A weekend in the Valposchiavo
On the trail of smugglers, magicians and glaciers: Exciting adventures and impressive nature experiences await the whole family in Graubünden's southern valley between Engadin and Veltlin.
Experience
Smuggling was once an important economic activity in Valposchiavo near the border. Today, young smugglers have the opportunity to discover the valley in the footsteps of the little smuggler Dino. Dino has twelve secret hiding places. They are located near bus and railway stations. Anyone who finds ten hiding places will be accepted into Dino's gang and receive a share of his treasure. The treasure map with the clues is available free of charge from Valposchiavo Turismo at Poschiavo railway station. www.valposchiavo.ch/dino
Whirlpools, glacial mills, large cave-like overhangs: these imposing natural beauties in the Cavaglia Gorge were inaccessible to visitors for a long time. Thanks to bridge elements and stairways, the gorge is now accessible. All the more reason to visit the Cavaglia Glacier Garden, a ten-minute walk from Cavaglia railway station. The glacier garden is also home to the friendly giant Grummo. Anyone who solves the riddle of his giant powers will receive a little surprise.
May to October, free admission. Guided tours on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 2.00 pm, meeting point: Cavaglia railway station, adults 10 Fr., children 5 Fr., free with guest card . www.ggc.swiss
Little sea pirates are up to mischief on Lago di Poschiavo. Together with Captain Lardi, they are in search of a lost treasure. With pirate cries, pirate wine and lots of stories on board, the Sassalbo - the largest ship in the canton of Graubünden - chugs across the Lago di Poschiavo. A delicious snack is served to quench your hunger.
16, 23, 30 July, 6 August, Saturday 9.30 0.30 am, Seepiraten: 10 Fr., free with guest card. No reservation, please check whether the excursion is taking place. www. sassalbo.ch
Pluschin is the protagonist of the children's quiz along Repower's Via Energia from Ospizio Bernina to Cavaglia. After a long snowflake sleep in the glacier, the little drop of water wakes up in Lago Bianco. On his rapid journey through reservoirs, water pipes and turbines, he learns the secrets of hydropower production at twelve stations. Anyone who accompanies Pluschin to the end of his journey will receive a little surprise. The mini-booklets can be obtained from the tourist information centres in Poschiavo and Pontresina. www.repower.com/via-energia
Enjoy
The legend trail tells stories of witches, saints, sorcerers and salvanchi, strange wild men who roam the forests and mountains of Valposchiavo. The trail starts just behind the little church of San Pietro above Poschiavo railway station. A wonderful panoramic view of the valley and a barbecue area reward the little hikers. If you would like to find out more about the sagas and legends of Valposchiavo, you can buy the new hiking guide «Von Hexen, Heiligen und Wilden - Mythische Orte im Puschlav» from the tourist information centre at the railway station.
The Pedretti family lives in Viano, a small hamlet high above the valley floor. There they run the organic farm Azienda Pedretti, which is happy to open its doors to young guests who are allowed to pet the pigs and hens. This is followed by a tasting of the farm's own organic products. If you fancy a night on the straw, you can also spend the night on the farm.
Daily tour and tasting, 10 Fr., registration by the day before on 079 222 00 71, aziendapedretti.ch
Overnight stay
You can spend the night in San Romerio on a lonely alp, 800 metres vertically above Lago di Poschiavo. At Lago di Poschiavo in Le Prese, there are not only numerous family-run hotels and a campsite, but also a mini-golf course and a pump track where young bikers can prepare for the big trails.
San Romerio: 1 night for a family with 2 children from 220 Fr. sanromerio.ch. Camping Cavresc: 1 night for a family with 2 children from 41 Fr., campingcavresc.ch. More family hotels and accommodation at www.valposchiavo.ch/kinder
Casa Zurcà in Poschiavo is ideal for large families. The historic house is situated a few steps from the village centre in a quiet location near the river. It has several beautiful bedrooms and a large dormitory as well as a lounge and dining room, a well-equipped kitchen and a terrace.
5 nights for 2 families with 2 children each from 1200 Fr. Info: www.airbnb.com/h/casazurca
Good to know
The Valposchiavo All Inclusive Guest Card is available for stays of at least two nights in one of the contracted hotels. With the guest card, public transport throughout the valley, admission to all museums and a wide range of sports activities are free of charge.
www.valposchiavo.ch/guestcard
