Arosa Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, activities to do, food to eat, and culture to experience in Arosa, Switzerland with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Arosa

Located in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland, Arosa is a popular all-year-round holiday destination. Situated at an altitude of 1800 meters, Arosa is known for its stunning natural beauty, scenic landscapes, and a vast array of outdoor activities that attract adventure enthusiasts worldwide.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a look at the best places to visit, things to do, food to eat, and the local culture to experience in Arosa.

List of Places to Visit in Arosa

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Arosa has a rich cultural and historical heritage, and visitors can explore its history by visiting these popular museums and historical places:

  • Arosa Bear Sanctuary - A sanctuary established in 2018 for two bears after Switzerland banned the practice of dancing bears.
  • Weisshorn Speed Descend - A historic toboggan run built in 1909 that descends 3.1 kilometers down the mountainside.
  • Spa & Wellness Center Arosa Bärenland - A world-class resort and spa that offers a variety of treatments and activities to help visitors relax and unwind.

Natural Attractions of Arosa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Arosa is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can explore its stunning natural beauty by indulging in the following activities:

  • Skiing and Snowboarding - Arosa is known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities with 225 km of slopes.
  • Sledging - Arosa has four different toboggan runs, and visitors can enjoy sledging down the mountainside at their own pace.
  • Snowshoeing - Arosa also offers snowshoeing for those who want to explore the winter wonderland on foot.
  • Hiking - In the summer, visitors can explore Arosa’s stunning hiking trails, offering breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys, and lakes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Arosa

Arosa is a popular destination for hikers and bikers alike, with an extensive network of trails catering to all levels. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Arosa:

  • Weisshorn Hike - Taking you to the summit of Weisshorn where the views are stunning.
  • Lenzerheide Bike Park - A thrilling bike park with tracks for riders of all levels.
  • Urdenbahn Bike Trail - A challenging and technical downhill trail, starting at the top of the Urdenbahn gondola and ending in Arosa.

Best Things to Do in Arosa: Activities and Tours

Arosa offers a wide range of activities and tours for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the best things to do in Arosa:

  • Aerial Ropeway Arosa-Lenzerheide - Take in the stunning views of the Grisons Alps in a comfortable cable car ride.

  • Explore the town of Arosa. See the landmark Obersee lake and other attractions like Bear Sanctuary.

  • Ice Skating - The ice rink in the center of Arosa is the perfect place to enjoy skating outdoors.

  • Golfing - Arosa offers a picturesque golf course with breathtaking views of the mountains.

Week-Long Itinerary for Arosa

Day 1: Arrive in Arosa and explore the town.

Day 2: Take the Weisshorn gondola and summit trail for a stunning view of the surroundings.

Day 3: Experience skiing or snowboarding at your own pace.

Day 4: Take a guided snowshoeing tour through a winter wonderland.

Day 5: Go ice skating at the rink in town.

Day 6: Play golf at one of Arosa’s golf courses.

Day 7: Relax and unwind at the Spa & Wellness Centre with a soothing massage or facial.

Food and Drink Scene of Arosa

Must-Try Dishes

Arosa is known for its traditional Swiss dishes. Here are some of the must-try dishes when in Arosa:

  • Cheese Fondue - a traditional Swiss cheese dish, made with melted cheese, served with bread and potatoes.

  • Roesti - a crispy, fried potato dish served in an array of accompaniments.

  • Birchermuesli - A popular Swiss breakfast dish made from oats, milk, and fruits.

Local Beverages

Arosa being a winter destination, there’s nothing better than bingeing on hot beverages. Here are some of the local beverages that you can try in Arosa:

  • Glühwein - A hot, spiced wine served in traditional ceramic mugs.

  • St. Galler Beer - A locally-brewed beer that pairs perfectly with Swiss cheese.

Where to Stay in Arosa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Arosa offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay in Arosa:

  • Tschuggen Grand Hotel - A world-class hotel with luxury amenities.

  • Hotel Seehof - A mid-range hotel with excellent facilities and comfortable rooms.

  • The Sunstar Alpine Hotel - A popular three-star hotel that offers comfortable rooms.

What to Buy in Arosa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to take back home from Arosa:

  • Chocolates - Switzerland is known for its chocolate, and Arosa has its fair share of chocolatiers.
  • Skiing Gear - Arosa is a popular skiing destination, and you can find all sorts of skiing gear to help you hit the slopes.
  • Swiss Watches - Switzerland is famous for its watchmaking industry, and Arosa offers a range of Swiss watches to suit all budgets.

Local Culture and Customs of Arosa

Arosa is known for its unique local customs and traditions. Visitors can experience these customs by attending local festivals and events. Here are some of the local traditions:

  • The Arosa Humorfestival - An annual comedy festival held in December
  • Saisserlaenden - A hallmark of Swiss heritage.

Best Time to Visit Arosa

Arosa is popular all year round, with something to offer every season. The best time to visit Arosa largely depends on your interests.

If you want to indulge in winter sports, the best time to visit is from November to April. If you’re interested in hiking and outdoor activities, it’s best to visit from June to October.

Do’s and Don’ts of Arosa

Do:

  • Dress in layers to stay warm during the chilly winter months.
  • Respect the local culture and traditions.
  • Keep your surroundings clean and litter-free.

Don’t:

  • Ignore the local customs and traditions.
  • Leave litter in public areas.
  • Argue or engage in confrontational behavior with locals or fellow tourists.

Safety and Health

Safety in Arosa

Arosa is a safe destination for tourists, with low rates of violent crime. However, visitors should take precautions to ensure their safety, like locking valuables and car doors.

Health in Arosa

Arosa has well-equipped medical facilities to deal with any health-related emergencies. Visitors are advised to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover any medical expenses.

Getting to Arosa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Arosa

The closest airport to Arosa is Zurich Airport (ZRH), located 170 km away from Arosa. From the airport, visitors can take a train to Chur, and then take the Arosa train to Arosa.

Bus Stations Near Arosa

Arosa is connected by a reliable bus network. Visitors can take a bus from Chur or Zurich to Arosa.

Other Options

Visitors can also drive to Arosa or take a train. The train ride from Zurich to Arosa takes around three and a half hours.

How to Get Around in Arosa

Arosa is a small town, and most of the attractions are easily accessible on foot. Visitors can also take the local bus or rent a bicycle to get around the town.

Where to Go Next from Arosa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some of the popular nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Chur - the capital of the canton of Graubünden, located just 30 minutes from Arosa.
  • Lenzerheide - another popular winter sports destination located just a short drive from Arosa.
  • Davos - the highest town in the Alps boasting of natural beauty with scenic views.

Conclusion

Arosa is a stunning destination with something to offer every visitor. Whether you’re a winter sports enthusiast or an outdoor adventure lover, Arosa should be on your travel wishlist. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can plan your visit to Arosa with ease and have an unforgettable experience.

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