If you're looking for the best things to do in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, prepare to discover a side of the Swiss Alps that goes far beyond hiking trails and mountain views. I've travelled to some incredible destinations in Europe, including many within Switzerland, but Lenzerheide is one place that definitely had the WOW-factor.
One minute you can be high in the mountains surrounded by dramatic Alpine scenery, and the next you're swimming in a crystal-clear lake, hurtling down a mountain on a mountain bike or sitting down to a long lunch with views so spectacular that you forget to eat (true story!). Located in the famous Arosa Lenzerheide mountain region in Graubünden, Lenzerheide is the kind of place that makes you feel grateful when your phone loses signal.
From hiking and biking through the mountains to swimming and water sports on Heidsee Lake, Lenzerheide is an outdoor playground. But it isn't just a destination for hardcore adventurers determined to conquer the next summit, it's a destination that makes adventure feel accessible for all travellers. Lenzerheide calls itself a World of Wonders, and after spending time here, I can see why.
This is a place where you can create your own version of adventure. And honestly? I think that's the real magic of Lenzerheide. This is Switzerland for travellers who want to play outside, try something new and step outside their comfort zone. Whether you're planning an active summer holiday, a girls' trip, a couples' escape or simply looking for somewhere to experience the Swiss Alps at a slower pace, here are the very best things to do in Lenzerheide, Switzerland.
If you're new here, hi, I'm Lucy! Your resident alpine adventure girlie who is on a mission to give women the tools and the confidence to try solo travel. Beyond that, I encourage you to travel differently, to lesser-known and more unique destinations, to have authentic, local travel experiences and connect with a destination beyond tourist tick-lists.
Switzerland is one of my favourite adventure destinations in Europe, so if you love your Swiss adventures, make sure you check out my blogs on Things to do in Crans-Montana in Summer: Adventure Guide and Vaud Switzerland 4 Day Itinerary: Lausanne & Morges. For those winter bunnies, you'll definitely want to read about Ski & Adventure 3 Day Itinerary for Grindelwald and 11 Best Things to do in Grindelwald.
This blog post is a press trip partnership with Switzerland Tourism and Lenzerheide Tourism [AD], but I only ever share my honest reviews & travel experiences.
Planning a visit to Lenzerheide, Switzerland? Here's where you'll find:
- Where Is Lenzerheide, Switzerland?
- What Makes Lenzerheide So Special?
- How to Get to Lenzerheide from the UK
- Can You Explore Lenzerheide Without a Car?
- The Best Hotel to Stay in Lenzerheide
- 14 Best Things to Do in Lenzerheide in Summer (and a bonus one!)
- Take in the Scenic Views from Parpaner Rothorn
- Go Hiking from Piz Scalottas to Piz Danis
- Paddleboard or Swim in Lake Heidsee
- Discover Secret Garden Festival
- Explore the Mountain Biking Trails in Lenzerheide
- Ride the Cable Cars for Incredible Alpine Views
- Eat at a Traditional Mountain Hut
- Try Grisons Capuns, a Traditional Graubünden Speciality
- Pick Up Fresh Local Produce for a Lakeside Picnic
- Meet the Friendly Squirrels in the Woods
- Eat Raclette with Mountain Views
- Stay at a Spa Hotel and Try a Traditional Swiss Sauna
- Start the Day with Sunrise Yoga in the Mountains
- Eat Pizza and Dance to a Live DJ at Kurhaus Bar
- Bonus: Take a Day Trip to Chur, Switzerland's Oldest City
- What to Pack for Lenzerheide in Summer
- Is Lenzerheide Expensive?
- Is Lenzerheide Worth Visiting in Summer?
Book your trip to Lenzerheide
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Where is Lenzerheide, Switzerland?
Lenzerheide is a mountain resort in the canton of Graubünden in eastern Switzerland, surrounded by the spectacular peaks of the Swiss Alps. The village sits at around 1,500 metres above sea level and forms part of the wider Arosa Lenzerheide region, one of Switzerland's largest connected mountain destinations. While Arosa and Lenzerheide are linked by the Urdenbahn cable car, Lenzerheide has its own distinct character, with Lake Heidsee, mountain trails, biking routes and a lively village at its heart. Whether you're visiting for skiing in winter or searching for adventure in the Swiss Alps in summer, Lenzerheide is perfectly placed for getting outside and exploring Graubünden's incredible landscapes.
