{{filter.label}}
Holidays in Churwalden
History of Churwalden
Churwalden has deep historical roots dating back to the 9th century, when it was first mentioned as “Silva Augeria.” By the 12th century, a Premonstratensian monastery was established here, which had a significant influence on the development of the village. The Churwalden Monastery, partially preserved, is one of the most notable historical landmarks.
Throughout the centuries, Churwalden developed as a mountain farming community and later as a modest hub for alpine tourism. Its importance grew with the development of the Lenzerheide ski area and the opening of the Pradaschier adventure mountain, boosting both winter and summer tourism.
Description
Churwalden combines traditional Swiss mountain village charm with modern holiday infrastructure. With cozy chalets, well-maintained roads, and alpine meadows, it’s ideal for families, couples, and active travelers. It’s quieter and less commercial than nearby Lenzerheide or Davos, but still offers excellent access to the mountains.
The village is particularly known for its:
Proximity to Arosa-Lenzerheide ski resort
Pradaschier Adventure Mountain with the longest toboggan run in Switzerland
Easy road access from Chur (just 15–20 minutes)
Typical Foods
Churwalden, like much of Graubünden, is known for its regional specialties that reflect Alpine traditions:
Capuns: Swiss chard-wrapped dumplings filled with spiced meat and dough, served in a creamy sauce.
Maluns: A simple dish made from grated boiled potatoes and flour, fried in butter and served with applesauce.
Bündner Nusstorte: A sweet, rich nut cake filled with caramelized walnuts and honey — a must-try.
Plain in Pigna: A hearty Graubünden potato and bacon bake.
Barley soup (Gerstensuppe): A filling alpine soup made with barley, vegetables, and often meat or smoked sausage.
Local alpine cheese and air-dried meats (e.g., Bündnerfleisch) are also widely available.
Activities in Summer
Churwalden is a summer adventure hub, especially for families and outdoor enthusiasts:
Top Summer Activities:
Hiking: Direct access to a vast network of trails in the Lenzerheide region and to panoramic peaks.
Mountain Biking: The Bike Kingdom around Lenzerheide includes challenging trails and flow trails.
Tobogganing (Rodelbahn Pradaschier): The longest toboggan run in Switzerland, 3.1 km, with amazing views.
Rope Park / Climbing Park: High ropes courses for adults and children at Pradaschier.
Paragliding: Take off from the surrounding peaks for a bird's-eye view of the Alps.
Golf & Mini Golf: Golf courses and family-friendly mini golf nearby.
Wellness: Nearby resorts offer spas and wellness facilities with mountain views.
Activities in Winter
Winter in Churwalden is all about snow — with direct access to one of Switzerland’s top ski regions:
Top Winter Activities:
Skiing & Snowboarding: Direct gondola access to the Arosa-Lenzerheide ski area (225+ km of slopes).
Sledging: The winter version of the Pradaschier toboggan run is thrilling and safe for families.
Snowshoe Hiking: Peaceful trails through snow-covered forests and alpine fields.
Cross-Country Skiing: Trails available around Lenzerheide and Parpan.
Ice Skating: Natural and artificial rinks in the region.
Christmas Magic: The area transforms into a snow-globe village with twinkling lights and festive charm.
Shops
Churwalden is a small village, but it provides essential and local shopping:
Sport Shops: Rentals and purchases of ski, snowboard, and biking equipment.
Local Grocery Stores: Small Coop or Volg stores for essentials.
Farm Shops: Selling homemade cheese, honey, dried meats, and jams.
Bakeries: Offering fresh bread, pastries, and regional specialties like nut cake.
Souvenir Shops: Small stores with regional crafts and souvenirs, though for more variety, Chur or Lenzerheide is better.
Festivals & Events
While Churwalden itself is quiet, it participates in regional events and has a few local traditions:
Alpabfahrt (Descent from the Alps): In late summer, cows are decorated with flowers and bells and paraded through the village — a classic alpine tradition.
Village Markets: Local produce and crafts are sold in seasonal markets.
Lenzerheide Events (just minutes away):
Bike Kingdom Feast: Major biking festival with shows, races, and music.
Snowboard/Freestyle Events: Part of the FIS circuit in winter.
Gourmet Festival: Celebrating Graubünden food and wine.
Christmas Markets: Regional Christmas festivities add charm during December.
Nature
Nature is arguably Churwalden’s greatest asset. Surrounded by dense forests, alpine meadows, lakes, and towering peaks, it's a perfect place for anyone seeking peace or adventure.
Highlights:
Pradaschier Mountain: Adventure base with views over the valley and beyond.
Heidsee (Lake Heid): A short drive away; offers swimming, paddleboarding, and picnicking in summer; ice sports in winter.
Lenzerhorn and Rothorn: Panoramic mountain peaks accessible via gondola lifts.
Wildlife: Watch for marmots, deer, and alpine birds while hiking.
