Grisons, also known as Graubünden, is a vast and welcoming region in eastern Switzerland where families can enjoy safety, convenience, and a wide range of activities against a backdrop of pristine alpine scenery. This guide highlights family-friendly vacation rentals and holiday rentals, with a special focus on penthouse accommodation that offers spacious living, private balconies with mountain views, and convenient access to the region’s best destinations. Whether you are planning a winter escape or a summer countryside break, Grisons provides easy transport links, kid-friendly amenities, and experiences that create lasting memories for every generation. For those ready to start their search, searchandstay.com is a practical resource to find accommodations in Grisons, compare vacation rentals, and filter for family-friendly features and penthouse options.
Family-friendly destinations in Grisons
Grisons spans valleys, lakes, and high meadows, with towns known for safe streets, efficient public transit, and welcoming hospitality. The most popular family-oriented bases include Davos, St. Moritz, Klosters, Lenzerheide, Arosa, and Scuol. Each town offers its own flavor—whether you crave a bustling alpine resort, a quiet valley village, or a lakeside promenade—paired with accommodations designed for families, including penthouse flats with multiple bedrooms and child-friendly layouts.
- Davos — Europe’s largest winter and summer escape, with gentle beginner slopes, excellent ski schools, and wide promenades ideal for strollers and family walks. The town’s compact center, modern safety standards, and reliable transit make it easy to move between the lift desks, grocery shops, and hotel entrances.
- St. Moritz — A cosmopolitan alpine hub that blends luxury with family comfort. Here you’ll find well-marked trails, sledding hills, and spa retreats, all within a compact footprint. Penthouse accommodation with panoramic views can be a smart choice for families who value privacy and a central location.
- Klosters — Known for a relaxed atmosphere and family-friendly slopes, Klosters is ideal for younger children learning to ski and for parents who prefer a quieter pace without sacrificing quality dining or easy access to lift bases.
- Arosa — A traffic-free village where kids can roam safely and parents can unwind. Arosa offers gentle beginner areas, toboggan runs, and a charming town center perfect for evening strolls and lakefront picnics.
- Lenzerheide — A family-first destination with a network of easy-to-navigate trails, lakeside activities, and a welcoming village vibe. Its interconnected lift system makes day planning flexible for families with different energy levels.
- Scuol and the Lower Engadin — A gateway to Roman-inspired culture and thermal experiences, with spa-friendly families in mind. Scuol provides fitness-friendly huts, safe walking routes, and kid-focused museums, plus easy access to Alpine passes and scenic rail trips.
When choosing a base in Grisons, consider how the accommodations fit your family’s safety needs and daily routines. A penthouse rental near public transport hubs can reduce car dependence, simplify airport connections (Zurich and Innsbruck are common gateways for international travelers), and keep evening routines predictable for children who benefit from quiet, familiar spaces after a day of adventures.
Penthouse accommodation to suit families
Penthouse accommodation in Grisons is especially appealing for families who want ample living space, flexible sleeping arrangements, and access to private outdoor areas. A well-designed penthouse can provide:
- Multiple bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms to minimize morning bottlenecks and late-evening bedtimes.
- Spacious living areas with kid-friendly seating, durable furnishings, and room to play or do crafts indoors if the weather shifts.
- Child-safety features such as secure balcony doors, stair gates, and appliance safety locks, helping parents relax while preparing meals.
- Well-equipped kitchens or kitchenettes for quick meals between outings, plus in-unit laundry facilities for longer stays.
- Private or semi-private terraces with mountain views, ideal for family meals outdoors and sunset rituals after a day of adventures.
- Proximity to supermarkets, pharmacies, and children's clothing shops, making last-minute needs easy to handle without long detours.
In Grisons, penthouse rentals often sit in proximity to the valley towns and lake shores, which means you can balance action-filled days with restful evenings. Look for properties with safe access points, elevator availability for strollers and heavy gear, and clear safety features such as non-slip floors in kitchens and bathrooms. Many family-focused penthouse options also include extra amenities like high chairs, cribs, and play corners to support convenience-focused planning.
Seasonal activities and experiences for families
The Region offers an impressive blend of winter and summer activities that are both family-friendly and easy to access from penthouse accommodations. The following ideas help you tailor a plan that emphasizes safety, convenience, and joy for every age.
Winter adventures
Winter in Grisons is a dream for families who enjoy structured ski days and snow-based fun. Top activities include:
- Family-friendly ski areas with dedicated beginner zones and gentle blue runs around Davos, Lenzerheide, Arosa, and Klosters. Many resorts offer kid’s ski schools with bilingual instructors, making it easier for non-German-speaking families to learn.
- Fun sledding hills and toboggan runs that are clearly signed and easy to reach from village centers. Look for activities with rental shops offering child-sized equipment and safety gear.
- Snowshoeing and easy winter hiking trails suitable for young children, with scenic viewpoints that reward patient pace and hot cocoa breaks.
- Indoor swimming and spa days to balance outdoor activity, essential for safety-conscious families who want a fallback option on colder days.
Summer and shoulder-season activities
When the snow melts, Grisons reveals a network of trails, lakes, and cultural experiences that are ideal for families who want accessible exploration without long drives between stops:
- Gentle hikes around highland lakes such as Lake Davos or Lake Walen, with well-marked paths and frequent rest stops. Ranger-guided family programs can add an educational layer to your adventures.
- Lake-based activities like paddle boating, gentle stand-up paddleboarding, and family-friendly boat tours that offer safe stowage for small life jackets and sun protection.
- Bike-friendly routes and kid-friendly e-bike rentals that let the whole family explore the Engadine and the Albulapass region at a comfortable pace.
