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Beautiful Engadin houses dot the scenic village of Bergün (or Bravuogn in Romansh) in Switzerland. In the midst of the mountains, it is charming and compact. On one side of the village, there is an elegant hotel. Located on the Albula railway line, Bergün is also well known for its breathtaking toboggan route from Preda and for being one of Graubünden’s most beautiful villages. This article explores Bergün and all the 10 best things to do there.
Where is Bergün, Switzerland located?
The village of Bergün lies in Albula Valley (Albulatal in German, Val d’Alvra in Romansh). This valley is a 20-kilometer-long valley in Central Grisons through which the Albula river flows. This valley stretches all the way from Albula Pass to Schin Gorge.
The following places make up Albula Valley:
| Bergün/Bravuogn Latsch Stugl Filisur Mutten | Alvaneu-Bad Alvaneu Surava Tiefencastel Vaz/Obervaz (not fully) | Alvaschein Schmitten Brienz/Brinzauls Vazerol Lenzerheide plateau (not fully) | Lantsch/Lenz Mon Stierva Solis |
Bergün, Switzerland is a small village quite unlike the larger resorts like St. Moritz and Davos. The beauty of this place comes from its peace and quiet, which allows you to slow down and enjoy it all.
This village also receives little car traffic in winter when the Albula Pass is closed because cars tend to take the Julier Pass to reach the Engadine region instead. The serenity and coziness of the village in winter make it attractive to people who are seeking it, as well as those coming with younger children.
The village may be small and quiet, but there are still a lot of activities available. One of the reasons is that it is part of Parc Ela – Switzerland’s largest nature park.
Below, you will see a list of things to do in Bergün, Switzerland.
10 Best Things to Do in Bergün, Switzerland
1. Experience the Albula / Bernina Railway Line
The Rhaetian Railway route runs along the Albula/Bernina landscapes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bergün is right there in the middle of it. A heritage route stretching from Thusis to St. Moritz and Tirano, Bergün is a fantastic destination for railway enthusiasts.
From Bergün, you are also quite near the Landwasser Viaduct. The world-famous Landwasser Viaduct is the most spectacular construction in the 63-kilometer Albula Railway Line between Thusis and St. Moritz.
The train ride through the Albula and Bernina landscapes is one of the best things that you can do, not only in Bergün, but in the entire country. It is an unforgettable journey through some breathtaking scenery.
2. Visit the Albula Train Museum
In Bergün, you can visit the Bahnmuseum Albula located near the train station. This museum is located along the Albula line of the Rhaetian Railway (Rhätischen Bahn in German). In it, you can learn about the locomotives, the railways, the tunnels, and the viaducts. It is open from Tuesdays to Fridays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is closed in November.
2008 saw the accolade for the two railway lines: The route between Thusis and Tirano, around 122 kilometres long and more than 100 years old, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List under the title “Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscape”
Graubünden Tourism
3. Sled Down the Preda-Bergün Toboggan Run
Bergün features one of the most impressive sledding runs in Switzerland, with several kilometers of winding routes. In winter, Preda-Bergün toboggan runs through many kilometers and offers spectacular views of snow-covered mountains. In the dark, it makes the floodlit toboggan ride even more exciting, especially when you go under the railway line. Additionally, it is well-prepared and safe.
The toboggan run winds down the pass road between Preda and Bergün. Due to the closure of the Albula pass in winter, you can safely ride your toboggan here.
Sledges can be rented at the starting point and in Bergün. Getting to the starting point of the sled ride requires taking the train.
Darlux also offers a sled run. Nevertheless, I think that the Toboggan run at Preda-Bergün will be more enjoyable and special for all.
4. Hike around the Albula Valley
From Bergün, you can hike to Val Tuors. Val Tuors is a side valley of the Albula Valley and consists of seven larger and smaller settlements. It is not inhabited all year round. The well-maintained access road to Chants is released in the spring once the conditions are deemed good after the snow melts. It remains open until the onset of winter towards late autumn.
You can also hike Holzweg Bergün, a 4.5-kilometer theme trail with nine stations with games and activities. It will take around two hours to complete the hike.
The Albula Railway Adventure Trail (Bahnerlebnisweg Albula) is another popular hike. The railway adventure trail in Albula/Bernina provides exciting insights into the history of the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway. Hiking from Preda to Filisur via Bergün will give you a glimpse of the Rhaetian Railway.
5. Ski in the Village or in Darlux
For small children, there is a small practice slope near the village center. Otherwise, this small ski resort has 25 kilometers of slopes with 5 lifts (2 chair lifts, 3 drag lifts). For beginners or children learning to ski, it is the perfect ski resort.
