The short answer
Pick two of Graubünden's three main regions based on what your trip is for, and don't overpack the days. In summer this is a place built for being present and doing very little on purpose, and a list of sights won't tell you that.
I spent time in Graubünden in August 2026 on a Virtuoso-affiliated study tour, with extra days on either end. This is what I'd tell a client who asked me where to start.
What do the top-10 lists miss about Graubünden?
They miss the pace. A list gives you things to see, so people plan Graubünden like a touring trip. The region rewards the opposite.
In Davos, I noticed people walking everywhere just to enjoy the walk. It wasn't hiking. I'd compare it to golf without the frustration. The most interesting part was that they weren't walking on trails in a national park, they were often walking on private property, the same areas where cows were grazing! It's obvious that Switzerland is a place that values nature and wellness as a way of life, not as an add-on to a busy week.
The region is also spread across more than one town, and the three I visited each have a different feel. St. Moritz is classic glam. Even in the summer it is obvious that this is a place by and for icons. Davos is famous in it's own right, but isn't pretentious. Their hockey stadium is a cathedral and worth a visit. Bad Ragaz is absolutely charming. Step off of the resort into a classic Swiss village.
How do you choose between St. Moritz, Davos, and Bad Ragaz?
Choose by who the trip is for. Here is how I'd pair them:
Couples: St. Moritz and Bad Ragaz. Spas, and dinner at Muottas Muragl.
Graduates: St. Moritz and Davos. A lot to do outdoors.
Girlfriends: Bad Ragaz and Zurich. Wineries and a spa.
Give yourself time to explore each area. I'd recommend a minimum of three nights to enjoy the resorts, spend time exploring the villages, and have time to take part in the many outdoor activities. You don't want to rush any of these locations.
What moments stood out?
Schatzalp, in Davos. The botanical garden and the whimsical art took me back to trips with my grandparents, which were so often built around gardens. It reminded me that travel comes down to connection with the things and people you love. Looking out over a native botanical garden into the valley and the mountains all around invites you to linger, breathe in the fresh air, and reconnect with yourself. When you've had enough of that, give the alpine sled a whirl!
Muottas Muragl. The funicular ride up and dinner at the top. Honestly, you could make a day trip of this, but if you are headed up for a romantic dinner, don't miss the sunset. Order an aperitif, sit on the patio, and watch night fall over the valley.
The Landwasser Viaduct train. Getting to the Viaduct was an amazing adventure on an open-air train, a must for sure. Then seeing the viaduct, created in a time before all of the modern machinery we have now, took my breath away. The scale makes you feel small in the best way possible.
The cow parade. The tour I'd planned from Bad Ragaz didn't happen, and we saw a cow parade instead. I thought it was better. This wasn't staged, it was the local farmers bringing their cows home from a summer grazing in the mountains. The villagers were there to cheer them on, and the event felt festive and celebratory. I've been to many a homecoming parade in Texas during football season, and this was the same vibe, but better!
What would I do differently?
I'd pick two of the three regions, based on what the trip is meant to do for the people on it. Trying to fit all three means more moving and less being there.
I'd also keep the days light. Graubünden in summer is a region for presence and real leisure, and a packed schedule works against that. And that's it, I wouldn't change another thing. The resorts were awesome, our guides fantastic, and each place more charming than the last.
Questions people ask
How many regions should I plan for? Two. Which two depends on who is traveling and what the trip is for.
Does Graubünden pair well with Zurich? Yes. I spent independent days in Zurich before and after the study tour. Zurich is often used as a layover for the next place, and I disagree with that. Stay 2-3 nights to explore, spend a day at the lake, go shopping, and eat lots of chocolate. You won't be sorry!
Is Graubünden a good choice in summer? I was there in August and thought so. It's a region built for slowing down. In late August/early September the weather was lovely and we didn't miss the air conditioning. Europe has seen some heat waves in the past years, and Switzerland isn't immune, so keep that in mind if you are traveling during July or early August. Many resorts in the highest parts of the country do not have "American" air conditioning, and it could get uncomfortable.
Where should we stay? On the study tour I stayed at the Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz, the AlpenGold Hotel in Davos, and the Grand Resort in Bad Ragaz. Kulm is a dream for families. AlpenGold is a piece of modern art and has the vibe to match. Bad Ragaz's wellness cannot be matched, it is what they are known for and for good reason.
Where to start
If you're thinking about Graubünden, fill out my inquiry form and tell me a little about who's traveling and what the trip is for. I'll start my research before we talk, and we'll use the discovery call to choose the two regions that fit.
Krystal Weiss, CTA, is a Virtuoso-affiliated travel advisor based in Houston, Texas, specializing in milestone travel: graduation trips, anniversaries, and honeymoons. She is the founder of AWK Travel.