When you come to a land that is covered with high mountains where capricorns graze, and where the names of places sound unfamiliar, you have reached Graubünden.
In the heart of it, there is Lenzerheide, a place well known for its world-class events (think Lenzerheide Motor Classics or the Mountain Bike World Cup). But Lenzerheide is also infamous as a family-friendly destination with its hotels, hiking paths, and playgrounds specifically catering to families. Yes, my last visit to this mountain resort left the impression that this region has much to offer.
Now, check out my family-friendly Lenzerheide tips:
Catch the sneaky fox on the Foxtrail scavenger hunt
Allow me to recreate the scene: The sun is stroking your cheeks, and flowers of countless colors are spread around the flickering Heidsee lake with mountains in the background. They really did a good job choosing the setting for "Anda", the first Foxtrail in the Lenzerheide region.
During this mostly flat, two to three hours long path, you have to find hidden messages and solve different mysteries to follow a fictional fox. Spoiler alert: This Foxtrail may or may not involve an underwater robot, a talking bench, trees hiding secrets and even being able to go behind and turn on/off a waterfall!
Along the trail, there is a children's playground, and dining facilities are never too far away. The trail is suitable for families with children from 8 years of age.
The youngest member of our Foxtrail testing crew seemed to be very happy about taking part in this adventure! The lovely models are Deja from the Girlfriend Guide to Zurich and her son who tested for family friendliness. (And just so you know, Lenzerheide passed the test!)
Meet, play and learn with Globi
Do you know Globi, the beloved Swiss travel bird? He is likely the favorite cartoon character of any Swiss child. And as it turns out, he lives in Lenzerheide!
Head to the only themed Globi Hiking Trail in Switzerland. There, kids aged 6 to 12 years can learn about the surrounding nature, take part in a workshop to build a birdhouse, look for treasures, do handicrafts with natural materials, and more.
There are also Globi children's parties where they can personally meet him and have fun together with games, face painting, photoshoots, and other exciting activities.
Take it to the heights of Piz Scalottas for great views
Hop on the chairlift in Val Sporz and enjoy the ride! It will take you past trees so close you can almost touch them, over flowering meadows with pasturing cows, up to Tgantieni.
Up there, a restaurant and two playgrounds await mountaineers and hobby hikers. Also, the Globi hiking trail starts at this location at 1796 meters above sea.
For impressive views over Lenzerheide, the Domleschg valley, and endless mountaintops, head up further to Piz Scalottas:
In case you go there in the month of June, you can take a small walk along fields of Enzian – the symbolic alpine flowers. (Be careful not to stomp them – I have never seen such huge plantations of the Enzian before!).
At the very least, have lunch or a cool beverage at the mountaintop restaurant:
For digs, stay at the family-friendly
Hotel Lenzerhorn Spa & Wellness****
Last but not least, finding an appropriate hotel where the well-being of children is not left behind, is an important part of having a great holiday experience. My recommendation is Hotel Lenzerhorn, located right in the center of the town. (It is literally a one-minute walk from the bus station.)
From a friendly reception to children's slippers neatly put on their bed, and from a big playroom to free access to the children’s swimming pool at the neighboring hotel, Hotel Lenzerhorn has everything to cater to the needs of your offspring.
With babysitting services available at request, parents can have some time off and rejuvenate at the hotel's own spa. There are four different saunas, an ice igloo for cooling off, an indoor swimming pool, and a heated outdoor jacuzzi/brine pool.
For an afternoon "Zvieri" snack, head to the newly opened cafe Senda nearby. The kids will love it because they serve children's cappuccino for a small taste of adulthood...
My verdict about Lenzerheide as a family destination
There are so many things to do around Lenzerheide: Take the longest tobbogan run in Switzerland, a special children's bike park, the fairy tale, and story festival, and other children's events throughout the year. One weekend in Lenzerheide is simply not enough!