Churwalden has deep historical roots dating back to the 9th century, when it was first mentioned as “Silva Augeria.” By the 12th century, a Premonstratensian monastery was established here, which had a significant influence on the development of the village. The Churwalden Monastery, partially preserved, is one of the most notable historical landmarks.
Throughout the centuries, Churwalden developed as a mountain farming community and later as a modest hub for alpine tourism. Its importance grew with the development of the Lenzerheide ski area and the opening of the Pradaschier adventure mountain, boosting both winter and summer tourism.
Description
Churwalden combines traditional Swiss mountain village charm with modern holiday infrastructure. With cozy chalets, well-maintained roads, and alpine meadows, it’s ideal for families, couples, and active travelers. It’s quieter and less commercial than nearby Lenzerheide or Davos, but still offers excellent access to the mountains.
The village is particularly known for its:
Proximity to Arosa-Lenzerheide ski resort
Pradaschier Adventure Mountain with the longest toboggan run in Switzerland
Easy road access from Chur (just 15–20 minutes)
Typical Foods
Churwalden, like much of Graubünden, is known for its regional specialties that reflect Alpine traditions:
Capuns: Swiss chard-wrapped dumplings filled with spiced meat and dough, served in a creamy sauce.
Maluns: A simple dish made from grated boiled potatoes and flour, fried in butter and served with applesauce.
Bündner Nusstorte: A sweet, rich nut cake filled with caramelized walnuts and honey — a must-try.
Plain in Pigna: A hearty Graubünden potato and bacon bake.
Barley soup (Gerstensuppe): A filling alpine soup made with barley, vegetables, and often meat or smoked sausage.
Local alpine cheese and air-dried meats (e.g., Bündnerfleisch) are also widely available.
Activities in Summer
Churwalden is a summer adventure hub, especially for families and outdoor enthusiasts:
Top Summer Activities:
Hiking: Direct access to a vast network of trails in the Lenzerheide region and to panoramic peaks.
Mountain Biking: The Bike Kingdom around Lenzerheide includes challenging trails and flow trails.
Tobogganing (Rodelbahn Pradaschier): The longest toboggan run in Switzerland, 3.1 km, with amazing views.
Rope Park / Climbing Park: High ropes courses for adults and children at Pradaschier.
Paragliding: Take off from the surrounding peaks for a bird's-eye view of the Alps.
Golf & Mini Golf: Golf courses and family-friendly mini golf nearby.
Wellness: Nearby resorts offer spas and wellness facilities with mountain views.
Activities in Winter
Winter in Churwalden is all about snow — with direct access to one of Switzerland’s top ski regions:
Top Winter Activities:
Skiing & Snowboarding: Direct gondola access to the Arosa-Lenzerheide ski area (225+ km of slopes).
Sledging: The winter version of the Pradaschier toboggan run is thrilling and safe for families.
Snowshoe Hiking: Peaceful trails through snow-covered forests and alpine fields.
Cross-Country Skiing: Trails available around Lenzerheide and Parpan.
Ice Skating: Natural and artificial rinks in the region.
Christmas Magic: The area transforms into a snow-globe village with twinkling lights and festive charm.
Shops
Churwalden is a small village, but it provides essential and local shopping:
Sport Shops: Rentals and purchases of ski, snowboard, and biking equipment.
Local Grocery Stores: Small Coop or Volg stores for essentials.
Farm Shops: Selling homemade cheese, honey, dried meats, and jams.
Bakeries: Offering fresh bread, pastries, and regional specialties like nut cake.
Souvenir Shops: Small stores with regional crafts and souvenirs, though for more variety, Chur or Lenzerheide is better.
Festivals & Events
While Churwalden itself is quiet, it participates in regional events and has a few local traditions:
Alpabfahrt (Descent from the Alps): In late summer, cows are decorated with flowers and bells and paraded through the village — a classic alpine tradition.
Village Markets: Local produce and crafts are sold in seasonal markets.
Lenzerheide Events (just minutes away):
Bike Kingdom Feast: Major biking festival with shows, races, and music.
Snowboard/Freestyle Events: Part of the FIS circuit in winter.
Gourmet Festival: Celebrating Graubünden food and wine.
Christmas Markets: Regional Christmas festivities add charm during December.
Nature
Nature is arguably Churwalden’s greatest asset. Surrounded by dense forests, alpine meadows, lakes, and towering peaks, it's a perfect place for anyone seeking peace or adventure.
Highlights:
Pradaschier Mountain: Adventure base with views over the valley and beyond.
Heidsee (Lake Heid): A short drive away; offers swimming, paddleboarding, and picnicking in summer; ice sports in winter.
Lenzerhorn and Rothorn: Panoramic mountain peaks accessible via gondola lifts.
Wildlife: Watch for marmots, deer, and alpine birds while hiking.
Click to show the map