- Romance and culture through village walks, farmers’ markets, and taste experiences with local cheeses, pastries, and Swiss specialties that appeal to kids and adults alike.
Practical planning tips for Grisons families
To make the most of a Grisons vacation, thoughtful planning matters as much as spontaneous discovery. These tips help you optimize safety, convenience, and enjoyment for all ages:
- Plan around altitude and weather: Engadin towns sit at substantial elevations. Start with shorter acclimation walks and allow children to rest when fatigue appears. Pack layers, waterproof outerwear, and sun protection for high-mield sun exposure.
- Choose accommodations with flexible cancellation policies, especially for family trips that depend on weather forecasts. Penthouse rentals with refundable components provide peace of mind for multi-day itineraries.
- Public transport is reliable and efficient across Grisons. Consider a rental car only if you plan to reach more remote valleys; otherwise, use trains and post buses to minimize parking stress and keep to family-friendly schedules.
- Reserve in advance for popular activities, especially in peak winter and summer months. Many penthouse properties can offer hosts who help you book ski schools, sledding passes, or guided family hikes.
- Food safety and dietary needs: Swiss groceries offer a wide selection of fresh produce, dairy, and kid-friendly snacks. If you’re staying in a penthouse with a kitchen, plan some simple meals that suit picky eaters and busy days out.
- Safety on slopes and trails: Keep a simple safety plan for kids, including a meeting point, a basic phone number for emergency services, and a kid-friendly backpack with water, snacks, and extra layers.
Where to find family-friendly vacation rentals
For families focusing on comfort, safety, and convenience, searching for a penthouse or a family-friendly vacation rental in Grisons is a smart approach. Use filters to narrow down options by the number of bedrooms, presence of a fully equipped kitchen, elevator access, private balcony or terrace, and proximity to kid-friendly activities. Target towns with well-trod paths and reliable transit, such as Davos, St. Moritz, Lenzerheide, and Arosa, to minimize travel time between your accommodation and daily adventures.
Consider starting your search on searchandstay.com, a platform designed to help travelers find vacation rentals and holiday rentals in Grisons. The site’s filters make it easier to identify penthouse accommodation with family-centered features, and it often provides photos, exact locations, and user reviews that are valuable for safety-conscious planners. By comparing several penthouse listings, you can quickly identify options that maximize space, privacy, and access to family-friendly attractions.
Sample family itinerary for a Grisons stay
Below is a flexible, family-friendly five-day outline designed for safety-minded travelers who value convenience and memorable local experiences. Adjust the pacing to suit your children’s ages, energy levels, and interests.
- Day 1: Arrival and acclimation — Settle into your penthouse accommodation, unpack, and explore the immediate neighborhood. Pick up groceries, snacks, and a quick lunch. Take a light stroll along a lakeside promenade or through a village square to acclimate to the altitude and local rhythm.
- Day 2: Davos exploration — Visit the Davos Promenade and try a beginner-friendly slope or snowshoe trail if winter, or a lakeside bike ride in milder months. In the afternoon, reserve time at a family-friendly spa or indoor pool to balance outdoor activity with rest.
- Day 3: Adventure near Lenzerheide — Take a gentle hike around the Heidsee (Heidsee Lake) or choose a family-friendly bike ride on a flat trail. End the day with a local fondue or Raclette dinner, with kids’ portions and a kid-friendly menu for fussy eaters.
- Day 4: St. Moritz or Klosters day trip — Choose a light mountain rail ascent for panoramic views, or a scenic train ride on the Bernina Express if weather allows. Return to your penthouse for a relaxed evening and a family movie night in your living room.
- Day 5: Scuol and thermal relaxation — Spend a morning exploring Scuol and then unwind at a thermal or spa facility designed for families. If time permits, visit a local market to pick up Swiss chocolate or regional cheeses as souvenirs.
Local culture, cuisine, and experiences
Grisons blends German-, Romansh-, and Italian-speaking influences, which makes dining and cultural experiences particularly varied and engaging for families. Here are some family-friendly ways to connect with local life:
- Visit local farmers’ markets for fresh, seasonal produce and small bites that introduce children to Swiss food culture in a low-stress setting.
- Try a cheese dairy or small Alpine hut experience where families can watch cheese making, sample fresh dairy products, and learn about traditional Alpine farming practices.
- Explore Romanesque churches, historic granaries, and village museums that provide kid-friendly explanations of regional history and daily life in the Engadin and Davos valleys.
- Sample Swiss specialties in family-friendly settings: fondue, raclette, rösti, and Swiss hot chocolate. Many towns offer kid menus designed for easier choices and shorter wait times.
- Participate in seasonal activities such as winter sledding days and summer festival weekends, which often feature live music, crafts, and opportunities to meet local families and craftsmen.
Safety, accessibility, and practical considerations
Families planning a Grisons vacation should focus on safety, accessibility, and predictability. Swiss hospitality emphasizes quiet, clean, and well-maintained environments, which benefits travelers with children who want reliable routines. Practical considerations include:
- Accessible entryways, elevator access, and interior layouts that support strollers and mobility aids in penthouse accommodations.
- Clear labeling of safety features in rental units, such as gate locks, outlet covers, and corner guards on furniture.
- Proximity to medical facilities and pharmacies in case of minor injuries or illnesses. Knowing the nearest hospital or urgent care location is a practical precaution for families traveling with children.
- Communication: many staff and service providers in Grisons speak English in tourist areas, but learning a few basic phrases in German or Romansh can help with safety and courtesy in mountain communities.
- Weather awareness: mountain weather can change quickly. Always have a plan for rain days, and pack layers, waterproof outerwear, and sun protection for high-altitude exposure.

