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Graubünden
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Explore Graubünden’s alpine valleys, Engadin lakes, historic villages, scenic railways and multilingual mountain culture in south-eastern Switzerland.

Graubünden, Switzerland’s largest canton, occupies the country’s south-eastern corner, where the Rhine, Inn and Moesa valleys cut through a landscape of high mountains, glaciers, forests and broad alpine meadows. Its geography is unusually varied: the high Engadin has clear lakes and crisp, open scenery; the Rhine Valley contains the cantonal capital, Chur; the Prättigau and Davos region combines wooded slopes with established mountain resorts; and the south-facing valleys of Val Bregaglia, Val Mesolcina and Val Poschiavo have an Italian-speaking character and a gentler climate. This is a region to explore by valley as much as by destination.
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Chur, often used as the principal gateway, has a compact old town gathered below its cathedral hill and serves as a useful first base for understanding the canton. Farther east, St Moritz is associated with grand hotels, winter sport and the lakes of the Engadin, while Pontresina, Samedan and the villages of the Lower Engadin offer a quieter architectural and cultural counterpoint. Davos has an international conference profile as well as extensive hiking and skiing terrain; Arosa, Flims and Laax each have distinct mountain landscapes and outdoor cultures.
Graubünden’s heritage reflects its position between German-, Romansh- and Italian-speaking Europe. Romansh remains an important regional language, particularly in parts of the Engadin, Surselva and neighbouring valleys, while German and Italian dominate in other communities. Painted houses, timber barns, stone roofs and fortified manor houses reveal local building traditions, and the Benedictine monastery of St John at Müstair preserves an exceptional medieval artistic legacy. In the east, the Swiss National Park protects a carefully managed alpine environment rather than a developed resort landscape.
Travel itself is one of the canton’s defining pleasures. The Rhaetian Railway’s lines through the Albula and Bernina landscapes, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage property, cross viaducts, tunnels and high passes with remarkable changes in altitude and scenery. Walking, climbing, cycling, skiing and snowshoeing are central to the visitor experience, but conditions vary sharply with elevation and season. Food also follows the terrain, from Bündnerfleisch air-dried meat and nut tart to alpine cheeses, barley soups and Italian-influenced specialities in the southern valleys. Graubünden rewards slower itineraries that allow time for both its celebrated resorts and its less-publicised villages.

When is the best time to visit Graubünden?

Best: June–August · 20–23°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January360
February450
March860
April1270
May1780
June (best)2090
July (best)23100
August (best)22100
September1890
October1280
November570
December360

Getting to and around Graubünden

How to get there

Most international visitors reach Graubünden by rail or road from Zurich, which is outside the canton and has Switzerland’s principal international airport. From Zurich, trains usually connect through Sargans, Landquart or Chur, depending on the destination. Chur is the main railway gateway for the Rhine Valley, while Landquart is useful for Prättigau and Davos. St Moritz and the Upper Engadin are reached by rail via the Albula line or by road through Alpine passes and tunnels. Samedan has a regional airport with limited aviation services, but it is not a substitute for Zurich’s international connections; Milan airports can also be relevant for the Italian-speaking southern valleys, subject to the chosen route.

Transportation

Public transport is exceptionally useful in the settled valleys, with railways and buses linking Chur, Landquart, Davos, the Engadin and many smaller communities. The Rhaetian Railway provides both practical regional services and famous scenic routes, while local buses extend access beyond the tracks. A car is convenient for remote villages, trailheads and flexible journeys through the southern valleys, but mountain roads can be narrow, steep or affected by snow and seasonal closures. Cycling is popular but demanding because of the gradients. Walking routes range from accessible valley paths to serious high-alpine outings, and cable cars or mountain railways may be needed for many upland trails.