What makes Lenzerheide so special?
There's something truly special about Lenzerheide that I haven't experienced elsewhere in Switzerland. Perhaps it is the wondrous scenery that will leave you in awe of the country's natural beauty, or maybe it was something to do with the sheer variety of experiences you can pack into one day.
You could start with sunrise yoga on a mountain, hike between Alpine peaks, spend the afternoon swimming or paddleboarding in Lake Heidsee and finish with raclette and a glass of wine overlooking the mountains at an incredible music festival. It has all the dramatic scenery you'd expect from Switzerland, but without feeling like every moment has to be a challenge or an adrenaline rush.
There are mountain bike trails and hiking routes for adventure seekers, but also lakeside picnics, mountain huts, local food and plenty of opportunities to simply slow down. For me, that's what makes World of Wonders Lenzerheide feel so fitting – it's a destination where you can choose your own adventure, whether that means pushing yourself out of your comfort zone or remembering how much fun it is to simply play outside.
How to get to Lenzerheide from the UK:
Getting to Lenzerheide from the UK is surprisingly straightforward, although the final journey into the mountains takes a little longer – and that's all part of the adventure. The easiest option is to fly from London or another major UK airport to Zurich Airport, then continue by train towards Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland, before connecting onwards to Lenzerheide by public transport.
I actually love that final part of the journey: Switzerland is one of those countries where the journey can feel like part of the holiday, with increasingly dramatic mountain views appearing outside the window as you leave the cities behind. I'd recommend checking flight and train times together before booking, particularly if you're arriving late in the day. Hot tip: make sure you get a Swiss Travel Pass for your rail journey – particularly if you plan to travel further across Switzerland like I did. It makes it much easier and cheaper for train travel in Switzerland.
I'll be sharing my guide to the Swiss Travel Pass very soon, so if you need more information – watch this space. If you're planning to explore more of Graubünden, you could also combine a trip to Lenzerheide with time in Chur, Arosa or other destinations in the Swiss Alps.
Can you explore Lenzerheide without a car?
Yes, you can absolutely explore Lenzerheide without a car. In fact, one of the things I loved about visiting was how easy it was to get around once we arrived. I know how expensive and more stressful it can be to hire a car if you're solo travelling, so I always love to champion accessible destinations like Lenzerheide.
The village is walkable, mountain lifts and cable cars make it easy to access the higher trails and viewpoints, and local public transport can connect you with different parts of the region. Public transport is amazing in Switzerland (particularly if you're from the UK!) so it's genuinely a pleasure to use. Depending on your itinerary, you can spend days hiking, swimming in Lake Heidsee, mountain biking and exploring the village without needing to get behind the wheel once.
Of course, having a car gives you more flexibility if you're planning to explore further into Graubünden or visit more remote destinations. But for a summer holiday focused on the best things to do in Lenzerheide, I wouldn't let not having a car put you off. Between Switzerland's excellent public transport and the mountain lifts, you can access a huge amount of this beautiful region without hiring one.
The Best Hotel to Stay in Lenzerheide: Hotel Lenzerhorn
If you're looking for a Lenzerheide hotel that combines traditional Alpine character with somewhere genuinely relaxing to come home to after a day in the mountains, I loved my stay at Hotel Lenzerhorn. Waking up to sunrise mountain views and fresh alpine air each morning was a dream.
Located in the heart of Lenzerheide village, just a short walk from the bus stop, the hotel was perfectly positioned for exploring the destination while still feeling like a peaceful retreat at the end of a busy day. And after spending hours hiking, biking, swimming or chasing mountain views, having a comfortable hotel with a spa to return to felt like part of the experience rather than simply somewhere to sleep.
For me, this is exactly what makes Hotel Lenzerhorn such a great base for a summer trip to Lenzerheide. You can spend your days embracing the adventure outside, then slow things down with a Swiss sauna experience, good food, a night at a festival and a chance to relax. It was also just a short walk from everything I needed, and whenever I needed to go further afield, there was the SportBus and other local buses which were all free or covered by my Swiss Travel Pass.
