The 13 things to do in Les Grisons

Are you dreaming of a break between lakes and mountains? We take you there with these 13 essential things to do in Les Grisons!

The most important city in the east of Switzerland, it has the cultural peculiarity of counting three official languages: German, Italian and Romansh. The latter is the 4th national language but there is little chance that you hear it elsewhere than in the Grisons.

This Romanesque language mâtinated by German, French and Italian is a beautiful cultural diversity that makes the charm of the canton. Another diversity that makes its success with tourists, that of landscapes!

With more than 600 lakes and 150 valleys, there’s plenty to look at. Especially since it is the largest canton in the country, it is the lowest population density.

In other words, nature is queen. To breathe in full lungs, it is here that it happens with these 13 essentials to visit in the Grisons.

1. Saint-Moritz

This is certainly one of the most emblematic stations in the country you can visit in the Grisons. Famous thanks to the Winter Olympics, among others, it was the pioneering station for winter sports in 1864.

Still today, it is very popular for its strong sunshine and attracts a luxury clientele, a jet-set strand. Her reputable thermal baths are also for something. So no matter if you're not part of it beautiful people , the treasures of Saint-Moritz are for everyone.

Beginning with its ski area that offers 350 kilometers of slopes. Summer as winter, activities don't miss and beautiful landscapes no more. Nothing but the beauty of its lake invites contemplation and panoramas during hikes on the nearby summits, for example La Corviglia, leave dreamer.

Although the city has been well-appointed to welcome tourists, a walk allows you to enjoy some more Belle Époque buildings. There is also the curious leaning tower and the Segantini Museum.

Finally, for a good dose of adrenaline, do not miss the 75 seconds of slip on the Olympia BobRun track. This is certainly one of the few occasions, seeing the only one you will have to test the bobsleigh.

2. Alta Via panoramic hike

To start smoothly, here is a great idea of panoramic itinerary to do in the Grisons. To get there, just take the funicular of Punt Muragi near Saint-Moritz.

This one goes up to Muottas Muragi where the panorama is already superb with a view of the lakes of Engadine but also Saint-Moritz and snowy summits. After studying the observation table, you can start this relatively flat hike towards Pontresina.

Between forest and mountain pastures, the path is very pleasant but the highlight of the show remains the grandiose landscape with the Bernina massif as a backdrop. Some benches were cleverly installed to take the time to appreciate the view.

If you want a more sporty route, you can also follow the climate path that leads to the same place with the same grandiose landscapes.

3. Swiss National Park

If you visit the canton of Grisons, you should not miss the Swiss National Park, which is the only one in the country. Created in 1914, it is also the oldest in the Alps.

In all, 170km2 are protected as a biosphere reserve. In other words, human interventions are limited to the maximum. For this, many marked trails are built in a completely preserved environment. The rules are strict, you have to stay on the trails and it is forbidden to take anything in nature, not even a branch.

It is ideal for observing fauna like ibuns, marmots or royal eagles as well as an exceptional flora, all with a superb view of the Alps.

For families, thematic excursions are specially organized and the visitor centre offers explanatory booklets and exhibitions.

4. Silvaplana

What to do in the Grisons? Not just hiking, far from there. There are also water sports and in this area, Silvaplana is somehow considered paradise.

Here it is the kingdom of kitesurfing and windsurfing. Reputable international competitions are held every year. And in winter, what to do is snowkite on the frozen lake!

At the same time, it was here that sport was invented. If, however, the water temperature cools you, you can always go for a walk on the paths that make the lake tower.

It is admired that the better the camaieux of blue and green its waters surrounded by fir trees. A small tower on the Corvatsch mountain accessible by cable car is also warmly recommended.

5. Express Glacier

There is not only the Orient Express in life and it is not Switzerland that will tell you otherwise. Certainly, this train there may not be as legendary but it does not cross far from the mythical landscapes.

With a maximum speed of 36 km/h and its panoramic cars, the Glacier Express takes you from Saint-Moritz to Zermatt 290 kilometers in 8 hours. As you doubt, the magic of this trip is to get you through spectacular landscapes, nose stuck to the glass.

The best thing is to do it in winter when everything is of an immaculate white. Among the most beautiful moments of the journey are the passage by Coire, the oldest city in Switzerland, and then by the impressive gorges of the Rhine. The photo not to be missed is that of the passage on the Landwasser viaduct.

To reach the highest point of the trip, the Oberalp pass at 2,033m altitude, the train activates the cremail system. In short, we could talk about it for hours but here’s the main one, it’s unforgettable.

6. The Bernina Express

And yes, a mythical train is not enough, it takes at least one second, the Bernina Express. This one takes you from Coire to Tirano Italy and it is even classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With 50 bridges and 200 tunnels, it is the highest railway line in the Alps and a series of technical exploits. It is in Brusio that the most impressive feat is found. To allow the train to take more altitude, faster but without a large slope, it was necessary to extend the line and build a helicoidal viaduct.

This is the photo not to be missed. It is this kind of prowess that allows the Bernina to climb an important denial in a short time since the highest point is 2 253 meters away.

Obviously, the landscapes are of all beauty and the panoramic windows allow you to enjoy them. Enjoy the magnificent landscapes in this must-see in the Grisons.

7. Coire

Visiting the Grisons is also having the chance to discover the oldest city in Switzerland: Coire. With its geographical location, a true crossroads at the foot of the mountains, it could not escape the interest of many civilizations.

Herb historians will be filled with the many historical vestiges that can be admired. The old centre is particularly well preserved with its steep streets and high houses, some of which are covered with frescoes.

