Switch mode

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.

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 18
Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 3

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.”

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 19

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.

tschuggencollection.ch

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 26

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.

arosabaerenland.ch

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 27

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!

kunstmuseum.gr.ch, museumscafe-chur.ch

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 11

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.

krone-lapunt.ch

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.

walserhuus.ch

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.

nationalpark.ch

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 12
Sertig Valley — Davos
Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 1
Swiss National Park — Zernez
Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 10

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.

+41 79 443 74 50

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 14

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

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 9

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.

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 Orma 24 Byfilipzuan Sw

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.

ormawhisky.ch

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 22

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.

valposchiavo.ch, val-muestair.ch, bregaglia.ch

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 0

“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.

kurhausberguen.ch

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.

pizmitgel.ch

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 20
Albula pass
Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 21
Julier pass

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.

origen.ch

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.

glacierexpress.ch

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 25
Origen Festival Cultural — Riom
Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 13
Landwasser Viaduct — Filisur
Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 24

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.

sennerei-andeer.ch

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 23

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.

rofflaschlucht.ch

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 7

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.

landarenca.ch

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 7

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.

grotticama.ch

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 8
The electric spearhead with the four rings, the Audi RS e-tron GT, is not only a chic eye-catcher but also provides an extra dose of power on the Alpine Circle. Thanks to its aerodynamic body, the Gran Turismo achieves a range of up to 500 kilometres. Sustainable and dynamic driving pleasure guaranteed.

“The tranquility and proximity to nature make Castello del Sole one of my favourite hotels.”

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 5

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.

castellodelsole.com

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 6

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.

cardada.ch

25 — Hotel Eden Roc, Ascona

Priceless views are to be had from the shores of Lake Maggiore on the grounds of this legendary hotel. Throw in some palm trees, the Mediterranean climate and the two-Michelin-starred La Brezza by chef Marco Campanella, and you've got yourself a winning combination.

tschuggencollection.ch

26 — Splendide Royal, Lugano

The Splendide Royal on the shores of Lake Lugano is an excellent starting point to discover the city and its surrounding nature. A visit to the renowned art museum Museo d’arte della Svizzera italiana (MASI) or a trip to
the local mountains San Salvatore and Monte Brè are more than worth it. 

splendide.ch, masilugano.ch

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.

andermatt.ch

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.

thechediandermatt.com

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 4
Three-pass Tour: Susten — Grimsel — Furka
Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 2
The Chedi — Andermatt

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.

gasthausambrunnen.com

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.

flimslaax.com

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 17
Rhine Gorge
Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 H MAGAZINE ALPINE CIRLCLE Ecirgb 15
Lake Cauma — flims

Words Martin Hoch
Photos Nico Schaerer

Related Stories

Faster, higher, stronger: visiting the Lausanne Palace, over whose entrances hangs a flag with the Olympic rings, with a muscular Labrador. The hotel is a dream destination for all dogs, from the sporty to the pleasure-oriented. Fortunately, chocolate, cheese and wine doping for the master is legal here.

Discover more

A giant mythological creature, fish in beeswax and fluffy dog beds: at The Alpina Gstaad luxury hotel, animals play more than just an insignificant supporting role. Nevertheless, they also need to be able to behave appropriately, as author Titus Arnu found out during his stay as a guest in Gstaad with his Labrador Oskar.

Discover more

Whether seeking Alpine adventures, culinary delights, or simply looking to dive into Switzerland’s inspired natural beauty, the Engadin has it all. With its stunning landscapes, pristine lakes, and charming villages, it’s no wonder the region consistently ranks as a top destination for travellers seeking unforgettable experiences.

Discover more

Tartare in the bowl, non-alcoholic dog vodka, and Basler Leckerli treats galore: at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, our columnist’s black Labrador enjoys five-star service fit for a king.

Discover more

A colourful evening with fondue, fun and friends in the company of a colour-blind Labrador: despite this apparent contradiction, we spend a delightful time at the ultra-stylish Carlton Hotel in St. Moritz.

Discover more

A welcome refuge from Zurich’s hustle and bustle and the arctic chill voutside, I didn’t exactly expect a female DJ when I first checked into the cool, calm and collected La Réserve Eden Au Lac. No big logos or signs announce the imaginary yacht club entirely designed by Philippe Starck. In the designer’s own words, ‘This hotel is like rock ‘n’ rolling with the Queen of England; everything is traditional yet resolutely unconventional.’ I was immediately intrigued to find out more.

Discover more

The perfect destination for an urban art safari à pied, Switzerland’s largest city and cultural epicentre beckons art enthusiasts from near and far with its miscellany of world-renowned galleries, public art installations, pop-ups and the country’s largest art museum.

Discover more