Arosa: A Swiss Alpine Paradise

• HelloHallo
  [ha-loh]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [ow-f vee-der-zay-en]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bit-teh]
• Thank youDanke
  [dahn-keh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-dee-gung]
• How are you?Wie geht es Ihnen?
  [vee gayt es een-en]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und Ihnen?
  [goot oont een-en]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shpre-khen zee eng-leesh]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fer-shteh-eh neekt]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch würde gerne die Speisekarte sehen, bitte
  [ikh vur-deh gehr-neh dee shpay-zeh-kahr-teh zeh-en, bit-teh]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh ess-eh kine flysh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte zahlen
  [ikh merkht-eh bit-teh tsah-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-feh]
• Go away!Gehen Sie weg!
  [geh-en zee vehk]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee poh-lee-tsay]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee i-nen ahrtz]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verlaufen
  [ikh hah-beh meekh fer-lou-fen]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh been krank]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [ikh merkht-eh kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh shou-eh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [vee feel koh-stet es]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [dahs ist tsoo toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [kehr-nen zee den prees zehn-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee shpet ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es ist ine oor]
• Half past (10)Halb zehn
  [halb tsayn]
• MorningMorgen
  [mohr-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [nahk-mit-tahk]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [geh-stern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoi-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-gen]
• 1Eins
  [ines]
• 2Zwei
  [tsvai]
• 3Drei
  [dry]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Fünf
  [foontf]
• 6Sechs
  [zeks]
• 7Sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [ahkt]
• 9Neun
  [noyn]
• 10Zehn
  [tsayn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [vo ist ine/dehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vas ist dee ah-dreh-seh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [kehr-nen zee meer tsigh-en (ouf dehr kar-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kohmt dehr nek-steh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [i-ne fahr-kahr-teh (nahkh ....)]

Arosa's history can be traced back to the Bronze Age, with evidence of early human settlement found in the region. By the 13th century, the area was part of the Free State of the Three Leagues, a precursor to the modern canton of Graubünden. The name 'Arosa' first appeared in historical records in 1330, marking the beginning of its documented history.

In the late 19th century, Arosa gained fame as a health resort due to its pristine air and beautiful alpine setting. The construction of the first sanatorium in 1883 marked the start of its development as a spa town. The influx of visitors seeking treatment for tuberculosis and other ailments boosted the local economy and led to the establishment of various hotels and amenities.

The opening of the Chur-Arosa railway in 1914 was a significant milestone in Arosa's history. The railway made the town more accessible and spurred further growth in tourism. The scenic train journey through the Swiss Alps remains one of the highlights for visitors to this day.

During World War II, Arosa, like much of Switzerland, remained neutral. The town continued to function as a health resort and tourist destination. After the war, Arosa experienced a boom in winter sports tourism, with the establishment of ski resorts and the expansion of winter sports facilities.

Today, Arosa is a year-round destination known for its outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. The merger with the nearby Lenzerheide ski resort in 2014 created one of the largest ski areas in Switzerland. The town also hosts various cultural events, such as the Arosa Humor Festival and the Arosa ClassicCar event, celebrating its rich history and vibrant community.

Arosa is located in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. The nearest international airports are Zurich Airport and Friedrichshafen Airport in Germany. From Zurich, you can take a train to Chur, and then transfer to the Arosa Line, which offers a scenic route to Arosa. The total journey takes approximately 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive from Zurich to Arosa, which takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Arosa is a compact town, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, the Arosa Bergbahnen operates efficient cable cars and chairlifts, especially for accessing ski slopes and hiking trails. Local buses connect different parts of the town and are included in many tourist passes. Taxis are available but less common. Renting a car is also an option, though parking can be limited.

The official currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available throughout Arosa, and most machines accept international cards. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and public transport.

Arosa is generally a very safe destination for tourists. Violent crime is rare, and the town has a low crime rate. However, it is wise to take standard precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and avoiding poorly lit areas at night. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. A medical clinic is available in Arosa, and the nearest hospitals are in Chur. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can change rapidly. Don't wear ski boots in restaurants or shops. Religion: Do respect local customs, though Arosa is not particularly religious. Public Transport: Do be punctual, as Swiss public transport is known for its timeliness. Don't forget to validate your ticket. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Grüezi' or 'Hallo'. A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like fondue and rösti. Don't forget to make a reservation for dinner, especially during peak seasons.

To experience Arosa like a local, take part in the 'Arosa Bear Sanctuary' visit, which offers insight into local wildlife conservation efforts. Attend local events such as the Arosa Humor Festival in December for a taste of Swiss culture. For a unique experience, take a walk around the Obersee Lake and visit the Arosa Squirrel Trail, where friendly squirrels may eat from your hand.