What is the best way to experience the Bernina Express?

Book tickets well in advance, especially for panoramic cars. The full route from Chur/St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Consider stopping at intermediate stations like Alp Grüm for hiking.

Do I need to speak Romansh?

No. German is predominant; Italian is spoken in southern valleys (e.g., Poschiavo). English is widely understood in tourist areas, though learning basic German phrases is appreciated.

Is Graubünden expensive?

Yes, like much of Switzerland, costs are high, especially in resorts like St. Moritz. Budget travelers can save by staying in smaller villages, using public transport passes, and picnicking with local groceries.

Can I visit the Swiss National Park year-round?

The park is fully accessible from June to October. In winter, most trails are closed to protect wildlife, but guided snowshoe tours may be available. Always stay on marked paths.

What is a must-try local dish?

Try Capuns (dumplings wrapped in chard), Pizokel (buckwheat pasta), or Bündner Nusstorte (caramelized nut tart). Pair with local wines from the Bündner Herrschaft region.

Varies by nationality. Schengen area citizens can enter freely; others may need a visa. Check with Swiss embassy.

What currency is used?

Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit cards widely accepted; ATMs available.

Is English widely spoken?

Yes, especially in tourist areas. German and Romansh are local languages.

Can I drink tap water?

Yes, tap water is safe and of high quality throughout Graubünden.

What is the tipping etiquette?

Service charge is included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated for good service.

Are there any altitude concerns?

Some resorts are above 2,500m; take it easy on arrival, drink water, and avoid alcohol.

What is the best way to get around?

Train (Rhaetian Railway) is scenic and efficient. Swiss Travel Pass recommended for multiple trips.

Is Graubünden family-friendly?

Yes, with many family-oriented ski schools, easy hiking trails, and child-friendly hotels.

Layers, waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses. In winter, thermal wear and ski gear.

Are there any local dishes to try?

Try capuns (chard rolls), maluns (potato dish), and Bündner Nusstorte (nut pastry).

Can I use my mobile phone?

Yes, coverage is excellent. EU roaming may incur charges; check with provider.

Is it safe to hike alone?

Generally yes, but inform someone of your route, check weather, and carry a map and water.

Graubünden

CantonSwitzerland, Europe

Graubünden is a STATE in Switzerland, Europe.

Graubünden is Switzerland's largest and most diverse canton, offering an extraordinary blend of Alpine majesty, cultural richness, and year-round adventure. Nestled in the eastern Alps, it's home to iconic destinations like St. Moritz, a world-renowned luxury resort and twice host of the Winter Olympics, and the car-free villages of the Engadin Valley, where Romansh culture thrives. The canton boasts stunning natural wonders such as the UNESCO-listed Swiss National Park, Switzerland's only national park, and the breathtaking Bernina Express railway, a panoramic train journey crossing dramatic viaducts and glaciers. Graubünden is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with exceptional skiing in winter and superb hiking, mountain biking, and spa relaxation in summer. Its unique character is defined by deep valleys, over 600 lakes, and a trilingual heritage (German, Romansh, Italian), offering authentic experiences from hearty cuisine like Capuns and Pizokel to historic towns like Chur, Switzerland's oldest city. Whether seeking alpine serenity, cosmopolitan glamour, or cultural immersion, Graubünden delivers an unforgettable Swiss escape.

Best time to visit Graubünden

December to March for world-class skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports festivals. June to September for hiking, mountain biking, lake activities, and pleasant alpine weather with wildflowers. September-October for fewer crowds, autumn foliage, and harvest festivals. Avoid late spring (April-May) for high-altitude activities as many trails may still be snow-covered and some resorts are between seasons.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Overcast
Temperature: -2°
Feels like: -8°
Humidity: 85%
Wind: 18 km/h
Precipitation: 0 mm

Typical for October

Weather: Cool 4-14°C, rain possible

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Low

Quiet month; some facilities close; good for budget travel.

