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Things to do in Graubünden, Switzerland - A Year-Round Guide to the Alpine Wonderland

  • Writer: aerdnanoiram
    aerdnanoiram
  • Jun 14
  • 4 min read

Graubünden isn’t just Switzerland’s largest canton—it’s a world of its own. Home to three official languages, dramatic mountain ranges, glacier‑fed lakes, spa towns, and some of the country’s most iconic rail journeys, Graubünden is a destination that rewards you in every season.



Whether you’re a slow traveler, a scenic‑train lover, a hiker, a foodie, or someone who simply wants to breathe crisp alpine air, Graubünden offers experiences that feel both grounding and extraordinary.


This guide highlights the best things to do all year long, with seasonal notes for anytime planning.


Explore the Legendary Scenic Train Routes


Graubünden has many of the best panoramic rail journeys in Switzerland —routes so beautiful they’re UNESCO‑listed.


Bernina Express



A spectacular train ride from the beautiful towns of Chur or St. Moritz, to Tirano, a charming town just across the boarder in Italy. This route crosses glaciers, spirals, and the iconic Brusio Viaduct.

  • Best time to go: all seasons, especially magical during winter


Glacier Express



Proudly named "The slowest express train in the world", the Glacier Express links St. Moritz and Zermatt on an incredible journey over 291 bridges and 91 tunnels

  • Best time to go: Summer for the deep valley views, winter for picture perfect landscapes


Arosa Line



Climbing 1,000 meters in just one hour, this ride from Chur to Arosa is short but dramatic

  • Best time to go: Autumn delivers golden colours, winter brings out the snow-covered forests.


These hassle-free rides are perfect for slow travellers, scenic train-ride enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to experience Graubünden without driving or hiking.


Wander Through the Engadin Valley



The Engadin is one of Switzerland's most beautiful regions - dramatic landscapes, dotted with lakes and villages, and scenery that changes personality with the seasons.


Top stops include:

  • St. Moritz - Glamorous yet great for lakeside walks and mountain viewpoints

  • Pontresina - Quieter than St. Moritz with access to the Morteratsch Glacier Trail

  • Sils Maria - A serene village beloved by writers and philosophers


Best times to explore the Engadin:

  • Spring for peaceful shoulder-season escapes

  • Summer for hiking and lake walks

  • Autunm for the change-of season colours

  • Winter for cross-country skiing


Hike Graubünden's Signature Trails



Graubunden is a hiker's paradise. From gentle valley paths to high-alpine panoramas, this area offers something for every type of hiker.

  • Lai da Palpuogna Hike - Often referred to as one of Switzerland's most beautiful lakes

  • Morteratsch Glacier Trail - Glacier viewpoints on a family-friendly path

  • Swiss National Park - Switzerland's only national park, with unspoiled nature, and wildlife, but be aware of the strict conservation rules when visiting

  • Val Bregaglia - A dramatic valley with chestnut forests and beautiful stone villages


Best times:

  • Late spring and early autumn


Enjoy Winter Sports in World-Class Resorts



Some of the most iconic winter destinations are in Graubünden.

For skiers and winter sport enthusasts:

  • Davos Klosters - vast ski areas, winter hiking, and Europe's largest natural ice rink

  • Laax - A youthful vibe, and the world famous freestyle mecca

  • Arosa Lenzerheide - Family-friendly areas, sunny slopes, and great mountain restaurants

For non-skiers:

  • Winter walks

  • Sledding

  • Horse-drawn sleigh rides

  • Spa days with mountain views


Relax in Alpine Wellness & Thermal Baths



Graunbunden is well known for its wellness culture due to the mineral-rich waters thermal baths.

A few of the well-known baths are:


Best times to enjoy:

  • Year-round, but great in winter and on rainy days


Discover Historic Towns & Alpine Villages



Step back in time and away from the crowns while exploring the the beautiful historic towns and alpine village that Graubünden has to offer:


These destinations are perfect for photography, slow travel, and cultural immersion.


Taste Graubünden's Alpine Cuisine


With deep ties to its mountain heritage, Graubünden's food is hearty and comforting.

Must-try dishes:

  • Capuns - Swiss chard rolls filled with spätzle dough

  • Pizokel - A rustic pasta-like dish with potatoes and cabbage

  • Bündnerfleisch - Air-dried beef served perfectly with bread and wine

  • Bündner Nusstorte - A caramel-walnut torte


Experience Lakes, Gorges & Natural Wonders



Know for its dramatic landscape, Graubünden boasts some of the most diverse scenery in Switzerland.

  • Rhein Gorge (Swiss Grand Canyon) - Dramatic white cliffs and turquoise water

  • Caumasee - A Caribbean-blue lake near Flims

  • Crestasee - A peaceful forest lake perfect for picnics

  • Zernez & the Inn River - Gateway to the Swiss National Park


Best times to explore: Spring to autumn, but the gorge is stunning year-round


Seasonal Highlights at a Glance


  • Spring - Melting lakes, quiet trails, wildflowers, shoulder-season deals

  • Summer - Hiking, lake swimming, scenic trails, long daylight

  • Autumn - Golden larches, crisp air, harvest festivals

  • Winter - Skiing, sledding, spas, Christmas markets


How to Get Around Graubünden by Public Transport


Graubünden is one of the easiest regions in Switzerland to explore without a car. Its public transport network is not only extensive — it’s an experience in itself. Trains, PostBuses, cable cars, and even boats work together seamlessly, making it simple to reach mountain villages, lakes, trailheads, and ski resorts year‑round.


The Rhaetian Railway (RhB) is the main railway line. It is famous for its panoramic routes (Bernina, Glacier, Arosa), and connects major destinations including Chur, Davos, Arosa, St. Moritz, Scuol, Disentis, and Tirano (Italy).

Tickets can be bought through SBB: https://www.sbb.ch/en


PostBus reaches the alpine villages where trains don't go. The iconic yellow buses reach high-alpine passes and deep valleys.

Tickets can be bought through SBB: https://www.sbb.ch/en


Cable cars and mountain transports operate in the summer and winter. Many hikes and viewpoints are accessible by mountain lifts.


BÜGA is transport platform the for all of Graubünden. They offer a variety of ticket options, including monthly, yearly and family passes: https://shop.invia.ch/nc/ticket/produkt/buega-1/


Graubünden Tourism: https://www.graubuenden.ch/en






 
 
 

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