I'll be sharing a full Hotel Lenzerhorn review separately, but if you're planning where to stay in Lenzerheide, this is one hotel I'd definitely recommend considering. Its central location makes it particularly convenient for travellers who want to explore the village and surrounding mountains without relying heavily on a car. For solo travellers, it's a perfect location and the staff are super welcoming and friendly, and make you feel right at home.
My advice? Don't underestimate how important your hotel can be on an active mountain holiday. Lenzerheide gives you plenty of reasons to spend every day outdoors, so choosing somewhere like Hotel Lenzerhorn – where you can properly rest, recover and enjoy the slower side of the Swiss Alps – makes the whole trip feel even more special.
>> Book your stay at Hotel Lenzerhorn <<
14 Best Things to do in Lenzerheide, Switzerland (and a bonus one!)
1. Take in the Scenic Views from Parpaner Rothorn
If there's one experience that really shows off the scale of Lenzerheide's Alpine scenery, it's heading up to Parpaner Rothorn. High above the village, this is where the landscape suddenly opens up into huge mountain views that make you realise just how vast the Graubünden Alps really are. Once known for ore mining, now the peak towers at 2,861 metres and is better known for incredible views of up to 1,000 peaks.
Riding the Lenzerheide cable car up the mountain from Rothorn Valley Station, the views are already jaw-dropping in seconds and everyone is peering out the windows in awe of the area's mountain views. I found myself caught between wanting to capture the moment and just taking it all in. Whether you're using the mountain as the starting point for a hike or simply riding up for the views, Parpaner Rothorn is one of the best places to experience the beauty of Lenzerheide from above. There's several hiking trails round the summit, plus others that continue down the peak and towards Lenzerheide.
For the mountain bikers, there's also a freeride trail to follow all the way down to the valley. You can also simply take in the views and relax on the sun terrace and enjoy a drink at the panoramic restaurant at the top if you prefer. I recommend visiting in the morning to give yourself plenty of time to explore the top and enjoy the views before the hottest part of the day as there is very little shade. Personally, I loved wandering around the summit (it felt like I had landed on the Moon!) and flying my drone to capture the insane views.
Hot tip: If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, you're also eligible for a discount on your mountain ascent. You can buy tickets at the station.
2. Go Hiking from Piz Scalottas to Piz Danis
You can't visit Lenzerheide in summer without getting out into the mountains, and hiking from Piz Scalottas towards Piz Danis is one of the best ways to do it. This is where Lenzerheide really earned its place as an outdoor adventure destination for me.
The higher you climb, the more dramatic the views become, with Alpine peaks stretching out around you and that wonderful feeling of being completely surrounded by nature. You also have so much choice of Lenzerheide's hiking trails from summit climbs, peak to peak hikes or circular routes. If you're a solo traveller, you can also feel super comfortable that hiking in Lenzerheide feels very safe for a woman alone (checked and vetted by yours truly!).
What I love about hiking in Switzerland is that you don't necessarily need to spend an entire day trekking from the valley floor to earn those views. Mountain lifts can give you a head start, leaving you free to spend your time exploring the higher trails and actually enjoying the landscape.
Hot Tip: How to access this hike
Catch the Scalottas chairlift to access the beginning of the hike, you'll also spot June Hütte which is a lovely spot for lunch. The hike is well signposted, but it can also help to have the map downloaded on your phone as I didn't have very good phone signal up on the mountain.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 4.7km
- Duration: 2:15 hrs
- Highest point: 2,496 m
3. Paddleboard, Kayak or Swim in Lake Heidsee
Lake Heidsee is one of the places that completely changed how I thought about a summer trip to the Swiss Alps. When you picture Lenzerheide, you probably imagine mountain peaks, hiking trails and ski lifts. You might not immediately picture spending the afternoon relaxing on grassy areas, and swimming, paddleboarding or cruising on pedalos beneath the mountains.
