Have you ever dreamed of visiting a mountain resort that offers stunning views and exciting activities all year round? If so, you should definitely consider Lenzerheide as your next travel destination. Lenzerheide is a sunny alpine valley located in the Canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. It is a popular winter and summer health resort for families and sports enthusiasts, as well as a partner holiday resort of the United Nation Childrens Fund UNICEF that loves families. Lenzerheide is also a place where you can enjoy the culture and cuisine of the region, and experience the warmth and hospitality of the locals.
In this article, you will discover the best things to do and see in Lenzerheide, as well as some tips and recommendations for planning your trip. Whether you are looking for a winter wonderland or a summer paradise, Lenzerheide has something for everyone. Let's get started!
Why Visit Lenzerheide?
There are many reasons why you should visit Lenzerheide, but here are some of the most compelling ones:
- Lenzerheide has a sunny climate that makes it pleasant to visit in any season. The average temperature in summer is around 20°C, and in winter it is around -5°C. The valley also enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year, which means you can always admire the beauty of the landscape and the sky.
- Lenzerheide has a diverse landscape that offers a variety of scenery and experiences. You can admire the lake, the mountains, the forests, and the meadows, and enjoy the fresh air and the tranquility. You can also explore the park-like countryside, which is home to many rare plants and animals, such as the Alpine rose, the edelweiss, the marmot, and the ibex.
- Lenzerheide is a family-friendly destination that caters to the needs and preferences of all ages and interests. It is one of the few resorts in Switzerland that has received the UNICEF quality label, which means it offers a safe and welcoming environment for children and their parents. It also has a range of facilities and services, such as playgrounds, childcare, family hotels, and family packages, that make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
- Lenzerheide is an easy destination to reach and explore. It is only 150 km away from Zurich, and you can get there by car, train, or bus in less than two hours. Once you are there, you can use the public transportation system, which is efficient and affordable, or rent a bike, a car, or a scooter, to get around the valley and the nearby attractions. You can also walk or hike to most of the places, as the distances are not too long and the paths are well-marked and maintained.
What to Do in Lenzerheide in Winter?
Lenzerheide is a snow ensured ski resort in winter and a well visited place in summer. If you are a fan of winter sports and activities, you will not be disappointed by what Lenzerheide has to offer. Here are some of the best things to do and see in Lenzerheide in winter:
- Skiing and snowboarding:
Lenzerheide is a paradise for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. It has 225 km of groomed slopes that cater to all levels of difficulty and preference, from easy to expert, from wide to narrow, from sunny to shady. It also has a 360 degree sunshine experience, thanks to the two sides of the valley that have sun either in the morning or in the afternoon. It also has a variety of offers and events, such as SnowNight, Full Moon Skiing, and Early Bird, that provide a special fun experience. It also has a modern and efficient ski lift system that connects Lenzerheide with Arosa, creating one of the largest ski areas in Switzerland. It also has a ski school and a ski rental service that offer professional and friendly assistance to beginners and advanced skiers alike.
- Cross-country skiing:
Lenzerheide is also a great place for cross-country skiing, as it has 40 km of cross-country skiing trails that run through the valley and the forest, offering a scenic and peaceful experience. The trails are suitable for both classic and skating styles, and for all levels of ability and fitness. You can also join a guided tour or a lesson, or rent the equipment from the cross-country skiing center.
- Sledding:
Lenzerheide is also a fun place for sledding, as it has 15 km of sledding runs that range from easy to difficult, from short to long, from gentle to steep. You can enjoy the thrill of sliding down the slopes, or the joy of riding a horse-drawn sleigh. You can also rent a sledge from the sledding center, or bring your own.
- Bavarian curling:
Lenzerheide is also a unique place for Bavarian curling, which is a traditional winter sport that originated in Germany. It is similar to curling, but with wooden discs instead of stones, and with a smaller ice rink. You can play it with your friends or family, or join a tournament or a lesson. You can also rent the equipment from the Bavarian curling center, or bring your own.
- Winter hiking and snow shoeing:
Lenzerheide is also a wonderful place for winter hiking and snow shoeing, as it has 80 km of winter hiking trails and 40 km of snow shoe trails that offer a different perspective of the valley and the mountains. You can admire the snow-covered landscape, the frozen lake, and the clear sky, and enjoy the silence and the fresh air. You can also join a guided tour or a lesson, or rent the equipment from the winter hiking and snow shoeing center.
