the Bernina massif rises sharply at the southern end.

We especially enjoyed the contrast between St. Moritz and the quieter villages around it. While St. Moritz holds the famous hotels, restaurants and winter atmosphere, places such as Silvaplana feel closer to the landscape itself.

Where we stayed in the Engadin

In St. Moritz, Giardino Mountain reads as a quieter interpretation of Alpine luxury. Pontresina, however, carries a different register altogether, and at Grand Hotel Kronenhof Belle Époque architecture meets the mountain landscape of the Roseg Valley.

In Silvaplana, Nira Alpina stands directly beside the Corvatsch cable car. For anyone heading up early, that puts the lifts a few steps from the door, and the Bernina peaks close the view.

The Engadin is also worth discovering beyond winter. Our deeper summer in St. Moritz piece covers the warmer months, when the valley takes on a different rhythm.

Davos

At 1,560 metres, Davos is one of the highest resort towns in the Alps. Its mountain setting gives it a distinctive character, since it combines wide outdoor opportunities with the infrastructure of a year-round destination.

The town connects closely to Klosters, which creates a large mountain region for skiing, hiking and other activities. Yet Davos keeps its own personality, and the Davos Lake, mountain railways and trails open the surrounding landscape easily.

We stayed at AlpenGold Davos, where contemporary design meets the Alpine setting. Our Davos beyond the World Economic Forum guide looks at the destination differently, including Parsenn, the Schatzalp funicular and the Gwunderwald nature trails.

Overall, Davos works well for travellers who want plenty to do without sacrificing convenience.

Flims

One of Switzerland's most spectacular geological events shaped Flims. Millions of years ago, a huge rockslide transformed the valley. Today, the Rhine cuts through the resulting limestone to form the Ruinaulta, a gorge of around fifteen kilometres.

Several perspectives open up the gorge. Hiking trails follow its edges, trains pass through the valley, and rafting brings the closest look at the river itself. Above Flims, the Caumasee adds another highlight, and forest rings its clear, jade-turquoise water.

We stayed at Adula Flims, a long-standing hotel with views towards the Signina range. Our write-up on summer at Adula covers the Ruinaulta and the Caumasee in more detail.

Arosa

Arosa lies at the end of a winding mountain road above Chur, with forests, peaks and a small lake around the centre of the village. Its slightly tucked-away position gives it a different feel from the larger Alpine resorts.

Families especially favour the destination, while the connection to Lenzerheide creates a much larger ski area in winter. In summer, meanwhile, the mountains open up to hiking and other outdoor activities.

At Tschuggen Grand Hotel, the striking Bergoase spa designed by Mario Botta complements the mountain setting. We also spent time at Sunstar, which takes a more relaxed, family-oriented approach.

Our guides to three ways to enjoy Arosa and Arosa's winter and spa experiences explore more of what makes the destination worth a visit.

Brigels

Brigels lies in the Surselva, one of the quieter corners of Graubünden. The village spreads across a sunny plateau above the Rhine valley, with forests, peaks and small Alpine lakes on every side.

Its position makes Brigels appealing for travellers after a slower mountain experience. Hiking routes lead into the surrounding landscape, while the nearby Ruinaulta gives another reason to explore the wider region.

We spent three nights at La Val Hotel & Spa, a boutique property that mirrors the quieter character of the village. Our guide to Switzerland's lesser-known destinations also places Brigels alongside other spots for travellers looking beyond the best-known resorts.

Key Festivals & Celebrations

Graubünden's event calendar reflects the region's diversity, from centuries-old Alpine traditions to distinctive sporting, cultural and lifestyle events. Many take place in settings that are hard to imagine anywhere else, from frozen lakes to mountain passes.

Winter and early-year traditions

Schlitteda — January to March
Traditional horse-drawn sleigh rides bring Engadin communities together in winter, as participants dress in traditional clothing and travel through the snowy landscape.

Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz — 22–24 January 2027
Since 1985, international polo players have competed on the frozen Lake St. Moritz, so the tournament has become one of the Engadin's most distinctive winter spectacles.

