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Switzerland is known for its pristine ski slopes and quaint little mountain villages, but there’s a lot more to it than that.
Beyond the stereotypical Swiss activities (such as dunking bread in cheese and tinkering with watches) there’s an incredible range of things to do, and the best place to start your adventure is Graubünden.
Visit… MOUNTAINS
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Graubünden sits on the border between Italy and Lichtenstein and is home to some of the poshest parts of Switzerland. St. Moritz – winter playground to the rich and famous – is located here, as is Davos, which sees world leaders convene every year to talk (and do not much else). Venture out of the cities, and you’ll find more than 11,000 kilometres of hiking trails that connect hundreds of mountain villages.
Experience… HOT SPRINGS
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There’s nothing better after a good long walk than a soak in the tub, which probably has something to do with the reason Graubünden has become one of the highest-rated spa regions of the world. The small town of Bad Ragaz is famous in Switzerland for its thermal baths, which were first harnessed for health reasons back in 1840. Today, it is home to some of the finest spa hotels in Europe, which let guests bathe directly in the thermal waters piped straight from its source deep underground.
Photograph… ANYTHING
Whip out your camera in Graubünden, and you’ll be hard-pressed to take a bad shot. Expect snow-capped mountain peaks, dark blue lakes and autumn-coloured leaves (not to mention the odd dairy cow). The area also has four of the seven most Instagrammable spots in Switzerland, so even if you don’t fancy taking holiday snaps, you may as well do it for the ‘gram.
Pet… GOATS
High in the mountains near Savognin is a small mountain hamlet are a few wooden houses. This is where Goat-Peter lives, together with his many goats. Arrive by chairlift, feed the goats, eat some cheese, and learn why these hardy mountain animals are so cherished in Switzerland.
Stay….
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Grand Hotel Bad Ragaz
This resort lies just alongside Graubunden’s famous hot springs. The original owner was the doctor who first popularised the spring’s water as a natural remedy more than 150-years ago, and people have been coming to stay ever since. The hotel boasts a Michelin starred restaurant and dedicated rooms that only use hot spring water.
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Hotel Lenzerhorn
Located up in the Grison mountains, Lenzerhorn gives you superior views and incredible access to some of Switzerland’s best hiking and ski slopes. The hotel specialises in wellness and relaxation packages, be that via the class-leading spa or while gliding down mountain paths on a bike (with a handy tour guide if needed).
For more information on Graubünden, check here