How to Experience Lenzerheide in Summer?
Lenzerheide is not only a winter destination, but also a summer destination that offers a lot of activities and attractions for visitors. Here are some of the best things to do and see in Lenzerheide in summer:
Hiking:
Lenzerheide is a perfect place for hiking, as it has 170 km of marked hiking trails that lead to various destinations, such as the lake, the peaks, the alpine pastures, and the mountain huts. You can enjoy the views, the nature, and the culture, and discover the secrets and stories of the valley. You can also join a guided tour or a lesson, or rent the equipment from the hiking center.
Biking:
Lenzerheide is also a paradise for bikers, as it has 300 km of marked bike trails, 850 km of GPS tours, and 16 downhill courses. You can choose from different levels of difficulty and style, from easy to hard, from cross-country to freeride, from flowy to technical. You can also experience the thrill of the Bike Kingdom Park, which is one of the largest and most diverse bike parks in Europe. You can also join a guided tour or a lesson, or rent the equipment from the bike center.
Swimming:
Lenzerheide is also a wonderful place for swimming, as it has the Lido, which is a public outdoor pool that offers a heated swimming pool, a children’s pool, a diving pool, a slide, and a sunbathing area. You can also swim in the Lake Heidsee, which is a natural lake that has a water temperature of up to 23°C in summer. You can enjoy the refreshing water, the scenic surroundings, and the relaxing atmosphere. You can also rent a boat, a paddle board, or a kayak from the lake center.
Surfing, sailing, and fishing:
Lenzerheide is also a place where you can enjoy some water sports, such as surfing, sailing, and fishing. You can try windsurfing or kitesurfing on the Lake Heidsee, which has a steady wind and a flat water surface. You can also sail on the lake, which has a sailing school and a sailing club that offer courses and rentals. You can also fish on the lake, which has a variety of fish species, such as trout, perch, and pike. You can also join a guided tour or a lesson, or rent the equipment from the water sports center.
Golfing:
Lenzerheide is also a place where you can play golf, as it has a 18-hole golf course that is located at an altitude of 1400 m above sea level. You can enjoy the challenging and scenic course, which has a length of 5700 m and a par of 69. You can also practice your skills at the driving range, the putting green, or the pitching area. You can also join a guided tour or a lesson, or rent the equipment from the golf center.
Where to Stay and Eat in Lenzerheide?
Lenzerheide is not only a place where you can have fun and adventure, but also a place where you can relax and indulge. Here are some of the best places to stay and eat in Lenzerheide:
Hotels, resorts, and chalets: Lenzerheide has a wide range of accommodation options that suit different budgets and preferences. You can choose from luxury hotels, cozy resorts, or charming chalets, and enjoy the comfort and convenience of their location, facilities, and services. Some of the most popular and recommended places to stay in Lenzerheide are:
Hotel Schweizerhof: This is a 4-star hotel that is located in the center of Lenzerheide, close to the ski lifts, the bike trails, and the lake. It offers spacious and elegant rooms, a wellness area, a restaurant, a bar, and a terrace. It also has a family-friendly atmosphere, with a kids’ club, a playground, and a games room. It also has a special offer for families, which includes a free stay for children up to 12 years old, a free ski pass for children up to 6 years old, and a free bike rental for children up to 14 years old.
Hotel Kurhaus: This is a 3-star hotel that is located in the heart of Lenzerheide, close to the bus station, the shops, and the restaurants. It offers modern and cozy rooms, a spa area, a restaurant, a lounge, and a garden. It also has a lively and vibrant atmosphere, with live music, events, and parties. It also has a special offer for bikers, which includes a free bike pass, a bike wash station, a bike storage room, and a bike repair service.
Chalet Heidsee: This is a 2-star chalet that is located on the shore of the Lake Heidsee, surrounded by nature and tranquility. It offers rustic and comfortable rooms, a shared kitchen, a dining room, and a balcony. It also has a romantic and relaxing atmosphere, with a fireplace, a sauna, and a hot tub. It also has a special offer for hikers, which includes a free hiking pass, a hiking map, a hiking backpack, and a hiking guide.
