Pure alpine adventure
Intro
Bewitching views, dramatic gorges and high thrills...
Description
The Graubünden Mountain Pass Trip combines sections of the Grand Tour of Switzerland with other spectacular stretches of road to promise the ultimate in motoring pleasure. Divided into six stages, the itinerary takes in nine mountain passes, crosses three language regions and offers the chance to explore countless highlights along the way – from glaciers, swimming lakes and panoramic peaks to the Swiss National Park and three UNESCO World Heritage Properties.
Here you find detailed information on the route: PDF Pure alpine adventure
Hereafter, we present 15 suggestions for excursions along the tour.
Here you find detailed information on the route: PDF Pure alpine adventure
Hereafter, we present 15 suggestions for excursions along the tour.
Tipp 1: Chur, the alpine city
Switzerland’s oldest city artfully combines the attractions of urban life with the charm of the mountain world. Discover the secrets of Chur’s picturesque Old Town on a guided tour; just a short distance away, enjoy adventures in pristine nature. From river rafting in the Rhine gorge to train rides on the Bernina or Glacier Express and biking on the Brambrüesch, Chur’s local peak, the options are endless.
Tipp 2: Parpaner Rothorn
In perfect conditions you can see 1,000 mountain peaks from the summit of the Parpaner Rothorn (2,865 m), according to locals. At the panoramic restaurant, the gorgeous views provide the perfect match for the excellent cuisine. Ride up from Lenzerheide in the Rothorn cable car for a choice of breathtaking hikes and mountain rides back down. The popular cable car also offers bewitching sunrise trips.
Tipp 3: Bergün railway museum
The Albula railway museum at Bergün station tells the spectacular story of the Rhaetian Railway with about 400 exhibits dating from over 100 years of operation, from the famous “crocodile” locomotive to the tunnel telephone. In addition to exploring the permanent multimedia exhibition and original temporary shows, visitors are invited to walk the scenic theme trail along the World Heritage railway line.
Tipp 4: Swiss National Park
Switzerland’s only national park is the oldest in central Europe. With an area of 172 square kilometres, it is the country’s largest nature reserve, home to an exceptional diversity of alpine flora and fauna. 80 kilometres of hiking trails invite visitors to explore pristine natural landscapes of wild beauty; the multimedia exhibitions at the National Park Centre in Zernez delight guests of all ages.
Tipp 5: Convent of St. John
The history of the convent of St. John in Müstair extends back more than 1,200 years. A community of Benedictine nuns still lives in the complex, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Property since 1983. Highlights include the world’s most comprehensive and best-preserved cycle of early medieval frescoes. The convent offers simple accommodation to guests and runs fasting weeks as well as a convent shop.
Tipp 6: Brusio spiral viaduct
The spiral railway viaduct at Brusio is the emblem of the Rhaetian Railway’s Bernina line, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Property. This elegant feat of engineering bravura allows trains to gain or lose height over a remarkably short distance as they travel through the steep Poschiavo valley between the Bernina Pass and Tirano. The ride is especially impressive in one of the panoramic trains.
Tipp 7: Diavolezza/Morteratsch glacier
The Morteratsch Glacier in the legendary Bernina massif is the largest river of ice in the Engadin. The ice caves at the tongue of the glacier are an impressive sight: a fascinating theme trail leads here from Morteratsch station. If you’d like to set your sights higher, take the cable car up the Diavolezza (2,978 m) for breathtaking views of the glacier-draped Piz Bernina and a choice of spectacular hikes.
Tipp 8: Muottas Muragl
The views from Muottas Muragl (2,450 m) of the enchanting Staz forest, the lakes of the upper Engadin valley and the neighbouring snow-capped peaks are unforgettable. A historic funicular carries visitors from the valley floor up to the viewpoint, home to the charming Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl. From here, the panoramic trail to Alp Languard offers one of the most impressive hikes in the Engadin.
Tipp 9: St. Moritz
Probably the most famous resort in Switzerland, St. Moritz reveals a relaxed side in summer that reflects its location on the southern side of the Alps. Alongside a legendary gastronomic scene and a long tradition of top-class hospitality, St. Moritz also offers magnificent experiences in nature – such as hiking on the Corviglia and Corvatsch, sailing on Lake St. Moritz and kitesurfing on Lake Silvaplana.
Tipp 10: Village of Soglio
The painter Giovanni Segantini called Soglio the “threshold of paradise”. The description of the secluded village in the tranquil, Italian-speaking Val Bregaglia is apt: with its huddled houses, silvery roofs and Mediterranean atmosphere, its historic Palazzo Salis and rich cultural traditions, Soglio is little short of heavenly. No wonder it was voted Switzerland’s most beautiful village in 2015.
Tipp 11: Village of Splügen
Located at the foot of the Splügen Pass, this beautifully conserved village of proud palazzi and sun-bronzed Walser houses was long an important stopover for muleteers crossing the Alps. Today it offers an ideal base for hikes to still mountain lakes, over the Splügen Pass or along historical trails into neighbouring valleys and to Italy – and for visits to the Viamala gorge and the mineral spa at Andeer.
Tipp 12: Mesocco Castle
Mesocco Castle, whose origins date to the Roman period, is one of the largest and most historically important fortifications in Switzerland. Today visitors can see only its ruins, but they are sufficient to give an impressive idea of the scale of the fortress. At the foot of the outcrop on which the castle stands, the church of Santa Maria del Castello boasts beautiful frescoes painted in the 15th century.
Tipp 13: Disentis Abbey
No one knows exactly in which year Disentis Abbey was founded – but it is certainly older than the Swiss Confederation. Today the impressive complex is home to a community of Benedictine monks and lay people who help run the monastery and its famous library, teach in the school and provide pastoral care. The Abbey and its ornate church are well worth a visit; there’s also a cosy bistro for guests.
Tipp 14: Town of Ilanz
The best way to explore the first major town on the Rhine is in the company of Anna Catrina: the enigmatic heroine of the Ilanz-based historical novel is brought to life by actors on tours of the old streets and squares. Although Ilanz is the hub of the Surselva region, the atmosphere here is pleasantly relaxed. The fine town houses ooze period charm; the Cinema sil Plaz also serves as a concert venue.
Tipp 15: Rhine gorge
The prehistoric Flims Rockslide created one of the country’s most spectacular natural wonders: the “Swiss Grand Canyon”. Bizarre rock formations framed by pine forest thrill hikers, mountain bikers and river rafters as well as passengers on the Glacier Express, which passes through the gorge. The handy “Ruinaulta Ticket” day pass covers transport throughout the area up to the “Il Spir” viewpoint near Flims.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