As a bonus, the old town is one of the largest urban pedestrian areas in the country. So there is something to wander between the discovery of the cathedral and the episcopal castle.

It is also a city of art with a street art festival and a superb fine arts museum. Giacometti Even lived there. Finally, the city is the starting point for many outdoor activities thanks to the surrounding mountains which make it a must to visit in the Grisons.

8. Brambrüesch

Among the mountains to be seen in the Grisons and especially in Coire, there is the Brambrüesch that dominates the city. At 1,600 metres above sea level, you can practice many outdoor activities.

The mountain is particularly appreciated by mountain bikers with the many Alpenbike park trails. If you prefer to devalue the slopes less rock n’roll, there is also a summer sled track.

It is also the departure of beautiful panoramic hikes that allow, once not custom, to appreciate the beautiful landscapes of the region. You can also, for the most athletic, climb to the Dreibündenstein.

The place is emblematic and known as Stèle des 3 ligues. It marks the border between the three rhetical leagues which have allied in the 14th century so that the Grisons become a Free Republic.

9. Arosa

Arosa is what is called a climate station. In other words, a holiday place where the 19th century dismantled, you came to breathe pure air for the health of your lungs.

It is always known for this today, and also for its rate of sunshine. If winter the resort has one of the largest ski areas in the country, in the summer it becomes a privileged place for contemplation.

A wide variety of marked trails allow you to enjoy the views of the Schanffig valley. Among the most beautiful to do, do not pass next to the hike of the 10 lakes.

The resort is surrounded by green meadows and fir trees while the slopes are populated with picturesque chalets . We would see ourselves doing a cosy retreat away from noise and agitation.

It is certainly one of the most romantic corners to visit in the Grisons.

10. Swiss Grand Canyon

There are no red rocks to see in the Grisons but a huge canyon created by the Flims uphill 10,000 in the Rhine Valley. It is also called the Ruinaulta and forms sublime gorges with rocky chaos, rapid bouillons and hidden lakes.

There are rare animal and plant species. If you are looking for a sensational place to practice rafting, this is where it happens. Indeed, the canyon is particularly run by lovers of this sport.

To have a view of the whole canyon, go to the "Il spir" platform in Conn. Construction advances above the void. Subjects to vertigo, abstain.

Otherwise, you can opt for a train trip on the rhetical railways that pass through the gorges.

11. Davos

It's hard to find a more famous climate station in the world. For those who live in reclusive, it is here, in the highest city of the Alps, that the political and economic elite of the planet meets at the World Economic Forum.

The complete territory of Davos, which brings together two communes, is as large as the canton of Davos Geneva . In addition to the impressive density of infrastructure, the number of activities gives the tournis.

Davos has 7 ski areas, an adventure park, shops and restaurants in gogo and casinos and discotheques. Like what 1,600 metres of altitude are not a brake.

Some old buildings still bear witness to the time when the high-bourgeoisie came to heal her lungs in the nineteenth century. This is the case of the Schatzalp hotel.

But Davos, it is also the possibility of accessing the most beautiful landscapes in Europe like going to Sertig from the Rinehorn. If you feel like you’re in an episode of Heidi, it’s normal. Davos is one of the must-sees in the Grisons.

12. Top tectonic place Sardona

Here is a place to visit in the Grisons that will reminiscent of your Sciences and Earth Life courses. It is indeed the ideal place to review or finally understand the tectonic of the plates.

The ensemble is ranked at Unesco because it is here that the African and European continents have collided, and it is seen. Scientists come there for their studies because there is the overlap of old and young rocks that give rise to mountain formation.

Travelers come there because it is beautiful and exceptional to see. To better understand the story behind the Poussée de Glaris and the Martinsloch, among others, it is advisable to visit “Tschinglen Expedition” with a guide and audio explanations.

13. The church of Zillis

If you had to choose one to visit in the Grisons, it would be this one. Yet, like this from the outside, she doesn’t pay for a mine, and in addition the road to access it is not easy.

But know that she is nicknamed the Sixtine of the Alps so it’s worth a look. Just like celebrity Vatican City , the church of Zillis visits the eyes raised to the ceiling. But fortunately, mirrors are installed to avoid the poor tourists coming out with a torticolis.

The ceiling is covered by Romanesque paintings of the 12th century which are in a remarkable state of conservation. The motives represent fantastic marine creatures as well as the life of Christ.

In all, there are 153 panels to admire which make this church a wonder. For more explanations, the visit is coupled with that of the small museum dedicated to the building.

How to get to the Grisons?

By plane

The nearest airport to the canton is that of Zurich that has a regular line from and to Paris . Once on site, a large public transport network allows to travel across the country.

The Grisons are about 2h road to Zurich. Check ticket availability on a comparison site of flights as Skyscanner .

By train

Switzerland is the champion of public transport thanks to an important and efficient railway network. High speed lines from France go through Geneva where you can take other correspondence.

There are direct links from Paris and Lyon in particular. And to get to the station, there's no panic. postal bus , among other lines.

By car

The truth is that you almost don’t need a car in Switzerland because all sites are accessible via bus lines and shuttles.

However, if you want to take your vehicle, don’t forget that Helvète motorways take place only after buying a sticker on the windscreen . L’ A13 crosses the canton of Grisons.

Where to stay in the Grisons?

Because of its popular cities, housing can come back expensive in the Grisons. Fortunately, there is a possibility to reduce blows in hostels that offer private rooms with bathroom.

Otherwise, you find all types of tourist accommodation, from hotel to hotel Airbnb passing through the campsite and the cottage. The offer is varied as you can see on a site Compare hotels .