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Graubünden

Alpine wonderland with pristine lakes and trails

Graubünden in Switzerland stands out because of its varied landscapes and languages. The region spreads across mountains, lakes and valleys with clear skies most days. People speak German, Romansh, French and Italian here, creating a unique cultural mix. Hikers enjoy trails that pass through wildflower meadows and ancient pine forests. Towns like St. Moritz host winter sports events while summer brings festivals celebrating local traditions. The area remains less crowded than other Swiss destinations but still provides good transport links to major cities nearby.

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Region in Switzerland

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$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 8.9

General Safety:	9
Health & medical:	9
Accessibility:	7
Tap water:	10

Read details

4/5

In Graubünden, most locals speak German or Romansh, but many also understand basic English – especially in tourist spots and hotels. Outside major towns, English is less common, so a few phrases help.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Graubünden Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

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Outstanding for alpine landscapes and outdoor sports. Ski famous resorts, hike mountain trails, ride scenic trains and explore traditional alpine villages.

Place score

9.5

Best at:

Mountains

Snow

Skiing

Hiking

Spotless

Personal score

Suited for

👶 9

Families

🧓 8

Seniors

🛡️ 9

Travel Beginners

❤️ 9

Couples

Switzerland – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type J Type C: Type J: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Swiss Franc (CHF) £1 ≈ CHF 1.10
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Switzerland is very cashless-friendly, with credit and debit cards widely accepted. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also increasingly common. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Switzerland. Most service charges are included in bills. In restaurants, rounding up to the nearest 5 CHF or leaving 5-10% is common. Taxi drivers and hotel staff appreciate small tips for exceptional service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is allowed and socially acceptable in Switzerland, but being disruptive is frowned upon. Alcohol can be consumed in parks, trains, and outdoor events.
Public smoking:	Smoking is banned indoors in public places but allowed in designated areas. Outdoor smoking is common.

Swiss National Day (August)	Expect celebrations, parades, and fireworks throughout the country.
Christmas (December)	Markets and festive events are common, with tourist areas being busier than usual.
Easter (March/April)	Many attractions are closed, but some areas offer special events and celebrations.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Bolt
Other:	Switzerland is famous for its natural beauty, well-organised transport, and multilingual culture. The Swiss Travel Pass is highly recommended for tourists.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Graubünden, Switzerland

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Apr

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High season:	Jan. - March, July - Sep., Dec.
Shoulder season:	June, Oct.
Crowdedness:	5 (Moderate tourist numbers)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Ski season late November to April in Davos, St. Moritz and Laax, hiking season June to October

Many lifts, huts and hotels close mid April to early June and again in November

Glacier Express and Bernina Express run year-round, with fewer departures in winter

Don't miss

🏔️ Explore St. Moritz's alpine scenery and luxury boutiques
🚶‍♂️ Hike the scenic Rhine Gorge to witness dramatic cliffs
🎨 Visit Sils Maria's vibrant art scene
🚂 Ride Bernina Express through stunning mountain passes
🍖 Sample local Bündnerfleisch at a traditional chalet

You've been here?

Why travel to Graubünden?

Graubünden, the largest canton of Switzerland, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural diversity that appeals to travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. The region’s alpine landscapes are marked by dramatic peaks such as Piz Bernina and the majestic Rhine Gorge, providing ample opportunities for hiking, skiing and mountain biking across well-maintained trails and world‑class ski resorts. For those preferring gentler pursuits, the numerous lakes – Lake Silvaplana, Lake Sils and Lake St. Moritz – invite kayaking, paddle‑boarding or simply a leisurely stroll along their shores. Beyond its outdoor attractions, Graubünden is home to a rich linguistic tapestry, with German, Romansh and Italian spoken in different valleys. This diversity is reflected in the canton’s architecture, cuisine and festivals. Traditional wooden chalets coexist with modern art installations, while local markets offer regional cheeses, chocolate and freshly baked bread. The town of St. Moritz, renowned for its winter sports heritage, also hosts cultural events such as music concerts and contemporary art exhibitions. Accessibility is another advantage: the region boasts efficient public transport links, including scenic rail routes like the Bernina Express that connect major towns while showcasing panoramic vistas. Whether you’re exploring high‑altitude trails, sampling local gastronomy or simply unwinding in a peaceful alpine setting, Graubünden provides a balanced experience grounded in natural splendor and authentic Swiss culture.