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

ZRH

Zurich Airport

International

150 km away

BSL

EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg

International

220 km away

MXP

Milan Malpensa Airport

International

200 km away

GVA

Geneva Airport

International

300 km away

INN

Innsbruck Airport

International

180 km away

Getting around

"An efficient public transport network includes the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) for scenic train journeys (Bernina Express, Glacier Express), PostBus services to remote valleys, and local buses. The Swiss Travel Pass or regional passes (like the Graubünden Pass) offer unlimited travel. Taxis are available but expensive. Car rentals are useful for exploring off-the-beaten-path areas; driving is on the right. Popular apps: SBB Mobile (train/bus schedules), MeteoSwiss (weather), and local ski resort apps."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

50 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces

Local SIM

Local SIM available at Swisscom, Sunrise, or Salt stores from CHF 10

Calling code

+41

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Very safe overall; petty theft rare but possible in crowded areas.

Night safety

8/10

Very safe overall; petty theft rare but possible in crowded areas.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

7/10

"Graubünden is extremely safe with low crime rates. Standard precautions against petty theft in tourist areas and on public transport are advised. When hiking or skiing, always check weather and avalanche forecasts, stay on marked trails, and inform someone of your route. Mountain roads can be narrow and winding; drive cautiously, especially in winter (snow chains may be required). No specific areas need to be avoided. Be aware of potential altitude-related health issues."

Police

117

Ambulance

144

Fire

118

Tourist Police

Mountain Rescue

1414

Entry and health

Health information

"Graubünden has excellent medical facilities, including hospitals in Chur (Kantonsspital Graubünden), Davos, and St. Moritz. No specific vaccinations are required for entry. Travelers should ensure they have comprehensive health insurance valid in Switzerland. Altitude sickness can be a concern in high Alpine areas (above 2,500m); acclimatize gradually. In summer, protect against ticks in forested/grassy areas (risk of tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease; vaccination for TBE is recommended for extended outdoor stays). Tap water is safe to drink. For minor issues, pharmacies ('Apotheke') are widely available."

Culture

Local customs

"Greet with a handshake and use formal titles (Herr/Frau) until invited to use first names. Punctuality is highly valued. Romansh culture is cherished; showing interest is appreciated. Dress is generally smart-casual; upscale restaurants in resorts may require elegant attire. Tipping is not obligatory as service is included, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is customary. Quiet hours (typically 10 PM to 7 AM) are respected, especially in residential and mountain areas."

GermanRomanshItalian

Costs and practicals

Currency

Swiss Franc (CHF) · CHF

Cost level

Luxury

Meals

$25 | a cheap local meal costs around $25

Hotels

$100-250 | budget hotels range $100-250/night

Local transport

$2 | local bus ride ~$2

Cost notes

Prices are higher in ski resorts like St. Moritz; budget options available in smaller towns.

Timezone

Europe/Zurich +01:00 (GMT) / +02:00 (GMT) during Daylight Saving Time

More facts

Population

200,000

Area

7,105 km²

Government

Canton with a parliamentary system (Cantonal Council) and executive government (Government Council)

ISO code

Type

Canton

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Cantone dei Grigioni, Grisons, Grisonia, Canton of Graubünden, Grisones, Gryzonia, Grizono, GR, 그라우뷘덴, Les Grisons;Canton des Grisons, Grigioni, グラウビュンデン州, غروبندن, Graubünden/Grischun/Grigioni, Grisões, Граўбюндэн, Grischun, CH-GR, Ґраубюнден, Graubünden/Grigioni/Grischun, Graubiundenas, Chantun Grischun, Граубюнден (Гризон), Grauwbunderland, Graubünden, Kanton Graubünden, Граубюнден, Sarnen, Sarno, ZKC, Zarnen, Zarnenas, jaleunen, sa er nen, saranena, sariነni, sarnena, sarnn, sarnyn, srnan, srnn, srnyn, zarnn, zarunen, Зарнен, סרנן, زارنن, سارنن, سارنين, سرنان, سرنین, सर्नेन, সার্নেন, ਸਾਰਨੇਨ, ሳርነን, ザルネン, 薩爾嫩, 자르넨

Capital CityMajor HubSkiingHikingScenic RailwayMountainFamily-FriendlyHistoric CityWinter SportsNature