But that's exactly what makes this such a special destination in summer. Whether you want to get out on the water and try Lenzerheide's watersports activities or simply find a spot beside the lake and cool off after a hike, Heidsee Lenzerheide offers a completely different way to experience the landscape. And honestly, there aren't many places where you can spend the morning hiking in the mountains and the afternoon swimming in a crystal-clear Alpine lake.
A real highlight of my trip was hiring a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from Lenzerheide Wassersportcenter and spending an afternoon paddling across the lake with views of the mountains. I can't think of a more relaxing afternoon activity for the Swiss Alps, and when the heat of the sun became too much, going swimming in Lenzerheide's fresh alpine waters to cool off.
4. Discover Secret Garden Festival
If you know me, you'll know I have a soft spot for finding incredible music festivals in unexpected places and Secret Garden Festival might just be one of the most beautiful settings I've ever experienced for live music. For anyone looking for a truly unique experience to add to their Lenzerheide itinerary, this is definitely a Lenzerheide music festival worth timing your trip around.
Set against the backdrop of the Swiss mountains, this is the kind of festival experience that feels completely different from spending a weekend in a muddy field surrounded by tens of thousands of people. There's something incredibly special about combining mountain air, live music and that feeling of being somewhere surrounded by locals.
Having been at Paléo Festival – Switzerland's biggest open air music festival – just a few days before, Secret Garden Festival Lenzerheide couldn't have been any more different. An intimate Switzerland music festival set against a mountain backdrop and featuring top Swiss artists including Bastian Baker. The crowd was all locals who felt like family, and while the children played, the parents sang along and waved their hands in the air.
You guys know I love a boutique music festival experience and this one was particularly special, which is why I would recommend it over bigger European festivals.
Hot Tip: The festival is located at Crest'ota – a popular aprés ski bar and restaurant – at the end of July. Tickets sell out fast so make sure you get yours early!
5. Explore the Mountain Biking Trails in Lenzerheide
Lenzerheide is a serious playground for mountain bikers, with trails winding through forests and mountains across the wider Arosa Lenzerheide region. While I'll be honest and say mountain biking terrifies me (read about when I did brave the trails in Crans-Montana) – I did have a lot of fun watching the brave bikers from the cable cars.
Whether you're an experienced rider looking for a challenge or want to try mountain biking for the first time, there are plenty of ways to get out on two wheels. And if you love an adventure that comes with a healthy dose of adrenaline, flying through the Alpine landscape on a bike is a very different way to experience the mountains.
6. Ride the Cable Cars for Incredible Alpine Views
Let's be honest: you don't always need to hike for six hours to enjoy a spectacular mountain view. One of the things I loved about Lenzerheide was how easy it was to access the mountains using the cable cars and lifts. They make it possible to get high into the Alps, even if you're short on time, travelling with people of different fitness levels or simply don't fancy tackling another uphill climb.
For those who struggle with hiking or simply want to enjoy the Swiss Alps views without the challenge, Lenzerheide mountain lifts are a brilliant way to slow down and enjoy the journey. Because in Switzerland, sometimes getting there is just as spectacular as what you find at the top.
7. Eat at a Traditional Mountain Hut
There is something about eating in a mountain hut that makes even the simplest meal feel like an experience. After a morning spent hiking and exploring, sitting down at June Hütte surrounded by Alpine scenery was exactly the kind of slow travel moment I love to build into an adventure-packed itinerary.
While Lenzerheide has plenty of opportunities to get your adrenaline pumping, I love to balance these adventures with slower moments where I can just sit back, relax and soak up the scenery. Taking off my hiking boots, sitting outside and enjoying good food in Lenzerheide with the mountains all around us was a reminder that you don't have to constantly be moving to make the most of a destination.
Hot tip: The hut is located near the top of the Piz Scalottas chairlift and makes a great stop when hiking Piz Scalottas towards Piz Danis. Also, it is cash only so make sure you bring enough!
8. Try Grisons Capuns, a Traditional Graubünden Speciality
One of my favourite ways to understand a destination is through its food, and in Lenzerheide that means making time to try some traditional Graubünden dishes. Grisons Capuns are one of the region's best-known specialities and definitely worth seeking out during your trip.
