Holidays in Graubünden: Top tips, regions and highlights

Contents:

• Practical tips for a relaxing holiday in Graubünden
• Where to stay in Graubünden? Regions & hotels for your holiday
• Graubünden highlights: experiences you mustn’t miss
• Cuisine in Graubünden: from mountain hut charm to gourmet delights
• Event highlights for 2026 in Graubünden
• Conclusion: Graubünden stays with you – long after your trip

Practical tips for a relaxing holiday in Graubünden

• Arrive relaxed – ideally by train: Graubünden is perfect for train journeys: the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) connects many highlights, including UNESCO World Heritage routes. This means that the holiday feeling often begins whilst you’re still on the move – without the stress of mountain passes, traffic jams or hunting for a parking space

• The Graubünden Pass: ideal for flexible excursions: If you’re planning several journeys, the Graubünden Pass is often a very handy way to get around: depending on the option you choose, you can travel through the region with ease on the RhB, PostBus and many local buses. This is particularly worthwhile if you want to combine different destinations – such as scenic train journeys, day trips and spontaneous stops along the way.

• Best time to visit – when Graubünden is at its most beautiful: The best time to visit Graubünden is usually between May and October, when hikes, mountain lakes and scenic routes are particularly appealing. July to September are ideal for high-altitude trails and longer tours, but are also the most popular months. The period from late September to October is often particularly atmospheric, when clear air and golden forests – especially in the Engadin – create a real sense of autumnal magic. December to March are perfect for skiing, cross-country skiing and classic winter landscapes.

• Fewer ‘must-sees’, more of a proper holiday: Graubünden is at its most beautiful when you don’t try to ‘tick everything off’. Deliberately leave some gaps in your itinerary – for a spontaneous photo stop, a cosy break at a café or a long walk by the water.
• During the high season, it’s best to make a quick booking: popular mountain railways, spa facilities and sought-after restaurants get booked up fast. A quick booking saves you waiting time and makes your holiday noticeably more relaxing.

Where to stay in Graubünden? Regions & hotels for your holiday

Graubünden is so diverse that it often feels like several holidays in one. To ensure your holiday remains relaxing, it’s worth first choosing the region that best suits your travel style – and then finding a good base from which you can easily go on day trips.

• Chur and the surrounding area are ideal for settling in, especially if you’re travelling by train. The town is charming, conveniently located and a perfect starting point for trips to Arosa, Lenzerheide or the Engadin. The Ambiente Hotel Freieck is a stylish choice in the old town – historic, central and pleasantly comfortable. Alternatively, the Hotel Stern Chur is a lovely choice if you’re looking for a classic hotel with character and good cuisine.

• Arosa and Lenzerheide are synonymous with hassle-free mountain holidays offering stunning panoramic views. Mountain railways, lakes, hiking trails and, in winter, a large ski area make the region ideal for families and anyone who prefers a relaxed pace. The Kurhaus Lenzerheide is particularly charming – a hotel steeped in history and boasting a special atmosphere. Those who prefer a more ‘classic Alpine’ style will be in excellent hands at the Hotel Lenzerhorn.

• Davos and Klosters are perfect for active holidays offering plenty of variety – from hiking and cycling to winter sports. In Klosters, the Chesa Grischuna stands out as a charming boutique hotel steeped in history, right in the heart of the village. The Seven Alpina Boutique Hotel is modern and unpretentious, conveniently situated for excursions by train and mountain railway.

• The Engadin region around St. Moritz and Pontresina has an open, elegant and particularly crisp feel. Lakes, vantage points and impressive railway routes make the region a highlight for moments of nature and relaxation. The Boutique Hotel Engadinerhof Pontresina is a perfect fit, combining Engadin flair with personality. Alternatively, the Chesa Languard is ideal if you prefer something classic and on the smaller side.

• Scuol in the Lower Engadine is ideal for peace, nature and mindful relaxation. The GuardaVal is a delightful boutique hotel set in a historic Engadine house with plenty of character. Those who prefer a modern, tranquil setting will find the Hotel Arnica (Adults Only) just the place for them.

• The National Park region near Zernez and the Val Müstair showcase Graubünden at its wildest. In Zernez, the Hotel Alpina is a straightforward, very suitable base near the National Park Centre. In Val Müstair, the Chasa Chalavaina is a particularly charming spot for a slower-paced break full of character.

Tip: Choose your base according to your travel style – you can then plan the major highlights as day trips. This way, your trip will be varied yet relaxed. If you’re looking to travel on a budget, do take a quick look at our Travel Deals page before booking: there you’ll find selected hotel offers and can work out your accommodation in the Bernese Oberland particularly cost-effectively.

Graubünden Highlights: Experiences you simply mustn’t miss

Graubünden has an incredible number of highlights – but some experiences really stand out because they capture exactly the feeling for which the region is so loved: spectacular landscapes, impressive railway journeys, moments of pure nature and little stops for a treat in between. If you don’t want to get sidetracked, this selection is ideal for a trip that will stay with you for a long time to come.

