A weekend in Valposchiavo
Experience
Whirlpools, glacial mills, large cave-like overhangs: these impressive natural wonders in the Cavaglia Gorge were previously hidden from view and inaccessible to visitors. Thanks to bridges and stairways, the gorge is now accessible on foot. All the more reason to visit the Cavaglia Glacier Garden, a ten-minute walk from Cavaglia railway station. The friendly giant Grummo also lives in the Glacier Garden. Anyone who solves the riddle of his giant strength will receive a little surprise.
May to October, free admission. Guided tours: adults CHF 10, children CHF 5, free with a guest card.
www.ggc.swiss
Little lake pirates are up to mischief on Lake Poschiavo. Together with Captain Lardi, they are searching for a lost treasure. With pirate shouts, pirate wine and plenty of stories on board, the Sassalbo – the largest ship in the canton of Graubünden – chugs across Lake Poschiavo. A tasty morning snack is available to satisfy your appetite.
17, 24, 31 July and 7 August, 9.30 am–12.30 pm. Sea pirates: CHF 10, free with guest card. No bookings; please check whether the trip is taking place.
www.sassalbo.ch
Pluschin is the star of the children's treasure hunt along Repower's green energy trail from the Ospizio Bernina to Cavaglia. After a long snowflake-induced slumber in the glacier, the little water droplet awakens in Lago Bianco. On his whirlwind journey through reservoirs, water pipes and turbines, he discovers the secrets of hydroelectric power generation at twelve stations. Anyone who accompanies Pluschin to the end of his journey will receive a little surprise. The mini-booklets are available from the tourist information offices in Poschiavo and Pontresina.
www.repower.com/gruppe/freizeit/oekostrompfad
On the Bernina Pass, the mountains are turned upside down – at least in the Camera Obscura at the maintenance base of the Graubünden Civil Engineering Office. Through a tiny 20 mm hole in the outer wall, the outside world is projected in mirror image into the walk-in camera. A unique way of viewing the landscape and a journey into the history of photography.
The Camera Obscura can only be visited on guided tours. 3 July–9 August, 2–7 October daily, 5–7 June, 4–6 September Saturdays and Sundays only. Adults CHF 10, children under 16 free.
www.camera-obscura.ch
Enjoy
You can experience nature with all five senses on the Armonia sensory trail in the enchanting forest of Garbella. Barefoot, you walk over pieces of bark, roots, pine cones, soft moss and sharp stones. Scents, shapes, colours, sensations and sounds stimulate the senses. And at ten stations, you can try your hand at simple yoga exercises.
www.valposchiavo.ch/armonia
Where do the berries we buy at the supermarket come from? At least some of them grow in Nicolò Paganini's berry fields, very close to the Brusio Circular Viaduct. The Berry Tour reveals just how much passion and manual labour goes into these berries , making the «frutti di bosco» taste even sweeter afterwards. The tour ends at Agriturismo Coltiviamo Sogni, where berries, fruit, fruit juices and jams are waiting to be tasted.
May to October. By appointment. Adults CHF 15, children aged 6–15 CHF 7.50, children under 6 free. The tour is free with a purchase of CHF 40 or more.
www.coltiviamo-sogni.ch
Accommodation
In San Romerio, you can stay on a secluded mountain pasture, 800 metres above Lake Poschiavo. You can sleep in the straw at the Pedretti family's farm. At Lake 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 cyclists can prepare for bigger trails.
San Romerio: www.sanromerio.ch (1 night for a family with 2 children from 220 CHF)
Sleeping in the straw: www.aziendapedretti.ch (1 night for a family with 2 children from 60 CHF)
Camping Cavresc: www.campingcavresc.ch (1 night for a family with 2 children from 41 CHF)
Further family-friendly hotels and accommodation at www.valposchiavo.ch/kinder
Casa Zurcà in Poschiavo is ideal for large families. This historic house is situated just a short walk from the village centre, in a quiet spot near the river. It features several lovely bedrooms and a large dormitory, as well as a lounge and dining room, a well-equipped kitchen and a terrace.
For more information, visit zurca@gmx.ch; www.airbnb.com/h/casazurca (5 nights for 2 families, each with 2 children, from CHF 1,200)
Good to know
If you stay for at least two nights in one of the participating hotels, you will receive the «Valposchiavo All Inclusive Guest Card». With this guest card, you can use public transport throughout the valley, visit all museums and enjoy a wide range of sporting activities free of charge. www.valposchiavo.ch/guestcard