This is the kind of dish that immediately reminds you you're in the mountains. Local, comforting and deeply connected to the traditions of food in Graubünden, it's a great introduction to the regional cuisine and a reminder that there's much more to traditional Swiss food than fondue and chocolate. If you're wondering what kind of cuisine Lenzerheide is known for, this is a good place to start. The mountain food here is hearty, seasonal and designed to be enjoyed after a long day outside.
Hot tip: I tried these while dining at Hotel Lenzerhorn which is a lovely spot for dinner. Try to reserve a table outside on the terrace with a view of the mountains.
9. Pick Up Fresh Local Produce for a Lakeside Picnic
Not every memorable travel experience needs to involve a ticket, a guide or an organised activity. One of the things I loved most about Lenzerheide was the opportunity to experience the landscape not just through adventure and scenery, but also through the top quality local produce.
Pick up some fresh local produce from the cutest little honest farm shop, Wislers Hofladen, find a quiet spot beside Lake Heidsee and build yourself a proper Swiss picnic. This is the kind of experience that costs very little compared with some mountain activities but can easily become one of your favourite memories of the trip. It's also a lovely way to experience Lenzerheide at a slower pace and build a foodie experience into your afternoon activities and enjoy being outside, rather than finding a restaurant.
Hot tip: Try the local cheese, freshly made bread and I recommend the brownies!
10. Meet the Friendly Squirrels in the Woods
I wasn't expecting one of the highlights of my Lenzerheide trip to involve standing in the woods making friends with squirrels, but here we are. Lenzerheide's forests are home to some incredibly friendly local residents, and this is one of those small, joyful experiences that reminds you why I always prefer leaving space in an itinerary for the unexpected.
The idyllic squirrel forest in Lenzerheide is popular with families, but it's also a beautiful spot to take shade from the hot summer sun next to a trickling stream and watch the birds and squirrels darting through the trees.
Hot tip: If you happen to have a few hazelnuts from the breakfast buffet, they'll likely come right up to you for a little snack.
11. Eat Raclette with Mountain Views
You can't come all the way to the Swiss Alps and not make time for raclette. But eating it with mountain views? That's a completely different experience.
After spending the day exploring Lenzerheide, sitting down to bubbling melted cheese while watching Swiss artists play live as a one-of-a-kind music festival in the Alps is a truly unique experience. It's hearty mountain food at its absolute best and one of those meals that somehow tastes even better after a day spent outside. Sitting there in the sunshine with an Aperol Spritz and watching Secret Garden Festival performances, and children play on the grass was a very contented moment after a busy day of hiking and exploring.
12. Stay at a Spa Hotel and Try a Traditional Swiss Sauna
After all the hiking, biking and mountain adventures, I don't think there is a better excuse to book yourself into a spa hotel. One of the things I loved about my stay at Hotel Lenzerhorn in Lenzerheide was being able to balance active days outside with proper time to recover afterwards. There's something very satisfying about returning from the mountains, swapping your hiking boots for a dressing gown and spending a few hours warming up in the jacuzzi or sauna to relax
If you're looking for a Lenzerheide hotel, I would definitely consider choosing somewhere with a spa. It turns an adventure holiday into something that feels far more indulgent, and your legs will probably thank you after a day in the mountains.
13. Start the Day with Sunrise Yoga in the Mountains
There are some alarms that are worth setting, and waking up before sunrise to do yoga at the top of a Swiss mountain is definitely one of them. I bet you didn't know that you can do sunrise yoga at the top of Rothorn at nearly 3,000m high. Sadly I didn't have time to do this while I was in Lenzerheide but I would 100% go back for this experience!
I'm an early riser anyway – but I think there's something so special about experiencing sunrise when you travel. It always feels so much more special than sunset because only those who are really intentional about their day will make it up. Watching the light slowly change across the mountains while stretching and moving in the fresh Alpine air is one of those experiences that would make the early start completely worth it.
