Southeast Switzerland
There are 150 valleys in the rugged mountainous region of Graubnden (known as ‘Grisons’ by French-speaking Swiss), the largest, least populated canton of Switzerland, famous for glamorous ski centres, spa resorts and dramatic alpine landscapes. Graubnden also has the longest history of any region of Switzerland with countless castles, fortresses, churches and chapels and, from valley to valley, the local language changes from German to Romansch to Italian.
The climatic health resorts of Arosa, Davos, Klosters and St Moritz are renowned the world over, and not only for their winter sports facilities. Typical Engadine stone houses characterise the towns of St Moritz, Pontresina and Zuoz. The highest peak in the canton is the Bernina (4049m/13,284ft), bordering Italy and Austria. Chur, the capital of Graubnden and the oldest Swiss settlement, is the hub for many other ski resorts. Sights of the city include the St Lucius Church, the Cathedral (12th to 13th century) and the Rhaetic Museum. In the Engadine valley, small villages beyond Zernez and the Swiss National Park have cross-country skiing and summer walking areas. One-third of the 168 sq km (65 sq mile) Swiss National Park is covered with dense forest and is home to several wildlife species, among them roe deer, eagles, marmot and lizards.
Many of the country’s top ski resorts are located in Graubnden including chic, expensive Davos and Klosters, with excellent skiing facilities and lots of varied and sophisticated aprs-ski, and glamorous St Moritz with its top-notch on- and off-piste activities (snow-polo, horse-drawn sleighs, the Cresta run), glitzy nightlife and luxury hotels. Smaller ski resorts in the area include the beautiful spa town of Bad Scuol, the smaller resorts of Flims and Laax, and beautiful Arosa, popular with downhill skiers of all levels and also for cross-country skiing.
The Italian-speaking, southernmost tip of Switzerland is the Ticino, divided from the rest of the country by the Alps but connected by road via the San Bernadino pass. Here the climate is subtropical and the atmosphere Mediterranean. From the Alpine valleys the road runs through Bellinzona with its three medieval castles, en route to the lake resorts of Southern Ticino. Locarno, on the shores of Lago di Maggiore, with its narrow streets, pavement cafes and lakeside lido is one of the most popular destinations, with a world-famous film festival in August. Further south, the health and holiday resort of Lugano lies on the Lago di Lugano between the peaks of Monte Br and San Salvatore. The largest city in Ticino, it is a favourite holiday destination for the Swiss. Piazzas, palazzos, palms, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the promenade along the lakeshore give the city a special flair. Local ferries link Lugano with the scenic lakeside towns of Gandria and Morcote. During spring the area is in full bloom with fig and olive trees, pomegranates and myrtle. Local buses visit the picturesque villages of the area and funiculars run to the top of Mount San Salvatore. Coach excursions to the great passes of Furka, Lukmanier and Oberalp, and to Milan and Venice, can be arranged locally.
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