The Romansch word originally comes from the Latin “pacificus”, which means peace-making. The word was first used over 292 years ago, in central Graubünden. There are several ways of spelling it today: patgific, pacific, pachific and patschific. In Graubünden German, where it’s also used, it’s patschifik and patschifig.

Patgific is not just a word. The Romansch-language term covers a wide range of meanings, expressing the companionable and positive attitude of people in Graubünden. In a world where it’s just one deadline after another, the need for relaxation is great. Patgific is all about slowing down, a concept that is the polar opposite of fast-paced living and that imbues a feeling of wellbeing and security. It’s about not always taking things too seriously, relaxing a bit at times of hectic activity and enjoying the simple things in life.

Val Surses, with the mountain villages of Savognin and Bivio, is in the heart of Graubünden, surrounded by Switzerland’s largest nature park, Parc Ela. Whether you’re walking or cycling, the region offers a wonderful range of summer outdoor activities. Rugged mountain peaks, deep gorges, idyllic Alpine meadows and crystal-clear lakes: a true paradise for sports lovers and people who love peace and quiet. And the very best place for that patgific feeling.

This settlement amid the alpine pastures (“Maiensäss”) of Savognin used to be a place for the cattle to stop and rest on their way to the upland grazing. Today, travellers in search of a restorative break spend their holidays in idyllic Radons. Just 20 minutes from Savognin, guests are far from the crowds and the noise. Amidst the unspoiled beauties of nature and surrounded by mountain giants such as Piz Forbesch and Piz Mez, guests experience the last word in peace and quiet. 

Cooking is his passion: Fadri was just six years old when he first stirred a spoon in the kitchen of the Berghuus Radons. Following his apprenticeship as a chef in Sils-Maria, he caught the travel bug. A native of Savognin, he has lived all over the world: Bangkok, Canada, Geneva, New York and many other places. But his love for his home canton of Graubünden always stayed with him.

At the beginning of 2019, Fadri left his job as private chef to a billionaire family and headed back to Switzerland. The Berghuus in Radons became his new home. Even as he took it over, it was already clear that extensive renovations were required. The main building, dating from 1939, and the 1983 extension were out of date and somewhat down at heel. The concept of the self-service restaurant and the mountain inn with bunks and shared bathroom were no longer in fashion. A general overhaul was urgently needed. 

The extensive renovation was worth it: with plenty of love and attention, the former somewhat dated mountain guesthouse has given way to a unique Alpine jewel. The interior, remodelled with simple and natural materials and local craftsmanship, presents understated luxury in keeping with the unique surrounding landscape. Everyone feels at home here: whether it’s a gastronomic break during a hike or bike ride, or an unforgettable overnight stay in what is surely Switzerland’s smallest luxury hotel. That “patgific” feeling is guaranteed. 

Relaxation provides a change: everyday life in the kitchen is hectic. Keeping a general eye on things while handling a slew of orders – amid sizzling meat, steaming cooking pots and rattling crockery – makes considerable demands on a chef. But nothing puts Fadri off his stroke: while the conversational tone might sometimes be brisk, he’s calm personified, and once again, patgific’s the word. Just a few quick hand movements and the ingredients are in the pan; within minutes the dish is ready to serve.

Good food is as closely associated with that patgific feeling as air is to breathing. Fadri spoils his guests, be it in the historic pinewood-panelled “Ustereia” dining room, the “Steiva” restaurant or on the sun terrace. The combination of international specialities and Graubünden classics are a gastronomic delight. Home-produced Berghuus Schnapps made with handpicked Swiss stone pine cones, air-cured ham and local ingredients give the menus that special something. 

A host’s working days are long and the bookings diary is well filled. But Fadri never loses sight of the aim of bringing each guest closer to the Graubünden lifestyle. No effort is spared in making their stay “patgific”. Everyone should experience the Graubünden lifestyle and be able to take it home with them. Even Fadri allows himself a little time out now and again. To counterbalance his hectic everyday life, he likes to get out and about in the mountains, enjoying the peace and quiet of the natural surroundings. Because Fadri lives in “the most beautiful place in the world”, he only has to step out of his front door to enjoy it.

Just above Radons is the Crap Farreras viewing point. The platform can be reached in less than an hour and a half on foot. It offers a wonderful panoramic view. Take a seat, tuck into a little picnic and enjoy the view. It doesn’t get much more patgific than that! It’s also worth continuing the walk to the cable car middle station of Somtgant.

Whether you’re looking to get active or taking things more easily. Throughout the year, you relax best in natural surroundings: whether it’s on an extended hike, a pleasant train ride or amidst snowy landscapes. Being outside and enjoying the sun, consciously aware of sounds and scents, is also a part of patgific. Around 13,000 people have voted, resulting in 12 varied experiences that guarantee the patgific feeling. Spring, summer, autumn or winter – there’s something for everybody.