🏙️Cities & Regions

1 St. Moritz
A prestigious Alpine resort in Switzerland's Graubünden canton, known for its elegant architecture and world-class skiing. The town features a historic casino, charming streets and slopes that attract visitors from around the globe seeking luxury winter sports experiences.
2 Swiss National Park
This Swiss canton's National Park preserves pristine alpine valleys and rugged peaks untouched by development. Visitors often seek solitude here, finding it far quieter than neighboring resorts while enjoying world-class hiking trails that reveal untouched nature.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Val Bregaglia
2 Rofla gorge
3 Sankt Peter - San Pietro

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Rofla gorge
2 Lake Sils

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Knowledge before you go

Pack layered clothing; Graubünden’s weather varies quickly across elevations.
Purchase a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited train travel, including scenic routes through the Alps and discounted mountain excursions.
Reserve accommodation in advance during summer or ski season to secure central locations near major passes like St. Gotthard or Bernina.
Explore local dialects; Romansh is spoken in many villages, offering unique cultural experiences beyond German-speaking areas.

How to travel to Graubünden

Graubünden, located in eastern Switzerland, is accessible primarily by road and rail. The region is connected to major Swiss cities such as Zurich and St. Gallen via the A13 motorway and regional trains operated by SBB. Chur, the main town in Graubünden, serves as a key hub with direct rail links to Innsbruck in Austria and other nearby destinations. For air travel, the nearest international airports are Zurich Airport (approx. 200 km away) and St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (approx. 100 km). Public transport within Graubünden is well-developed by bus and train, offering convenient access to remote alpine areas. The region’s scenic routes make it a popular destination for travelers seeking both urban connections and natural landscapes.

Access summary

From Zurich Airport (ZRH): IC train to Chur 2h15, local train 30m.
From Geneva (GVA): direct train to Chur 3h30.
By bus from Zurich Airport: 2h45 to Chur, then local train.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Graubünden

Graubünden offers a wide spectrum of lodging, from luxury alpine resorts to cozy family-run inns and budget-friendly hostels. The region’s high‑altitude villages boast boutique hotels with panoramic views, while larger towns provide modern apartments and serviced suites that cater to both business travelers and families. Traditional Swiss chalets remain popular for those seeking authentic mountain charm, often featuring wood‑fired stoves and local décor. In recent years, eco‑lodges and wellness retreats have surged, offering sustainable stays with spa facilities and organic cuisine. For budget-conscious visitors, hostels and guesthouses in towns like Chur or Davos provide clean accommodations at a fraction of the price, ensuring accessibility without compromising comfort.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

ABC Swiss Quality Hotel

9.2

Crystal Hotel Superior

Hauser Hotel St. Moritz

8.8

Hotel Reine Victoria Saint Moritz

8.5

Hotel Post

8.7

Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz

9.4

Steigenberger Grandhotel Belvedere

8.9

Schweizerhof Swiss Quality Hotel

9.0

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Graubünden

Graubünden, Switzerland’s largest and most diverse canton, offers efficient transportation options for exploring its mountainous terrain and rural villages. The primary method is by train, with regional services connecting major towns like Chur, St. Moritz and Davos to the national network. Buses supplement rail links, reaching remote valleys and scenic spots such as the Engadin Valley or the Rhine Gorge. For flexibility, renting a car is ideal – narrow roads wind through alpine landscapes, offering access to isolated communities and hiking trails. Ferries operate on Lake Constance (Bodensee), linking lakeside towns like Chur and Riezen. Cycling routes, especially along flat sections of the Rhine or near Lake Sils, provide a leisurely alternative. Always check seasonal schedules for mountain passes, which may close in winter.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

+59 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 59% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot more on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

+6 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to CHF) is 6% worse than in recent years. That means travelling now is more expensive compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£110	£232	£621
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£49	£105	£240
🍝 Food per day	£47	£110	£312
🚕 Transportation per day	£14	£17	£69

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£44
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£24
🍟 Fast food combo	£14
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£16
☕ Cappuccino	£4.60
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£7

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£3.60
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£41
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£1.70

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£18
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£115
🤧 Cold medication	£15
💇 Basic haircut	£33

Safety information overview

General safety

Graubünden, Switzerland, ranks among the world’s safest regions. Low crime rates, reliable public transport and strict law enforcement ensure travelers feel secure. Respect local customs, keep valuables discreet and stay alert in crowded tourist spots for a worry‑free visit.

Health & Medical

Switzerland’s Graubünden offers world‑class medical care, with highly trained specialists and state‑of‑the‑art facilities in Chur and Davos. Clean air, low pollution and a robust public health system reduce travel risks, though altitude sickness can affect newcomers.

Accessibility

Graubünden offers excellent accessibility: most towns and ski resorts have wheelchair‑friendly lifts, accessible hotels and well‑maintained public transport. However, some mountain villages still lack curb cuts and steep cobblestone streets can be challenging for mobility aids.

Tap water

Tap water in Graubünden, Switzerland, is exceptionally pure and abundant, meeting stringent EU standards. Public fountains and municipal supplies offer free, safe drinking water throughout towns and villages, ensuring residents and travelers stay well‑hydrated with minimal environmental impact.