Top city travel guides in Graubünden

The cities of Graubünden, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Graubünden

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Graubünden

Graubünden’s attractions are distributed across a large network of valleys rather than concentrated in one city. Chur offers a historic old town, cathedral complex and museums, while the Engadin combines resort culture in St Moritz with villages, lakes and traditional houses around Pontresina, Samedan and the Lower Engadin. Davos, Arosa, Flims and Laax provide extensive opportunities for skiing, hiking, climbing, mountain biking and winter walking, each with different terrain and seasonal character. The Swiss National Park near Zernez is the canton’s best-known protected landscape, with marked trails through forests, meadows and high mountain terrain. Cultural and historic highlights include the monastery of St John at Müstair, Disentis Abbey and the UNESCO-listed Albula and Bernina railway landscape. The Rhine Gorge, often called the Swiss Grand Canyon, introduces a striking geological contrast to the high Engadin, while Val Bregaglia and Val Poschiavo offer southern architecture, chestnut landscapes and Italian-speaking traditions. Visitors should allow for substantial travel time between districts and check seasonal access to mountain facilities.

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Best landmarks in Graubünden

Graubünden’s landmarks express the canton’s layered history and dramatic topography. Chur’s cathedral, episcopal quarter and medieval old town form the most important urban historic ensemble, while the Benedictine monastery of St John at Müstair preserves renowned Carolingian-era architecture and wall paintings. Tarasp Castle rises above the Lower Engadin as a powerful medieval silhouette, and Disentis Abbey remains a major religious and cultural landmark in the Surselva. The UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway landscape is represented by engineering works such as the Landwasser Viaduct and the high crossings of the Albula and Bernina routes, where bridges and tunnels are integrated into the mountain scenery. In the west, the Rhine Gorge provides a natural landmark of pale cliffs, wooded slopes and a winding river; in the Upper Engadin, the lakes around St Moritz, Silvaplana and Sils create a distinctive open alpine panorama. These places are spread across the canton and are best approached as part of valley-based itineraries rather than a single sightseeing circuit.

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Explore Graubünden on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Graubünden

Dining in Graubünden reflects its three-language culture, highland agriculture and historic links across the Alps. Regional specialities include Bündnerfleisch, air-dried meat traditionally associated with the canton, Bündner nut tart, barley soup, alpine cheeses and capuns, which combine leaf-wrapped fillings with a savoury sauce. Engadin villages offer traditional restaurants in historic houses, while Chur and the larger resorts provide a broader range of modern Swiss, Italian and international cooking. In Val Poschiavo, Val Bregaglia and Val Mesolcina, Italian culinary influences are particularly evident in pasta, polenta, chestnuts and local cheeses. Mountain huts and alpine restaurants serve practical dishes suited to walkers and skiers, often with regional ingredients, while farm shops and markets are useful for buying dried meat, cheese, bread, preserves and spirits. Menus and prices vary considerably between remote valleys, resort centres and the cantonal capital, so advance reservations are sensible during peak ski and summer periods.

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Best bars in Graubünden

Evening life in Graubünden ranges from traditional village inns to polished resort lounges and a modest selection of clubs. Chur has the canton’s broadest urban choice, with bars, cafés, live music and late-night venues concentrated around the old town and central streets. St Moritz and Davos offer hotel bars, cocktail lounges and seasonal après-ski venues, attracting an international clientele during the winter season; their atmosphere and opening patterns can change between peak periods and quieter months. Smaller Engadin and mountain communities generally centre their evenings on restaurants, local bars, wine rooms and hotel lounges rather than a large club scene. Breweries and regional drinks can be found in several towns, while live performances and cultural programmes provide alternatives to nightlife based on alcohol. In rural valleys, public transport becomes less frequent at night, so check the return journey before staying out late.

