Alpine Circle
The engine is running as the anticipation rises. Our upcoming road trip takes us on the Ruta Cumpleta, the most comprehensive tour of the Alpine Circle, over the most scenic roads through the cantons of Graubünden and Ticino. Join us on a journey crossing grandiose passes while stopping at magnificent hotels and restaurants.
We are Nico Schaerer and Martin Hoch, photographer and journalist. We have spent years travelling the world together, producing feature stories and corresponding images.
On this trip we show our favourite corner of Switzerland.
“The Swiss Alps are simply a dream destination for road trips.”
01 — Tschuggen Grand Hotel, Arosa
The start of our tour provides a taste of what lies ahead: relaxation and enjoyment. The Tschuggen Grand Hotel provides both at the Bergoase Spa, designed by architect Mario Botta, and with its top notch culinary offering.
02 — Arosa Bärenland, Arosa
From a platform, visitors can watch bears going about their business within an enclosed reserve. Brought in and looked after by the animal welfare organisation Vier Pfoten (Four Paws), rescued bears are given a new home amidst Arosa’s stunning natural beauty.
03 — Museum of Fine Arts, Chur
A pitstop in this Alpine town is well worth it. Stroll through the streets of the historic old town, and be sure to visit Chur’s landmark fine arts museum. Get your caffeine fix at the museum’s stylish café, voted by Gault&Millau as one of the country’s top ten coffee houses!
07 — Engadine villages
Quick detours to explore local villages are well worth it. Explore towns such as the picturesque Zuoz or Bever on foot, and when hunger calls, be sure to stop at Krone La Punt to sample top chef James Baron’s culinary talents.
1861m
Above Sea Level
Sertig Valley — Davos
Davos may be world-famous for hosting the World Economic Forum, but it certainly has its fair share of idyllic places waiting to be discovered. A trip to the Sertig Valley is recommended for its beauty and the restaurant Walserhuus, not far from the gushing Ducan waterfall.
1474m
Above Sea Level
Swiss National Park — Zernez
Founded in 1914, the Swiss National Park is the wildest corner of Switzerland and the oldest national park in the Alps. Visitors can expect to encounter marmots, ibexes, deer or the sight of a bearded vulture.
08 — Kunstcafé, Samedan
At Kunstcafé, guests are encouraged to leave everyday life outside when entering the ample, light-flooded space. In addition to artful cappuccinos, coffees and teas, pastries and panini are recommended by host Jamyang Zathok.
09 — Morteratsch Glacier, Pontresina
The icy giants have been in retreat for decades, but glaciers such as the Morteratsch remain as impressive as ever. The Boval hut offers incredible glacier vistas and can be reached on foot from Morteratsch railway station in just under 3 hours. Refreshments and typical cakes await to round off the experience.
– boval.ch
10 — St. Moritz
Favoured by sophisticates, this magical Alpine resort saw its story begin over 150 years ago. The birthplace of winter tourism in the Alps, St. Moritz remains on top of the world as a luxury winter escape destination. It is also home to four Swiss Deluxe Hotels: Badrutt’s Palace, Carlton Hotel, Kulm Hotel and Suvretta House.
11 — Orma Swiss Whisky, Corvatsch
A whisky distillery at 3,303 metres above sea level next to the iconic Corvatsch mountain station may be unexpected. Still, it is the brainchild of Rinaldo Willy and Pascal Mittner, whose Swiss iteration of the good stuff has nothing to fear when compared to its Scottish counterparts.
12 — Southern valleys of Graubünden
When travelling through the Engadine, it is worth visiting the southern valleys of Valposchiavo, Val Müstair and Bergell. Time seems to have stood still at the foot of these towering mountain ranges perfect for hiking, fishing or biking amidst stunning natural beauty.
“The Alpine Circle stands apart with its unique blend of archaic mountainous landscapes and delightful southern flair.”
2312m
Above Sea Level
Albula pass
While the official route of the Alpine Circle leads over the Julier Pass, a trip over the Albula Pass is also worthwhile. Here you encounter a remote mountain world with the blue-green shimmering Palpuognasee and the charming village of Bergün. For lunch, it is worth visiting the Kurhaus Bergün.
26 Bends
Julier pass
During the winter, the Julier Pass serves as the sole gateway to the Engadine; in the summer, it presents a captivating driving experience. Beginning at an elevation of 2,284 metres, the pass descends 1,400 metres to Tiefencastel, meandering past charming Alpine villages and offering breathtaking vistas of majestic mountain ranges. Those searching for good regional fare will find satisfying options at Hotel Pitz Mitgel in Savognin.