Restaurants, cafes, and bars:
Lenzerheide has a rich and diverse gastronomy that offers local and international cuisine. You can choose from fine dining, casual dining, or fast food, and enjoy the taste and quality of their menu, ambiance, and prices. Some of the most popular and recommended places to eat in Lenzerheide are:
Restaurant Scalottas: This is a fine dining restaurant that is located in the Hotel Schweizerhof. It offers a gourmet menu that features regional and seasonal specialties, such as the Graubünden platter, the capuns, and the pizokel. It also offers a wine list that includes local and international wines, such as the Malanser, the Pinot Noir, and the Merlot. It also has a cozy and elegant atmosphere, with a fireplace, a piano, and a terrace.
Restaurant Fastatsch: This is a casual dining restaurant that is located in the Hotel Kurhaus. It offers a varied menu that features international and fusion dishes, such as the burger, the pizza, and the curry. It also offers a beer list that includes local and craft beers, such as the Calanda, the Quöllfrisch, and the Bieraria Tschlin. It also has a lively and vibrant atmosphere, with live music, events, and parties.
Cafe Heidsee: This is a fast food cafe that is located on the shore of the Lake Heidsee. It offers a simple menu that features snacks and drinks, such as the sandwich, the salad, and the coffee. It also offers a stunning view of the lake and the mountains, and a relaxing atmosphere, with a sunbathing area, a playground, and a boat rental.
Lenzerheide is also a place where you can enjoy some of the unique features of its gastronomy, such as the fireplaces and the cozy mountain inns. You can warm up and cozy up by the fire, and enjoy some of the traditional and hearty dishes, such as the fondue, the raclette, and the rösti. You can also visit some of the mountain inns, which are located along the hiking and biking trails, and enjoy some of the homemade and fresh dishes, such as the soup, the bread, and the cheese. Here is a video that shows you what the fireplaces and the mountain inns in Lenzerheide look like: [video]
What to See Near Lenzerheide?
Lenzerheide is not only a place where you can have fun and adventure, but also a place where you can explore and discover. Here are some of the best places to see near Lenzerheide:
Chur:
This is the oldest city in Switzerland, and the capital of the Canton of Graubünden. It is located about 20 km away from Lenzerheide, and you can get there by public bus in about 40 minutes. You can find the bus schedule and ticket prices here: [bus]. In Chur, you can explore the old town, which dates back to the Roman times, and visit the cathedral, the churches, the museums, and the galleries. You can also enjoy the cultural and culinary offerings, such as the concerts, the festivals, and the markets.
Davos:
This is the highest city in Europe, and one of the most famous ski resorts in the world. It is located about 40 km away from Lenzerheide, and you can get there by train in about an hour. You can find the train schedule and ticket prices here: [train]. In Davos, you can experience the winter sports and activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and sleigh riding. You can also visit the attractions and landmarks, such as the Kirchner Museum, the Schatzalp, and the Parsenn.
St. Moritz:
This is one of the most glamorous and exclusive ski resorts in the world, and the host of two Winter Olympics. It is located about 60 km away from Lenzerheide, and you can get there by train or by cable car in about an hour and a half. You can find the train and cable car schedule and ticket prices here: [train] and [cable car]. In St. Moritz, you can enjoy the luxury and elegance of the hotels, the shops, and the spas. You can also admire the beauty and charm of the lake, the mountains, and the glaciers. You can also participate in the sports and events, such as skiing, bobsleighing, polo, and horse racing.
Engadin:
This is one of the most scenic and diverse regions in Switzerland, and the home of the Romansh language and culture. It is located about 80 km away from Lenzerheide, and you can get there by train or by car in about two hours. In Engadin, you can explore the natural and cultural wonders of the valley and the villages, such as the Swiss National Park, the Muottas Muragl, and the Guarda. You can also experience the traditions and customs of the locals, such as the sgraffito, the chalandamarz, and the engadiner nusstorte.
We hope this article has inspired you to visit Lenzerheide and enjoy its amazing attractions and activities. Lenzerheide is a place that will make you fall in love with Switzerland and its natural beauty.
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