Gourmet Escapades
Courses and workshops
Immerse yourself in the culinary culture of Valposchiavo with a cooking class in Poschiavo.
From July to October, learn to cook the emblematic Taïadin and Tortelin da pom with Loreta, every Friday. In addition to learning the secrets of these two recipes, you can discover the history of the valley through the fascinating memories of this native of Valposchiavo.
Pizzoccheri are a local specialty that cannot be ignored in the valley. Every Thursday you can get your hands dirty with Ornella, from the Ristorante Motrice, who teaches food lovers how to prepare these delicious buckwheat tagliatelle. The course ends with a tasting session.
Guided tours… and tastings
Many tours are offered to discover the culinary traditions of Valposchiavo. Learn more about the different specialties of the region in the four corners of the valley!
In Brusio
The Misani winery invites wine and spirits lovers to discover its world. After visiting the cellars and the old distillery dating back to 1888, you will be able to taste the delicious wines of Valtellina… and the homemade grappas. Cheers!
In Campascio
Discover the wonderfully colourful world of berries with the Berry Tour, offered all year round. The tour starts at the Agriturismo Coltiviamo Sogni and continues to the fruit growing. Berries, fruits, juices, and jams can be tasted at the end of the tour.
The best way is to combine a visit to the orchards… and the vineyards! From November to May, the Wine Tour Valgella offers a visit to the vineyards of La Perla with the tasting of Valtellina wines and a snack based on local products.
At La Prese
In the area, the world of herbs is a real treat… or rather a real treat. After a 100% Valposchiavo lunch, you can visit the fields of Raselli Erboristeria Biologica before learning more about the various stages of processing herbs on the farm. A sensory experience to be enjoyed between June and October.
In Poschiavo
The town of Poschiavo allows you to discover two worlds: coffee and beer. By early 1990s, a roaster was already operating in the area! Today, his son Renzo and his friend Franco have taken over the business and produce Cafè Bernina. The visit allows to see how the green coffee is mixed and roasted. The different coffees are then tasted.
For those who prefer hops to caffeine, head to Birraria Poschiavina. The history of this brewery dates back to 1850, when the Hosig-Lardi family started creating their own beer. Since 2020, the company has resumed operations and produces aromatic beers with the same local ingredients as before. A tasting of two beers completes this visit.
Take advantage of a stop in Poschiavo to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Valposchiavo by visiting the historic Hotel Albrici. A nice plate of pizzoccheri – a typical dish of the region – and a glass of wine will conclude this cultural activity.
In San Carlo
A visit to the Aino Mill allows you to immerse yourself in the rural life of the 18th century. In this artisanal centre, a mill, a sawmill and a forge work with the same stream, transforming cereals into flour, logs into boards and metal into different objects. A pond, a wash house and an outdoor workshop complete this historic place.
Don’t miss a visit to Caseificio Valposchiavo, one of the first fully organic dairies in Switzerland. After the visit, a tasting of organic cheese awaits you.
In Viano
Learn more about working on the farm at Pedretti Farm. You can get up close and personal with the animals… and taste the company’s delicious organic products!
The taste of the past
The Museo Poschiavino and the Aino Mill have joined forces to offer unique opportunities to discover the local cuisine and the traditions that accompany it. Several itineraries are available, combining the history of the valley, the preparation of typical recipes and tasting of local products.
With “Il grano saraceno ai cinque sensi”, follow the path of a buckwheat seed from the field to the plate between the Aino Mill and the Casa Tomé. Casa Tomé invites you to try, smell, taste and compare different local flavours in the “Percorso sensoriale”. “Sulle tracce dei Pasticcieri” traces the history of the Poschiavo emigrants in direct connection with the culinary secrets of this region.
Dolce Vita 100% Valposchiavo
With its picturesque villages of enormous charm, its irresistible “dolce vita” atmosphere, its breath-taking landscapes and its immense cultural and culinary wealth – Valposchiavo is a region to discover without hesitation!
The icing on the cake is that the 100% Valposchiavo project places particular emphasis on the sustainability and authenticity of its products, which are processed and matured directly in the valley, giving them an exceptional quality.
Let yourself be seduced by these local specialties during a stay in the region, including 2 nights in a hotel, a dinner with a guided tour, a visit to the village Borgo di Poschiavo, the guide of the region… without forgetting the Valposchiavo All Inclusive Guest Card.
100% Valposchiavo – “La Valle del Trenino Rosso UNESCO”
100 years have passed since the emblematic UNESCO red train first appeared between St. Moritz and Tirano. A breath-taking journey that offers a spectacular entrance to the Valposchiavo. To discover the no less breath-taking products of the valley, book a special 3-day package in Valposchiavo, including 2 nights in a hotel, 2 dinners, 1 lunch… and the trip on the red train of course!
Restaurants of the Valposchiavo
By signing the “100% Valposchiavo” charter, 13 restaurants have committed themselves to giving local products a prominent place on their menu. At least three dishes must be composed only of products grown and prepared in the valley.
To taste the quality products of the region’s organic agriculture, a trip to the restaurant is ideal! Consult the menus, reserve your table… and enjoy this exceptional moment.
Other discoveries
A stay in Valposchiavo is rich in experiences, each one more delicious than the next. In addition to a particularly varied culinary offer, there are many cultural and natural expeditions to be made in the valley. Discover them without delay!
