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Graubünden is a region in Switzerland. The capital is Chur.

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Culture and History

Graubünden (Romansch: Grischun, Italian: Grigioni) is a mountainous canton, from maps one can see that it is dominated by the Engadine and Rhein valleys. However these have many a side valley that offers hidden and isolated splendours. From Graubünden, rivers flow to the Mediterranean, North and Black seas; it is the watershed of Europe. It is a spectacular landscape, home to Switzerland's only National Park[1]. Graubünden combines wild rugged scenery with charming villages and a unique Romansch culture. The capital is the ancient Chur which has existed since roman times (Latin: Curia) it is a small city with a fully cobbled and painted shuttered old quarter. Like the rest of the canton it is modest; concealed here is some of the best outdoor sports in the world, ancient mountain towns, stunning panoramas, three official languages and distinct culture, yet it does not boast; little is known by outsiders of the delights within.

Talk

The main language in the canton is German. Other official languages are Italian and Rumantsch (Rhaeto-Romanian), a very rare and ancient language that is derived from Latin. You should be able to manage with English, though German can definitely be useful. If you are considering to be in Switzerland for a longer time in any case, get a German phrasebook. Nearly everyone in Graubunden speaks German.

Travel to Graubunden - Visa Requirements

There are no airports in Graubünden so the easiest option is to take the train from either Zurich or Milan, where there are international airports. You can also take the train into Zurich Bahnhof from other European cities, as it is an international train station.

Tours and Getting around Graubunden

The Rhätische Bahn (RhB) is the the train system in Graubünden. The trains are always on time and can get you to most places. Post Buses will take you from the stations up the moutains to the villages

Graubunden tourist attractions and sightseeing

Itineraries

Graubunden city tours

  • You may want to visit Thermal Bath in Vals.
  • Skiing is the biggest winter-time activity in Graubünden. There are resorts throughout the Engadin,St Moritz being the most famous, the Pratigau valley, Davos and Klosters, and the Surselva valley, Flims Laax Falera is the biggest. Apart from these larger famous resorts there are many smaller resorts to be found throughout Graubünden. There are 2,200 km of ski pistes in Graubünden. [2]
  • Hiking is the main activity in the summer. Ski-lifts can help you up or down in some places, or you can go it alone on the thousands of trails that wind across the mountains, valleys and lakes of Graubünden. The views are of absolutely stunning.

Graubunden Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

Traditional Romansch foods include Capuns,Rosti and Pizokel. RÖsti is shredded potatoes, fried, and cheese melted on top. Occasionally bacon and a fried egg is added on top of the rosti.

Graubunden nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs

  • Beer is the most drunk alcohol in Graubünden. The beer Calanda Brau[3] is brewed in Chur.
  • Wine is made in the canton as well. Von Salis[4] grows wine in the villages Malans, Jenins and Maienfeld, which is unusual for Switzerland let alone Graubünden.
  • Mineral Water is also bottled in vast amounts in Graubünden. The water Valser[5][6] is bottled in Vals and Calanda Wasser is bottled in Lenzerheide.

Stay safe

Get out

Italy and Austria border much of Graubünden and both countries are easily accessed from the Engadin and San Bernadino pass. There is also the rest of Switzerland to explore.

Destinations in Graubunden:

This page was last edited by HJP. Based on work by Stacy Hall, Tom Holland, Bujdosó Attila, Jani Patokallio, Scott Hatton, daniel.vandalen@gmail.com and Mark Jaroski, Wikitravel user(s) Villevirtanen, Ypsilon, Episteme, Unger, Jonboy and Nzpcmad and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. - Content on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 1.0 license

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