• A journey on the Rhaetian Railway is simply a must. In summer, selected services offer a particularly impressive experience: open-top panoramic carriages let you experience the UNESCO-listed route between Chur and St. Moritz even more intensely – with the wind in your face, the scent of larch forests and unobstructed views of highlights such as the Landwasser Viaduct.
• The Bernina route – the ‘from glaciers to palm trees’ moment: if you’re looking for a train journey that really feels like a little adventure, then the Bernina Line is an absolute highlight. In the space of a short time, the landscapes shift from high-alpine vantage points and glacial panoramas to an almost Italian-like atmosphere in the Puschlav – and, if you wish, all the way to Tirano. It’s precisely this mix that makes the journey so special: it’s Graubünden at its most spectacular – just on rails.
• Early in the morning at Lake Cauma, you’ll experience the most magical atmosphere. Yes, the lake is no longer an insider’s tip, but it’s famous for good reason. Our advice: head there before 9.00 am. When the mist still hangs over the turquoise water and the crowds are still having breakfast, this place feels almost unreal in its tranquillity.
• You should experience the Landwasser Viaduct at least once – ideally with a photo stop. This iconic structure is one of Switzerland’s most famous landmarks and often looks even more impressive in real life than in pictures. If you have time, it’s worth not just travelling over it, but also planning a stop at a viewpoint.
• The Rhine Gorge (Ruinaulta) offers a striking contrast to the classic mountain panoramas. It’s not called the ‘Grand Canyon of Switzerland’ for nothing. You can hike through the gorge or take a leisurely train ride through it – the white limestone cliffs and the deep-blue Rhine almost feel like another world.
• Plan at least one hike that feels like a postcard moment. Graubünden offers countless trails – ranging from leisurely to challenging. Particularly rewarding examples include the 4-Lakes Walk in Flims around Caumasee and Crestasee (easy to moderate), the Muottas Muragl panoramic walk – Alp Languard in the Engadin (moderate) and the Morteratsch Glacier Trail near Pontresina (easy). For those wishing to experience nature at its most intense, the Swiss National Park offers Val Trupchun, one of the most impressive routes for moments of tranquillity in the wilderness (moderate).
• Wellness in Scuol is the perfect way to round off the day. The Bogn Engiadina in Scuol is the ideal place to take a deep breath and recharge your batteries after an active day. The mineral water here comes straight from the springs – and a soak after an active day feels exactly how a holiday should feel.

Cuisine in Graubünden: From mountain hut charm to gourmet delights

Graubünden cuisine is authentic, wholesome and a true part of the local culture. If you’re visiting here, feel free to put your diet on hold for a while – because in Graubünden, food is cooked with butter, cream and plenty of love. The result is pure Alpine soul food that tastes twice as good after a day in the mountains.

You simply must try capuns – every valley swears by its own recipe for these delicacies wrapped in Swiss chard leaves, which are wonderfully creamy and flavourful. Another classic is Graubünden barley soup, which acts as a culinary lifeline on cooler days: rich, hearty and perfect after a hike. Those who like their food hearty will love Pizokel – Graubünden’s answer to Spätzle. And to finish off, a slice of Grisons nut cake is a must: a sweet dream of shortcrust pastry and caramelised walnuts – and probably one of the best edible souvenirs you can take home from the Alps.

It tastes particularly good here (our recommendations):

• Capuns served in an authentic atmosphere are superb at the ‘Zum Stern’ restaurant in Chur, renowned for its traditional Graubünden cuisine. 
• For panoramic views and that magical mountain hut atmosphere, the Alp Languard in Pontresina is a real highlight – after a short hike, it tastes twice as good up there. 
• If you love nut tarts, Meier-beck in Santa Maria (Val Müstair) and the Hanselmann patisserie in St. Moritz are two legendary spots. 
• The Chamanna Segantini above Pontresina is also rustic and unforgettable – small, simple and with a view you’re guaranteed never to forget. 
• Anyone wishing to experience Graubünden’s culinary delights at the very highest level will find La Chavallera in La Punt-Chamuesch an excellent choice – Alpine produce-based cuisine, given a modern twist, in a very harmonious setting. 

Event Highlights for 2026 in Graubünden

Graubünden’s 2026 events calendar once again ranges from winter classics to summer highlights. January got things off to a flying start: The VISA FIS Snowboard World Cup in Scuol on 10 January 2026 and the LAAX OPEN from 14 to 18 January 2026 kicked off the winter with a World Cup atmosphere and freestyle vibes. 

Davos is a firm fixture in the winter calendar: the World Economic Forum (WEF), running from 19 to 23 January 2026, traditionally ensures a week in which the region takes on a distinctly global feel. February brings an iconic event to the Engadin: White Turf St. Moritz takes place on 8, 15 and 22 February 2026, bringing speed, elegance and a winter backdrop to the frozen lake. 

The sporting action continues at the end of February, when the Engadin Marathon Week, running from 28 February to 8 March 2026, draws cross-country skiing enthusiasts from all over Switzerland to the valley. 

And in summer, Graubünden offers the perfect blend of action and culture: The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Lenzerheide from 19 to 21 June 2026 is a must-see for cycling enthusiasts, whilst the Festival da Jazz St. Moritz from 2 to 26 July 2026 promises stylish evenings in the Engadin.

Conclusion: Graubünden stays with you – long after your trip

Graubünden is Switzerland at its most diverse: impressive railway journeys, moments of tranquillity in nature, charming villages and cuisine that captures the essence of a mountain holiday. Whether you’re out and about being active or want to consciously slow down – with the right base and a few carefully chosen highlights, your trip will automatically come together perfectly. And that’s exactly what makes Graubünden so special: here, every day feels like freedom, without having to plan too much.