1257m
Above Sea Level
Origen Festival Cultural — Riom
In the small mountain village of Riom, a cultural institution was founded by theologian and theatre scholar Giovanni Netzer, staging plays, ballets and concerts in several local buildings, including barns and a castle.
65m
Height of Bridge
Landwasser Viaduct — Filisur
The Albula Line of the Rhaetian Railway, which winds its way from Thusis to St. Moritz, is a place of longing for railway enthusiasts. Thanks to viaducts and tunnels, the trains master 1,000 metres of altitude without a cogwheel amid steep rock faces. The most famous and most photographed structure along the line is the Landwasser Viaduct near Filisur. If you book a ride on the Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt, you can witness this and many other picture-perfect sightings.
18 — Andeer Dairy, Andeer
Lovers of great cheese head straight to Andeer. This is where Maria Meyer and Martin Bienerth produce cheeses that are second to none and are particularly popular with top restaurateurs.
19 — Roffla Gorge, Andeer
A pristine waterfall lays off the route from Andeer up the San Bernardino Pass. It can be reached through the side door of a restaurant and along a rocky path that the owner created over several years using 8,000 explosive charges.
20 — Osteria Landarenca
Calanca Valley Leaving the car at Selma, a small cable car takes you to Landarenca. A fairytale spot away from all the hustle and bustle, it is home to Osteria Landarenca, where Noemi Negretti and Valentino Borgonovo spoil their guests with organic delicacies from their own garden.
21 — Grotti di Cama
Cama After the San Bernardino Pass, you can already smell the south – in the truest sense of the word. Because even before you reach Ticino at Bellinzona, the grotti are lined up one after the other. Grotti are small, mostly stone-built restaurants that specialise in simple but high-quality food. They serve risotto, polenta, various kinds of ham, cheese and salami. In Cama, in the middle of the woods, there are 46 grotti, which were once used as natural refrigerators to store products. Three of these grotti still welcome hungry guests.
“The tranquility and proximity to nature make Castello del Sole one of my favourite hotels.”
23 — Castello del Sole
Ascona A slice of paradise set amongst vast grounds with rice fields, a bird sanctuary, fruit gardens and even its own beach. Foodies will delight in chef Mattias Roock's menu at the hotel’s Locanda Barbarossa.
24 — Madonna del Sasso
Orselina The sanctuary is perched on a rocky promontory high above Locarno. From its centre, you can comfortably reach the holy mountain with the Funicolare. If you want to go even higher, take the gondola from above the church to the Cardada viewpoint. You will be delighted with a wide view over the mountains and the lake. If you are adventurous, you can paraglide from here down to the lake with an experienced pilot.
4km
Length of road
Three-pass Tour: Susten — Grimsel — Furka
One of the greatest adventures for racing cyclists and motorcyclists starts directly from Andermatt: in one day, you must ride over the three passes of Susten, Grimsel and Furka. In the process, you climb 3,500 metres of altitude over 120 kilometres and descend again.
1437m
Above Sea Level
The Chedi — Andermatt
The multi-award-winning hotel nestled in the Alpine massif celebrates excellence in all disciplines, from its stylish spa and convivial bar to its elegant rooms and top-class restaurants.
13km
Length of the canyon
Rhine Gorge
Around 10,000 years ago, a massive rockfall transformed the region around Flims-Laax into a landscape with enchanting forests and a gorge often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland. Book a rafting tour and paddle through the impressive landscape if you fancy an adventure. If you prefer to take it easy, hike through the gorge and eat at the lauded Gasthaus am Brunnen restaurant run by host and chef Matthias Althof.
30m
Maximum Depth
Lake Cauma — Flims
To round off the Alpine Circle, swim in the turquoise waters of Lake Cauma. The lake is regularly ranked as one of Switzerland’s most beautiful mountain lakes for its mesmerising beauty.
Words Martin Hoch
Photos Nico Schaerer
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Ski-in / Ski-out property with its own cableway to the slopes
Tschuggen Grand Hotel
ArosaSki-in / Ski-out property with its own cableway to the slopes
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A perfect location featuring alpine chic paired with asian style.
The Chedi Andermatt
AndermattA perfect location featuring alpine chic paired with asian style.
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Switzerland's only true beach resort.
Hotel Eden Roc
AsconaSwitzerland's only true beach resort.
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Historic Belle Epoque Palace on a stunning lakeside location
Hotel Splendide Royal
LuganoHistoric Belle Epoque Palace on a stunning lakeside location
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140 hectares of breathtaking nature and unique surroundings
Castello del Sole Beach Resort & SPA
Ascona140 hectares of breathtaking nature and unique surroundings
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