Grisons Green Travel Guide

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The Grisons, in the south of Switzerland, await you with their colors in each seasons of the year! Ski slopes, trails through the woods, natural spas and tasty dishes: the perfect place for green holidays!

a tree with orange leaves — Autumn in Grigions - Davide Vosti via Flickr

1. What to see in Grigions

This Canton in southern Switzerland is the largest of the country. Here different cultures and languages cohabit: people speak Italian, Romansh and German. The capital of the Canton is Chur, lying on the bed of the river Rhine. It is considered the oldest city in Switzerland, inhabited from the third millennium b.C. If you come here, have a visit to Calandia Brau, an old brewery produces excellent beers still nowadays, the Calandia Beer precisely, famous throughout Switzerland.

the city seen from the top, with snow on the roofs and white mountains all around — Chur - blumblaum via Flickr

Famous in the Canton is the town of St. Moritz and the beautiful valley in which it is located, the Engadine. Apart from being a very picturesque town rich in tradition, it is surrounded by magnificent nature to be explored, in summer but also in winter. In this valley there is also the Piz Bernina, with its white glaciers.

the city center with the city tower — Poschiavo - Davide Oliva via Flickr

Another pretty town in the Canton is Poschiavo, where Italian is spoken. In fact the city is located on the border with Italy, in a side valley of the Valtellina. The valley of Poschiavo, crossed by a river, is a point from where you can easily access the Bernina Alps, in the Engadine.

2. Nature, sport and green itineraries

An horse-drawn carriage - Sami Uskela via Flickr

In the Canton of Grisons you will find magnificent landscapes: woods, valleys crossed by cheerful streams, fresh blue lakes, fascinating but at the same time harsh mountains...if you are looking for a green holiday, these places are perfect for you!

going through wood with a sledding — With the sledding - Stewart Butterfield via Flickr

During winter the snow covers everything with its silent white coat. There are many excellent ski resorts, where skiing and snowboarding, such as those surrounding the town of St. Moritz, but also long cross-country skiing trails. You can also have fun while sitting on horse-drawn sleighs. The cities of Bergun and Preda are connected by 6 km of toboggan run, the longest in Europe!

grass with flowers and mountains all around — Summer in Grigions - Stephan A. via Flickr

During summer, enjoy these magnificent places crossing them walking along many paths. You can also go trekking with yaks or donkeys, especially in Safiertal or near Davos, along mountain paths for one or more days.

the Bernina mountains with glaciers seen from a small alpine lake — Piz Bernina - Andreas via Flickr

You can cross this canton also sitting on the red Bernina train. This railway line connects the main cities of the region, through alpine landscapes and the glaciers of Piz Bernina. It is the highest railway network in Europe and therefore, part of UNESCO heritage.

3. Typical taste

lot of cheese on shelves — Cheese - Arnaud DG via Flickr

During your stay in the Grisons, do not forget to try the delicious local cuisine. Plates are simple and genuine, with strong flavors, result of the long tradition of farmers and people living in the mountains.

Taste the Bündnerfleisch, dried meat, as well as traditional dishes made with venison, cheeses, including Kräutermutschli, cleverly enriched with a mix of herbs, and of course, the famous walnuts pie, with a soft and tasty stuffing.

4. Vals Valley and surroundings

the building of the spa made with wooden — Vals spa - Mariano Mantel via Flickr

The Vals valley is a fascinating area of the Canton, all to be discovered. It has been created by ice and rain over the centuries. And it is always water that make this valley one of the most popular places in Switzerland.

Here there is an hot spring from which flows hot water, directly from the underground, reacheing 30 degrees! Enjoy a relaxing day at the spa in Vals, designed by the architect Peter Zumthor and built out of local quartzite. These natural elements, stone and water, will donate you a feeling of well being!

Furthermore, throughout the valley are grown organic products. Farmers in Vals have decided to dedicate to this type of agriculture.

5. Where to sleep in Grigions

a dog in the snow — Alessandro Travi via Flickr

During your stay in the Grisons will find comfortable and cozy eco-friendly solutions! Hotels with homely atmosphere, warm igloos made of real ice, B&B where you can taste local dishes...Are you ready to go ?