14. Eat Pizza and Dance to a Live DJ at Kurhaus Bar
Just when you think Lenzerheide is all hiking boots, wellness and early mornings in the mountains, the evening takes a very different turn. Kurhaus Bar is proof that a mountain holiday doesn't have to mean going to bed at 9pm with a cup of herbal tea. Pizza, drinks and a live DJ make this the perfect place to head after a day of adventure if you want to experience a more social side of Lenzerheide.
I love including places like this in an itinerary because they show another side of a destination. Travel isn't just about ticking off the big sights – sometimes the memories come from the random nights when you order another drink, the music gets louder and suddenly you realise you're dancing in the middle of the Swiss Alps.
Hot tip: I highly recommend a pizza and tiramisu while you enjoy the vibes.
Bonus: Take a Day Trip to Chur, Switzerland's Oldest City
If you have a little extra time, I'd recommend getting out of the mountains for a day and exploring nearby Chur. Known as Switzerland's oldest city, Chur offers a completely different experience to Lenzerheide. Swap hiking trails and Alpine lakes for historic streets, culture, restaurants and a chance to explore one of Switzerland's most historic urban centres.
This is a great option if you're staying in Lenzerheide for several days and want to add some variety to your itinerary with a Chur day trip. I always think the best trips balance nature with culture, and Chur is an easy way to experience another side of Graubünden.
What to Pack for Lenzerheide in Summer
Packing for a summer trip to Lenzerheide can be a little confusing if you're imagining Switzerland as either hot summer holiday or full-on mountain expedition. The reality is that you'll probably experience a bit of everything. One minute, you're sitting in the sunshine beside Lake Heidsee in your swimsuit. A few hours later, you could be standing at the top of a mountain in considerably cooler temperatures, wishing you'd packed an extra layer. And, because this is the Swiss Alps, the weather can change surprisingly quickly.
My biggest tip for what to pack for Lenzerheide in summer? Don't pack for one type of holiday. Lenzerheide is the kind of destination where you might start the day hiking through the mountains, spend the afternoon swimming in a crystal-clear lake and finish with raclette overlooking the Alps. You need clothes that can keep up. The key is packing lightweight layers that can easily take you from warm valley temperatures to cooler mountain peaks.
Here are the essentials I'd recommend adding to your Lenzerheide summer packing list:
- Hiking shoes
- A lightweight waterproof jacket
- A warm mid-layer
- Sportswear
- Swimsuit
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle
- A small backpack
- A portable charger
- An eSIM: Use code ABSOLUTELY LUCY for 5% off eSIMs or 10% off Monthly Plans
- A camera
- Casual clothes for restaurants and evenings
Think layers rather than bulky outfits. A lightweight waterproof, warm jumper and comfortable activewear will give you far more flexibility than filling your suitcase with clothes designed for one specific activity.
Is Lenzerheide Expensive?
Yes, Lenzerheide is expensive compared with the UK and many European destinations, with higher costs for accommodation, food and transport. However, it can still offer good value if you plan carefully. Keep costs down by choosing a Lenzerheide hotel with useful inclusions, checking for guest benefits, planning mountain activities in advance and making the most of free things to do in Lenzerheide, including hiking, exploring the mountains and swimming in Lake Heidsee. I found that some of my favourite experiences didn't cost anything at all – you just need a good pair of hiking boots and time to get outside.
Is Lenzerheide Worth Visiting in Summer?
Absolutely! Lenzerheide is well worth visiting in summer, especially if you love outdoor adventure, spectacular mountain scenery and getting outside. Before visiting, I'd mainly thought of Arosa Lenzerheide as a winter and ski destination, but summer completely changed my mind. I actually think it might be better in summer because there's so much more you can do beyond skiing and snow sports, it makes adventure more accessible than ever for travellers.
From hiking and mountain biking to swimming and paddleboarding in Lake Heidsee, riding cable cars, eating raclette with Alpine views and discovering local festivals, there are so many things to do in Lenzerheide. But what I loved most was that you don't have to rush. You can fill every day with adventure or simply slow down, take the cable car into the mountains and enjoy the view.
You can come to Lenzerheide to push yourself out of your comfort zone, but you can also come here simply to remember how much fun it is to play outside. That's what the World of Wonders Lenzerheide is really about. I absolutely loved my visit and I know I will definitely be back to explore more of this region.