If you would like to read more about other small ski resorts, you can check out our article 33 Small Ski Resorts in Switzerland.
6. Drive through the Albula Pass
Bergün, Switzerland is a great place to begin exploring the Albula Pass. The Albula Pass route goes between Thusis and La Punt.
The Albula Pass is incredibly beautiful and lies in the heart of the Albula Alps. Its highest point lies around 2,312 meters above sea level with a maximum gradient of 12%. The pass road is around 30 kilometers long.
You can drive through Albula Pass in summer when it’s open. Instead of passing Julier Pass or Flüela Pass, this is a good alternative to getting to Engadine valley by car.
7. Walk around Lai da Palpuogna
A stunning, untouched lake called Lai da Palpuogna is nestled in the middle of mountains and forests. You’ll find it in the village of Preda, in Bergün, Graubünden. This beautiful lake is located 1,917 meters above sea level.
In a 2007 television program of the Swiss channel SRF 1, the lake was voted as the most beautiful place in Switzerland.
Lai da Palpuogna as it is known in Romansh (Palpuognasee in German) is a mountain lake at Albula Pass. It is a really lovely lake with a blue-green color that is surrounded by a beautiful and peaceful environment.
If you would like to learn more about Lai da Palpuogna, you can check out our article The Stunning Lai da Palpuogna in Bergün, Switzerland.
8. Explore Parc Ela
Switzerland’s largest nature park, Parc Ela, is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural treasures. Due to its location in the heart of the Parc Ela region, Bergün is an excellent starting point for exploring the region.
There are many places of interest in Parc Ela, such as the Kesch-Ducan region, Alp Falein, Belfort Ruins, Alp Flix, and the Lunghin Triple Watershed.
Alp Flix is one of my favorite places in Parc Ela, so I highly recommend exploring it. The Lunghin Triple Watershed above Septimer Pass is also interesting since this is where raindrops make their way to one of the three seas:
- The Inn River flows into the Black Sea
- The Mera River flows into the Adriatic Sea
- The Julia River flows into the North Sea
If you would like to read more about Alp Flix, you can check out our article Discover Alp Flix in Val Surses, Switzerland.
9. Discover the Nearby Villages
Bergün is one of ten villages of national significance in Parc Ela. Nine other villages worth visiting in the area are listed below:
- Alvaneu
- Alvaschein
- Brienz
- Filisur
- Latsch
- Riom
- Salouf
- Stierva
- Stugl
10. Pamper Yourself in Kurhaus Bergün
This charming Swiss village is home to Kurhaus Bergün. This elegant hotel offers a wellness center where you can relax with a massage, sauna, and baths.
As places are limited, you must book directly with Kurhaus Bergün should you wish to pamper yourself here.
How to Get to Bergün, Switzerland
Bergün can easily be reached by train from Chur or St. Moritz. You can also take your car all the way to Bergün. It is critical to note that you can only access the Albula Pass during summertime if that is your preferred route.
| By Train | Bergün/Bravuogn |
| By Car | Bergün Parking Lots List available here: https://www.berguen-filisur.graubuenden.ch |
Where to Eat in Bergün, Switzerland
Hotel Ladina Restaurant is a restaurant I would highly recommend. All of us enjoyed our meals, and the service was excellent as well. It is close to the train station (Address: Bahnhofstrasse 3, 7482 Bergün/Bravuogn).
Where to Stay in Bergün, Switzerland
Final Thoughts: Bergün, Switzerland
Visit Bergün, a picturesque village, for a truly lovely experience. Many interesting spots can be found nearby, including other historical villages, glaciers, lakes, and mountain passes. Train enthusiasts can visit the Albula Railway Museum and the world-famous Albula Bernina Railway.
For those of you who may have heard that Bergün no longer allows photography, this was simply a marketing ploy employed by Graubünden Tourism. There’s no problem taking as many pictures as you want. In fact, many picture-worthy spots can be found nearby, with captivating views of mountains and lakes.
For outdoor adventures, Bergün is also a pleasant place to hike in summer and ski and sled in winter. So whenever you’re looking to get away from it all, Bergün is definitely worth a visit! You won’t regret planning your trip today.
Resources
- Südostschweiz. Das Kapitel «Fotografierverbot Bergün» ist geschlossen. Südostschweiz, 28 February 2018. Accessed on 6 February 2023. https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/tourismus/2018-02-28/das-kapitel-fotografierverbot-berguen-ist-geschlossen.
- Parc Natiral Regiunal. Parc Ela: Discover the largest nature park in Switzerland, December 2021.
- Parc Natiral. Entdecken & Erleben, 2020.