Lenzerheide (Summer)

A short ride from Chur, the smallish resort of Lenzerheide is little known to American tourists, but it offers plenty of splendid Alpine scenery, with smaller crowds and slightly lower prices than you’ll find in more famous Arosa or Davos. There are endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, climbing and extreme sports, as well as golf on a par-69 course. Most guests here rent a holiday apartment or chalet for a week at a time, but there are also splendid hotels in all price ranges. The Lenzerhorn Wellness Hotel has an excellent spa that’s open to the public. The Guarda Val is a first-class hotel in a set of rustic ...

A short ride from Chur, the smallish resort of Lenzerheide is little known to American tourists, but it offers plenty of splendid Alpine scenery, with smaller crowds and slightly lower prices than you’ll find in more famous Arosa or Davos. There are endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, climbing and extreme sports, as well as golf on a par-69 course. Most guests here rent a holiday apartment or chalet for a week at a time, but there are also splendid hotels in all price ranges. The Lenzerhorn Wellness Hotel has an excellent spa that’s open to the public. The Guarda Val is a first-class hotel in a set of rustic cabins in a high mountain pasture. This is a modern resort that caters to Alpine pursuits, so there's little in the way of quaint architecture, shopping or nightlife. For a day out, take the charming Rhaetian Railway farther up the valley to the picturesque towns of Disentis or Ilanz.

About the Expert

Charlie Morris is the author of the Open Road guidebooks Best of Honduras, Best of Costa Rica, Best of Belize, and Switzerland Guide.