GRISCHUN - GRAUBUENDEN - GRIGIONI - GRISONS
Bikers, hikers, joggers, mountaineers, skiers, sledders, skaters, cricket & polo players, golfers, swimmers, photographers and those of you who just want to relax will all find these in the upper Engadine. The most well-known resort of the region is St Moritz which hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1928 & 1948. St Moritz became the world’s first winter resort as a result of a bet in 1864 by Johannes Badrutt to several English summer guests that they could enjoy his hotel’s sun terrace even in winter. Should they return and find him wrong, he would not charge them for their stay. Needless to say, he won the wager and today it is a year-round holiday destination. When it comes to sunshine with its 322 days a year average, St Moritz gives Tucson some competition. Another well-known holiday destination in the upper Engadine is Davos, the site of the annual World Economic Forum.
On our spotlight featuring “Unique Swiss Sports” we introduced you to Hornussen, Schwingen, Steinstossen and Flag-throwing. One of the events we omitted takes place in February at White Turf St. Moritz. Called Skikjöring, men on skis are pulled along a 9,000 ft long track by unsaddled thoroughbreds at speeds of over 30 mph. For those of you looking for a more laid back & romantic event, a visit to Pontresina near St Moritz would be more suitable. Schlitteda, a tradition originally reserved for unmarried couples, dates back many years. Young men would invite their girl-friends for a sleigh ride through the countryside. Today it has evolved into a village festival wherein singles as well as married couples celebrate together dressed in traditional costumes riding along on beautifully decorated horse drawn sleighs.
Although the Canton of Graubünden is not known for large cities, its capital is a charmer. Chur is the oldest town in Switzerland with settlement history going back over 5,000 years. Chur’s central location makes an ideal starting point for your explorations of the canton. On top of the list of great adventures is a trip on the Albula/Bernina railway line. It is recognized as one of the world’s most spectacular routes. A couple other very popular destinations easily accessible from Chur are Flims & Laaks. Hikers and mountain bikers all appreciate its many trails & bathing lakes. We hope that you have enjoyed this brief visit to the Grisons. We’ll visit it again on a future “Spotlight”.
Checkout the videos by clicking on the highlighted links above.
On our spotlight featuring “Unique Swiss Sports” we introduced you to Hornussen, Schwingen, Steinstossen and Flag-throwing. One of the events we omitted takes place in February at White Turf St. Moritz. Called Skikjöring, men on skis are pulled along a 9,000 ft long track by unsaddled thoroughbreds at speeds of over 30 mph. For those of you looking for a more laid back & romantic event, a visit to Pontresina near St Moritz would be more suitable. Schlitteda, a tradition originally reserved for unmarried couples, dates back many years. Young men would invite their girl-friends for a sleigh ride through the countryside. Today it has evolved into a village festival wherein singles as well as married couples celebrate together dressed in traditional costumes riding along on beautifully decorated horse drawn sleighs.
Although the Canton of Graubünden is not known for large cities, its capital is a charmer. Chur is the oldest town in Switzerland with settlement history going back over 5,000 years. Chur’s central location makes an ideal starting point for your explorations of the canton. On top of the list of great adventures is a trip on the Albula/Bernina railway line. It is recognized as one of the world’s most spectacular routes. A couple other very popular destinations easily accessible from Chur are Flims & Laaks. Hikers and mountain bikers all appreciate its many trails & bathing lakes. We hope that you have enjoyed this brief visit to the Grisons. We’ll visit it again on a future “Spotlight”.
Checkout the videos by clicking on the highlighted links above.
