Most people associate Switzerland with being a winter destination, a place for snow sports, festive food markets and molten cheese fondue. Few people know where to go in Switzerland in summer. This article is a round up of all the summertime activities for soaking up the sunshine, cooling off and relaxing on a terrace with a view. All of these fun activities are in close proximity to our lovely campus in Passugg, Graubunden.
1. Take a swim in a mountain lake
Want to relax in complete tranquility? Caumasee is known as the jewel of Flims. The beauty of this magnificent lake is the perfect reason to go out for a swim. It is surrounded by forest on three sides, and contains a wooded island in the center of the lake making it picturesque.
Lag la Cresta is another beautiful lake that resides in Kanton Graubünden, with a breathtaking mountain landscape. Lake Cresta offers the most suitable place to cool down on your biking or hiking tour. It is famous for its crystal clear water and is accessible by foot only.
2. Relish an ice-cold Gelato
Switzerland is not only famous for its cheese but offers a vast variety of ice creams too. What better way to cool down than relish a scoop of your favorite ice cream flavor? Evviva Plankis is located in the old town of Chur and it offers a great combination of ice cream flavors.
3. Go on a hike up in the cooler mountains
Do you enjoy hiking? In the mountains it is usually much cooler and more pleasant to spend a hot summer day.
Check out our beautiful Heidiland for an alpine experience which offers a great story and also explore all the places by foot.
4. Mingle in the outdoor pool among the locals
Obere Au sport center is located 15 minutes away from Chur-Passugg and you can go for a nice dip or a swim with your friends and enjoy the benefit of the student discount. You could go bathing in their open-air swimming pool, or enjoy the Nordic walking. They also offer fitness lessons, with a sauna and solarium available all year long which you could benefit from.
5. Some wellness to spoil your heated body
Who does not enjoy a relaxing time? Salzkeller, which is located in Chur, offers the pleasure of weightlessness and relaxing in your private ambience. It relieves your joints, tendons, sore bones and muscles with its “floating” techniques.
6. Do you know what "Kneipping" is?
The ancient Romans already used water treatments to heal various diseases. Sebastian Kneipp took up that concept and developed different treatments with the healing power of water. You can follow the footsteps of Sebastian Kneipp and experience various Kneipp treatments in the Graubünden mountains.
Go on a walk, along which various refreshing and relaxing Kneipp treatments will be pointed out, which stimulate the blood circulation and cool down your body. You bathe our elbows in the cold well water, lie in the meadow to only hear and smell or walk with bare feet over dancing cones. At the end you have to cross a brook, which is secured with a rope. A guaranteed tingling and refreshing experience!
7. Relax at a scenic terrace
Here is are selection of 6 must-visit terrraces in proximity to Passugg.
Panorama Restaurant, Tschiertschen
Alpina Resort & Spa, located in the heart of Tschiertschen, a small village 15 minutes away from our campus, offers a breathtaking view of the mountains. Our students never miss an opportunity of a wine tasting session that takes place on selected Wednesdays. It also has an amazing menu for lunch and dinner, and the best part is that it is open all day long. So go grab your drink and mesmerize the view of the beautiful mountains.
Tip: Try the cheese platter at Panorama restaurant
Restaurant Moby Dick, Obere Au
Moby Dick is a café located in the sports center of Chur, which offers a variety of activities including hiking, cycling, mountain biking etc. What better way to enjoy the summer than enjoy the city view with your friends on a terrace? You could participate in activities and then relax at the restaurant afterwards. Fun and relaxation, all at once.
Tip: Take the benefit of the student discount at Obere Au Sports Center
La Meridiana, Chur
Italian cuisine, a glass of prosecco, and a mesmerizing view of the city… all at the same time. Enjoy all of this in one place, La Meridiana! It has exciting offers for students and a completely new experience. It is perfect for groups to hang out and do reserve beforehand. You can only reach this place with the help of an elevator since there are no steps.
Tip: Do not go without reservation
Calanda Restaurant
This is one of our most favorite places to go to on a sunny day or in the evening. There is a beautiful ground terrace where you could just chill with your friends and enjoy a cold beverage. It is a 5-minute walk from the main train station, which makes it easily accessible for you. Calanda also offers great brunches on Sunday (reservation required).
Tip: Try the vegetarian pasta for veggie lovers. And definitely try their little bites of chicken nuggets, wedges and more.
Viva Berg Baiz, Chur
This restaurant claims to take you to their location is 720 seconds. The Chur-Brambrüesch cable car takes you 1,600 vertical meters up to their “traditional” mountain restaurant. It is considered to be the epitome of peace and beauty around it. It is the experience that counts, isn’t that what hospitality is about? Take a day off and try this mountain restaurant. Whether for a short excursion, a drink after work or an authentic dinner in the midst of the splendid Grisons nature - in the Viva Berg Baiz you will always remember a postcard panorama.
Tip: Try the cheese fondue here
Tres Amigos, Chur
Tres Amigos is the perfect place to try out Mexican food and cool off with some cocktails. The best part is that it is situated at the train station and offers a lovely view under the shades of trees. Relish the heat with a cool drink and savor your taste buds with Mexican cuisine. Their liquor infused desserts are also a must try.
Tip: The nachos are really delicious