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Best nightclubs in Graubünden

Evening life in Graubünden ranges from traditional village inns to polished resort lounges and a modest selection of clubs. Chur has the canton’s broadest urban choice, with bars, cafés, live music and late-night venues concentrated around the old town and central streets. St Moritz and Davos offer hotel bars, cocktail lounges and seasonal après-ski venues, attracting an international clientele during the winter season; their atmosphere and opening patterns can change between peak periods and quieter months. Smaller Engadin and mountain communities generally centre their evenings on restaurants, local bars, wine rooms and hotel lounges rather than a large club scene. Breweries and regional drinks can be found in several towns, while live performances and cultural programmes provide alternatives to nightlife based on alcohol. In rural valleys, public transport becomes less frequent at night, so check the return journey before staying out late.

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Best shops in Graubünden

Shopping in Graubünden is strongest in Chur, where the pedestrianised old town combines everyday Swiss retailers with independent shops, galleries, bakeries and delicatessens. Resort centres such as St Moritz and Davos add outdoor equipment, jewellery, fashion and luxury goods, although the retail character is seasonal and prices reflect Switzerland’s generally high costs. Smaller Engadin villages are better suited to browsing craft workshops, art galleries, bakeries and shops selling regional food than to extensive retail shopping. Look for Bündnerfleisch, alpine cheese, nut tart, honey, preserves, wines from southern valleys and locally produced spirits as practical edible souvenirs. Traditional woodwork, textiles, ceramics and contemporary design may also be available through galleries and craft businesses. Market activity varies by town and season, so visitors should check local arrangements rather than assume that a weekly market operates year-round. Independent shops often close for a longer midday break than international visitors expect.

