The canton of the "Grey League" – part of the old Roman province of Raetia – stretches from the Bünder Herrschaft to the southern Alps. Three languages are spoken in the region, and life here is conducted along the length of each valley. It’s also a departure point for countless hikes and other adventures in alpine pastures and on numerous summits.

Davos is the most urban of winter sports centres. A former health resort, it still has some sanatoriums but it is now known above all for hosting congresses. It’s also one of Switzerland’s most popular destinations for skiers and mountain bikers. After driving along the lake, enter the town centre and continue until you reach the Kurpark. From there, follow the Promenade which will take you to the Ernst Ludwig Kirchner museum.

After Davos, the road climbs through a barren landscape with almost no trees until it reaches the Flüela Pass, at 2,383 metres. The pass is closed in winter, when the route via the Vereina Tunnel (which links Klosters to Sagliains) must be used instead. It’s a useful alternative, but of course doesn’t offer the same views! When you arrive in the Lower Engadine, don’t forget to make a short detour via the very picturesque village of Guarda, the spa town of Scuol, and S-charl.

Next, head for the Upper Engadine and Zernez, where you will find the Swiss National Park visitor centre. A day’s excursion to the Fuorn Pass and Switzerland’s oldest and largest nature reserve is well worth a visit. You then have just 34 kilometres left to reach St. Moritz. The high-altitude valley be¬comes increasingly wider and more fertile. The stunning landscapes at 1,700 metres above sea level, the pure air and luminosity alone make the journey worthwhile.


The route
Cross the Flüela Pass to enter the Lower Engadine and the National Park. Then follow the course of the River Inn via Zuoz and Samedan until you reach St. Moritz and the lakes of the Upper Engadine.
Distance: 65 kilometres
Photo opportunity: After the very charming Lake Davos we pass through a wooded area then an increasingly arid valley (Flüelatal) up to the lakes and the pass. The valley gradually opens up after S-chanf.

Excerpt from "Grand Tour of Switzerland" / Leg Davos – St.Moritz