Canton of the Grisons

Canton of the Grisons is an administrative division in southeastern Switzerland that covers high mountain ranges, broad valleys and many alpine lakes. This alpine landscape spreads across wide areas and connects remote high valleys with larger towns through winding mountain passes.

Three medieval leagues joined together in the late 15th century and entered an alliance with the Old Swiss Confederacy in 1496. This union laid the foundation for the political structure of the region today.

Three official languages shape daily life in this region, with villages and valleys keeping their own linguistic traditions alive. Visitors hear German, Romansh and Italian side by side and see bilingual village signs that mark the language shift from valley to valley.

Mountain railways and trains run throughout the year, with winter schedules often adding extra connections to ski areas. Hiking trails at higher elevations are usually snow-free and accessible from June to October.

The Swiss National Park within this region is the first protected area in the Alps where any human interference has been prohibited since its founding in 1914. Wildlife moves here without disturbance, and fallen trees remain on the ground so nature can follow its own cycle.

Location: Switzerland

Inception: 1496

Capital city: Chur

Elevation above the sea: 585 m

Part of: Southeastern Switzerland

Shares border with: Canton of Ticino, Canton of Glarus, Canton of Uri, Canton St. Gallen, Vorarlberg, Tyrol, Lombardy, South Tyrol, Trentino-South Tyrol, Province of Como, Province of Sondrio, Gravedona ed Uniti, Livo, Dosso del Liro

Website: http://gr.ch

GPS coordinates: 46.75000,9.50000

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:01