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Graubünden essentials

Currency and Payment
Graubünden uses Switzerland’s currency, the Swiss franc (CHF), rather than a separate regional currency. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, shops, restaurants and transport-related businesses, particularly in Chur and the major resorts. Carry some Swiss francs for small purchases, rural cafés, farm shops, lockers and occasional mountain establishments, where acceptance or connectivity can be less dependable. Prices are generally displayed in francs; euros may sometimes be accepted near the borders or in tourist areas, but exchange rates and change are usually less favourable than paying in CHF.
Safety
Graubünden is generally well organised for visitors, but mountain conditions create risks that do not arise in urban travel. Check forecasts and route information before hiking, skiing, climbing or cycling, and allow for rapid changes in weather, visibility and temperature. Stay on suitable marked routes, carry appropriate footwear and clothing, and take avalanche information seriously in winter and spring. Roads may be affected by snow, ice, rockfall or livestock, while altitude and steep terrain can make an apparently short walk strenuous. In busy resorts, use ordinary precautions with valuables, especially around stations and event areas.
Emergency Situations
Switzerland’s national emergency numbers apply in Graubünden: call 112 for the general European emergency service, 117 for police, 118 for fire and 144 for an ambulance. For mountain emergencies, Rega’s air-rescue number is 1414, although a normal emergency service can also coordinate assistance. Give the exact trail, mountain station, road, railway stop or map location when calling, and avoid moving an injured person unless remaining in place is dangerous. Travel insurance should cover mountain activities, rescue and medical treatment, as ordinary European health arrangements may not cover every rescue cost.
Do's and Don'ts
Respect marked paths, private land, grazing animals and wildlife restrictions, particularly in the Swiss National Park and other protected landscapes. Keep dogs under control where required and take litter away from remote areas. At mountain huts and small villages, keep noise modest and follow local instructions. In churches, monasteries and historic interiors, dress and behave respectfully and ask before photographing religious ceremonies or people. Queueing, punctuality and consideration for other passengers are valued on Swiss public transport. Tipping is not compulsory, although rounding up or leaving a modest amount for good service is customary.
Local Tips
Use a regional base that matches your interests: Chur for history and transport, the Engadin for lakes and high-valley walks, Davos or Arosa for extensive mountain recreation, and the southern valleys for Italian-influenced landscapes and food. Learn a few greetings from the local language where possible, but German is widely useful and English is common in visitor services. Visit outside the busiest winter and summer periods for quieter villages, while checking which lifts, museums and mountain restaurants operate in the shoulder seasons. Railway journeys are often as rewarding as the destinations themselves, so build time into the itinerary rather than treating every transfer as merely practical.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloAllegra[ah-leh-grah]
GoodbyeAdieu[ah-dyuh]
YesGea[geh-ah]
NoNa[nah]
Please/You're welcomePer plaschair[per plahsh-kair]
Thank youGrazia[grah-tsee-ah]
Excuse me/SorryScusai[skoos-eye]
How are you?Co vai?[koh vy]
Fine. And you?Bun. E ti?[boon. eh tee]
Do you speak English?Parles ti englais?[par-les tee ahn-glay]
I don't understandNa capesch[nah kah-pesh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVuless vidar il menu, per plaschair[voo-less vee-dar eel meh-nu, per plahsh-kair]
I don't eat meatNa mang a carne[nah mahn-g ah kar-nah]
Cheers!Salute![sah-loo-teh]
I would like to pay, pleaseVuless pagar, per plaschair[voo-less pah-gar, per plahsh-kair]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Giuda![gee-oo-dah]
Go away!Va via![vah vee-ah]
Call the Police!Clama la polizia![klah-mah lah poh-lit-see-ah]
Call a doctor!Clama in medic![klah-mah in meh-deek]
I'm lostSunt pers[soont pears]
I'm illSunt malat[soont mah-laht]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Vuless cumprar...[voo-less koom-prar]
I'm just lookingSunt be schar[soont beh shahr]
How much is it?Quant costa?[kwant koh-stah]
That's too expensiveQuella es memia cara[kwel-lah es meh-mee-ah kah-rah]
Can you lower the price?Podes reducir il prezz?[poh-des reh-doo-cheer eel pretz]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Co l'ura es?[koh loo-rah es]
It's one o'clockEs l'ura ina[es loo-rah ee-nah]
Half past (10)Mez'ura (10)[mez-oo-rah (ten)]
MorningMatg[maht]
AfternoonSira[see-rah]
EveningSera[seh-rah]
YesterdayIeri[yeh-ree]
TodayOz[oh-ts]
TomorrowDumeng[doo-meng]
1In[een]
2Dua[doo-ah]
3Tre[treh]
4Quatter[kwah-ter]
5Cinque[cheen-kweh]
6Sies[see-es]
7Set[set]
8Ot[oht]
9Nove[noh-veh]
10Dies[dee-es]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Und es in...?[oond es in]
What's the address?Cosa es l'adressa?[koh-zah es l'ah-dres-sah]
Can you show me (on the map)?Podes mostrar (sin la carta)?[poh-des mois-trar (seen lah kar-tah)]
When's the next (bus)?Quand es il prochain (bus)?[kwand es eel proh-shan]
A ticket (to ....)In biliet (per ....)[een bee-lee-et (per)]

History of Graubünden

Prehistoric Alpine Communities

People have used Graubünden’s valleys and passes since prehistoric times, leaving archaeological evidence of settlement, agriculture and movement across the Alps. The region’s passes linked the northern Alpine foreland with areas south of the mountains, while high meadows supported seasonal pastoralism. Bronze Age and Iron Age finds demonstrate that the valleys were connected to wider trading and cultural networks rather than being isolated mountain pockets. This long relationship between settlement, transalpine movement and summer grazing remains visible in traditional village forms, alpine huts and the continuing importance of livestock farming.

Roman Raetia and the Alpine Passes

Rome incorporated the area into the province of Raetia during the first century BC and AD, consolidating control over routes through the Alps. Roads and settlements connected the Rhine valley and the Engadin with territories to the south, while Roman influence shaped administration, trade and language. Chur developed as an important early centre and later became the seat of a bishop. Although much of the Roman infrastructure has disappeared or been altered, the canton’s valleys and passes still reflect the strategic geography that made this mountainous territory valuable to successive powers.