Hiking in Val da Camp – a sapphire jewel in an emerald mountain forest
Between glaciers and the balmy climes of the Mediterranean, Valposchiavo has a unique microclimate, inviting you to explore its beautiful landscapes and mountain scenery. One of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Alps is in Val da Camp. You can go on an easy and varied mountain hike from Alp Camp to Lagh da Saoseo. On the way, there’s another gem: the mountain lake Lagh da Viola.
Cultural escapades
To learn more about Valposchiavo and its traditions, there are several options. You can choose to take guided tours to discover more about the different facets of the valley through passionate people: towns and villages, architecture, culinary traditions, energy and so much more. You can also explore the history and culture of the valley by visiting its various museums. Educational and entertaining thematic tours allow you to discover glaciers, streams, agriculture, and energy.
Palace with Italian architecture
This is an original facet of the valley. The historic centre of Poschiavo, a surprisingly small town with 1,700 inhabitants, is full of cultural buildings that are well worth a visit: the monasteries, one of which has been transformed into a charming guest house, the Romanesque and Gothic churches, the baroque oratory Sant’Anna with its memento mori… Don’t miss the district of neoclassical palaces of Palladian inspiration with their unheard-of gardens: these residences were built by emigrants who made their fortune abroad in the pastry business.
Local craftsmanship
Poschiavo is home to one of Switzerland’s last remaining artisanal textile companies: Tessitura Valposchiavo. The factory produces high quality fabrics, accessories, and clothing with various raw materials such as cotton, linen, hemp, wool, cashmere and silk. And if you like jewellery, don’t miss the “Stone-Art” workshop, in the heart of the historic centre of Poschiavo.
Natural wonders
With altitudes ranging from 500 to 3,900 meters, the valley has an incredible diversity of climates, which is accompanied by an exceptional flora and fauna. It’s time to explore these lands!
The best way to go on an adventure is by hiking… or biking. Whether you want to walk for a few hours or trek for several days, be guided by the legends of the valley or by its flora, everything is possible in Valposchiavo.
In the region, water is discovered in all its forms: the “Bernina Glaciers” shape the landscape between the Engadine and the Valposchiavo. Thanks to the Bernina line, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is possible to easily access these spectacular places, sculpted by thousands of years of history.
In addition to its glaciers, Valposchiavo has exceptional mountain lakes. And there are many of them! Lake Palü, recognizable by its turquoise blue colour. Lake Caralin, born from the retreat of the glacier. Lake Mat, hidden in the heart of the Val dal Saent. Lake Saoseo, nestled in the Cal da Camp. Make your choice… and get hiking!
For plant and animal lovers, try the Acquasela Trail along the creek of the same name. Informative signs will teach you more about the incredible diversity of the region’s flora and fauna – and an educational format is even available for younger travellers.
Other activities
For sports lovers, a visit to the valley does not mean a break from exercise, on the contrary: paragliding, swimming, golf and yoga will exceed your expectations!
Recurring events
Festival delle erbe spontanee
The “Festival Delle Erbe Spontanee” is held in May, when the meadows are in full bloom. This enogastronomic, cultural and social event aims to show the great botanical biodiversity that characterizes the Alpine valleys.
A rich program allows visitors to dive into the world of herbs through guided tours, lectures, classes – not to mention a market and a lunch. Music completes this festive and gourmet event!
straMangiada
In the middle of summer, in July, the “straMangiada” invites the gourmets to a culinary walk along seven kilometres of small roads between the villages of San Carlo and Le Prese. It is an opportunity to discover the quality products of the Valposchiavo during ten stages!
Musical entertainment completes this delightful walk to discover the landscapes, the villages and the culinary specialties of the valley. At the end of the tour, it is possible to buy the products you have tasted… to bring a little bit of Valposchiavo back home!
Settimana della Castagna
In mid-October, Valposchiavo celebrates the chestnut with the traditional “Settimana della Castagna”. For a whole week, everything revolves around the chestnut! Tasty menus in local restaurants, guided tours of chestnut groves… and 100% Valposchiavo Brasché (i.e. roasted chestnuts) for everyone! Numerous cultural events complete this festive autumn week.
The climax of the “Settimana della Castagna” is the “Sagra della Castagna”, which is celebrated on the last day of the festival in Brusio.
Paneneve
At the beginning of December, the “Tröcc di Gandun” trail is transformed into a wine and food experience above Brusio. In a magical setting, nine gourmet stations with regional specialties are held by actors from the valley. Music, dance, animals, games, and spiritual moments punctuate this magical path.
Special packages
If you stay at least two nights in a Valposchiavo Turismo partner hotel, you can benefit from the Valposchiavo All Inclusive Guest Card which offers many advantages. Free transportation with several companies and free access to various museums and activities are included.
Accommodation in Valposchiavo
To go to Valposchiavo is to make a wonderful journey to the bottom of the canton of Graubünden. To take roads that were once impassable, to find yourself in an exceptional place that seems cut off from the world. Between palm trees and glaciers, mountains and valleys, this extraordinary region cannot, and should not, be visited in a rush.
In order to fully enjoy the many facets of Valposchiavo, choose your dream “home”. Hotel or guesthouse, private apartment, or group accommodation, camping or even a stay in a historical building: there are many options for accommodation in the valley!