Iceland has the Golden Circle, South Africa has the Garden Route and Graubünden has the Alpine Circle. This round trip through the Graubünden mountains combines the most striking sights of Switzerland's largest canton.
On the Alpine Circle tour through the Graubünden mountains, you'll discover the four most popular sights in Graubünden: the Swiss National Park, the Diavolezza Glacier World, the Rhaetian Railway's Landwasser Viaduct, and the Rhine Gorge, also known as the Swiss Grand Canyon. Besides these four main attractions, there's naturally much more to discover along the route. In our destination, the idyllic Sertig side valley and Klosters, a chic chalet-style village, are part of the tour. And the best part: The Alpine Circle is easy to start, with no registration or booking required. Whether you travel by car, bus, train, or e-bike, it's up to you. Tip: With the GraubündenPASS, you enjoy free travel on public transport throughout Graubünden.
Length: approx. 300 kilometers
Recommended travel time: 5 to 7 days
Sights: Swiss National Park, Diavolezza Glacier World, Landwasser Viaduct and Rhine Gorge
Whether it's the Cavaglia Glacier Garden or the Morteratsch Glacier, in the Diavolezza Glacier World of the Bernina Glaciers adventure area, you'll move through a unique world of ice. Enjoy the best view of the Bernina Massif from the Diavolezza mountain station. Be sure to bring a fully charged cell phone for plenty of souvenir photos.
Impressive architecture in the heart of the Alps: Near Filisur, the Landwasser Viaduct rises 65 meters into the air. This spectacular Rhaetian Railway structure has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. You can admire the viaduct from below on the Landwasser Express, take the 4 Viaducts Hike, or simply enjoy a ride on the Rhaetian Railway over the bridge—right in the middle of it, so to speak.
The Rhine Gorge is also known as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland. The panoramic mountain landscape between Lake Cauma and Conn invites exploration. The view from the il Spir viewing platform is impressive. A nice side effect: On the way there, you can also admire the famous Lake Cauma and swim in its turquoise waters. Would you rather be in the middle of it all? Then take a canoe or rafting tour on the Rhine, or ride in the Rhaetian Railway's open observation car through the impressive landscape of the Rhine Gorge.
Unspoilt nature awaits you in the Swiss National Park, which you can explore on approximately 80 kilometers of hiking trails. So be sure to pack your hiking boots. A special highlight: the Val Trupchun. The valley near S-chanf is also known as the deer arena of the Alps. In addition to the mighty deer, you can also observe chamois, marmots, and – arguably Graubünden's most famous animal – the ibex.
With the Alpine Circle's digital travel companion you can find out straight away what you can experience today. If you share your location, you can also see all the sights in your area.