The Bishopric of Chur and Medieval Monastic Culture

During the Middle Ages, the bishopric of Chur, noble families and monasteries competed and collaborated for influence across the valleys. Religious foundations helped organise settlement, farming and education, while castles and fortified houses guarded routes and expressed aristocratic power. The Benedictine monastery of Disentis became a major institution in the Surselva, and the monastery of St John at Müstair preserves outstanding early medieval wall paintings and architecture. Medieval German, Romansh and Italian cultural influences developed alongside one another, contributing to the canton’s lasting linguistic complexity.

The Three Leagues, 14th–18th Centuries

From the late Middle Ages, local communities and territories formed the Grey League, the League of the Ten Jurisdictions and the League of the House of God. Together these alliances became known as the Three Leagues, a flexible political system that limited the power of individual rulers and governed much of the area now comprising Graubünden. The leagues controlled important Alpine routes and maintained links with neighbouring lands, although their politics could be turbulent. Their legacy is central to the canton’s tradition of communal autonomy and helped shape its later relationship with the Swiss Confederation.

Reformation, Conflict and the Valtellina

The Reformation reached the Three Leagues in the sixteenth century, producing a mixed religious landscape in which Protestant and Catholic communities existed close to one another. The leagues also held territories south of the Alps, including the Valtellina, making them participants in wider European power struggles. During the Thirty Years’ War, religious and political conflict brought severe violence to the region, particularly in the Bündner Wirren. These events weakened the leagues and eventually contributed to the loss of their southern territories, while religious pluralism remained part of Graubünden’s historical identity.

Integration into Modern Switzerland

The upheavals of the Napoleonic period ended the independent political order of the Three Leagues. Graubünden became a canton of the Swiss Confederation in 1803, retaining substantial linguistic and regional diversity within the new federal state. Improved roads and later railways reduced the isolation of the valleys, strengthened trade and encouraged administrative integration. Chur grew as the principal urban and transport centre, while communities across the canton continued to preserve local institutions, architecture and language traditions.

Railways, Alpine Tourism and Winter Sport

From the late nineteenth century, railways and improved roads transformed Graubünden’s economy and reputation. The Rhaetian Railway opened access to the Albula and Bernina landscapes, while resorts such as St Moritz and Davos developed hotels, spas and winter sports. Tourism brought new employment and infrastructure but also altered village economies and building patterns. The railway corridors, grand hotels and sporting traditions remain visible expressions of this transformation, alongside a modern economy that combines tourism with agriculture, services, transport and environmental management.

Graubünden in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Graubünden, Switzerland

Discover Graubünden like never before with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, shops, bars, nightclubs, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
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Explore the stunning beauty of Graubünden with Evendo, your comprehensive and free travel guide app. Plan your trip effortlessly with detailed information and local tips on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • History of Graubünden and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips to experience Graubünden like a local
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs
  • Coverage of over 7,000 destinations worldwide

Welcome to Graubünden, Switzerland's largest canton, known for its breathtaking landscapes, picturesque villages, and rich cultural heritage. With Evendo, your travel experience in Graubünden will be nothing short of extraordinary. Our app provides detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in the region.

Imagine standing in front of the iconic Landwasser Viaduct, capturing the perfect shot of this engineering marvel, or taking a serene walk around the pristine Lake Cauma. With Evendo, you'll have access to images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for these and many other famous attractions in Graubünden. Looking for a place to eat? Discover top restaurants like the Michelin-starred IGNIV by Andreas Caminada in Bad Ragaz or enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine at Veltliner Weinstube in Chur.

Evendo makes planning and organizing your trip a breeze. Book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. No more endless searches for what to see and do or figuring out how to get there. With features like local advice, easy navigation, and the 'Near me' feature, you'll always know what's around you, no matter where you are in the city.

Download Evendo today and unlock the full potential of your visit to Graubünden. Whether you're here for the stunning alpine scenery, historic landmarks, or vibrant local culture, Evendo has it all covered in one convenient, free app.

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