The I.C.E. St. Moritz — 29–30 January 2027
Drivers show and race classic and rare cars on the frozen Lake St. Moritz, combining historic motoring with the winter landscape.

White Turf — 6, 7, 13 & 21 February 2027
Horse racing returns to the frozen Lake St. Moritz, including the uniquely Swiss spectacle of skijoring.

Hom Strom — February
In Scuol and the Lower Engadin, locals burn a giant straw figure to drive winter away and welcome the coming season.

Chalandamarz — 1 March 2027
One of the Engadin's best-known traditions sees children parade through the villages with large cowbells, traditional costumes and plenty of noise to chase winter away.

Summer and autumn events

Festival da Jazz — July
St. Moritz takes on a different rhythm in summer, with jazz performances staged in intimate venues around the Engadin. The 2027 dates are yet to be announced.

British Classic Car Meeting — July
More than 100 historic British cars gather in the Engadin for scenic drives and displays against the mountain backdrop. The 2027 dates are yet to be announced.

Bernina Gran Turismo — 11–13 September 2026
Historic cars take on the Bernina Pass in this mountain hill-climb between Poschiavo and St. Moritz. The 2027 dates are yet to be announced.

Alpabzüge — September and October
As summer ends, decorated cattle return from the Alpine pastures to the villages, accompanied by bells, local food and traditional celebrations. Dates vary by village.

Festival della Castagna — 26 September–18 October 2026
The Val Bregaglia celebrates its centuries-old chestnut culture with walks, tastings and culinary events. In 2026 the programme includes more than 60 events, with the main Festa della Castagna on 11 October.

Christmas Markets — November and December
Historic villages and towns across Graubünden celebrate Advent with local crafts, seasonal food and intimate Alpine markets.

When to Visit Graubünden & Engadin

December to March is the main winter season. St. Moritz, Davos-Klosters, Arosa-Lenzerheide and Flims-Laax each hold a different skiing experience, from wide terrain to more specialised freeride options. Brigels, meanwhile, stays a quieter alternative for anyone after a smaller-scale resort.

April and May are quieter months across much of the region. Winter lifts begin to close while the valleys turn green, yet conditions vary significantly by altitude. Always check seasonal opening dates before booking.

June to September suits exploring the mountains without snow. Hiking, cycling, scenic railway journeys and lake activities take over. The Engadin looks particularly good in summer, while Flims gives easy access to the Caumasee and the Ruinaulta.

Late September and October bring one of the region's most beautiful seasonal changes. The larch forests around the Engadin turn golden, so a striking contrast forms against the surrounding mountains. Our autumn in Switzerland guide has more ideas for planning a trip during this season.

Late October and November are the quietest period in many destinations. This is the transition between hiking and ski seasons, so some hotels, restaurants and mountain facilities close temporarily.

Getting to Graubünden & Engadin

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Graubünden worth visiting?

Yes — especially if you want to experience more than Switzerland's best-known mountain destinations. Graubünden combines famous resorts such as St. Moritz and Davos with quieter places such as Brigels, while Flims and Arosa each hold their own distinct landscapes.

What is Graubünden known for?

Travellers know Graubünden for its dramatic Alpine scenery, mountain resorts, scenic railways and cultural diversity. It is home to St. Moritz, Davos, the Ruinaulta gorge, the Bernina Railway and several valleys where Romansh remains a living language.

What is the best time to visit Graubünden?

It depends on what you want to experience. Winter suits skiing and snow activities, while June to September is ideal for hiking and exploring the lakes and valleys. Late September and October are particularly appealing for autumn colours in the Engadin.

How many days do you need in Graubünden?

Three to four days is enough to explore one area properly, such as the Engadin or Flims. For a broader trip combining two or three destinations, allow around seven to ten days.

Can you visit Graubünden without a car?

Yes. Chur connects well to the rest of Switzerland and acts as an excellent starting point for the region. Davos, Arosa, Flims, Brigels and the Engadin all sit on public transport routes, although some smaller mountain areas may need additional connections.