Moving in Graubünden – from Chur to the Engadine

Graubünden lies entirely within the Alps and is the largest canton in Switzerland by area. Half of its territory lies above 2,100 m above sea level. As of 30 September 2025, 206,730 people lived here; with 29 inhabitants per square kilometre, Graubünden is the most sparsely populated canton. A move in Graubünden therefore almost always leads into a valley, and which valley it is makes a big difference.

Three seas, around 150 valleys

The canton has around 150 valleys, 615 lakes and 937 mountain peaks, rising to Piz Bernina at 4,049 m. The lowest point, at 253 m, is on the Moesa river at the border with Ticino. The rivers flow in three different directions:

• the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein via the Rhine to the North Sea
• the Inn from the Engadin via the Danube to the Black Sea
• the Misox with the Calancatal, the Bergell and the Puschlav via the Po to the Mediterranean
• the Münstertal to the Adige

For your move this means: many valleys can only be reached via their own access roads, which cannot be linked to one another. We clarify the route, vehicle size and carrying distance during the inspection, on site or by WhatsApp video, and check whether a furniture lift makes sense.

Every Swiss climate type

Every climate type found in Switzerland occurs in Graubünden. In northern Graubünden the humid Atlantic airflow dominates, the inner-Alpine areas are noticeably drier, and in the southern valleys the Mediterranean climate can already be felt. In the Tujetsch and Medels, intersecting northern and southern airflows lead to high precipitation.

We therefore plan a moving date in the Engadin under different conditions than one in the Graubünden Rhine Valley. We agree the date with you and, if needed, organise furniture storage in case the new flat is only ready later.

German, Romansh, Italian

Graubünden is the only canton with three official languages. 74.7 per cent of the population speak German, and 13.9 per cent each speak Romansh and Italian (2020 census). Romansh is spoken in the Surselva, in parts of central Graubünden, in the Engadin and in the Münstertal, Italian in the southern valleys and in Bivio. In the Prättigau, in Davos and in the Schanfigg many people speak Walser German, and Samnaun is the only place in Switzerland with a Bavarian dialect.

For a move to a Romansh- or Italian-speaking Gemeinde (municipality), we clarify with you in advance which documents you should have ready for the parking space reservation, and we organise it for you.

Municipal autonomy and tourism

Historically, Graubünden has probably the most pronounced municipal autonomy in Switzerland. There are currently 100 political municipalities; in 2001 there were still 212. Since 2016, eleven regions have replaced the former districts. The most important economic sector is tourism, at around 14 per cent of gross domestic product; winter tourism was invented in Graubünden in 1865. For hotels, practices and businesses we handle office relocations outside operating hours.

Graubünden borders Glarus, St. Gallen, Uri and Ticino, as well as Liechtenstein, Austria and Italy. From Zurich we plan your move to any valley in Graubünden, on request also on a Saturday with no Saturday surcharge.

Frequently asked questions

Who can hand over my holiday flat in Graubünden to the movers if I cannot travel there myself?
A person you trust who has a key is enough, such as neighbours, the caretaker or the property management. Beforehand we agree together in writing which furniture comes along and what stays, ideally with photos. That way the team can clear the flat in the valley while you wait at your new home.

How do you plan moving day for a move from Zurich to the Misox or Calancatal?
With an early start and a well-practised team that loads quickly at the moving-out address, because the drive across the Alps takes up a large part of the day. Our carpenters dismantle wardrobes during loading and reassemble them straight away in the valley. If you want to know the maximum amount beforehand, you can agree a cost ceiling after the inspection.

How do you protect furniture when moving to the rainy Tujetsch or Medels?
With protective blankets for wood and upholstery and floor protection from the building entrance onwards, so that wet shoes leave no marks. Boxes are not left standing outdoors but go straight from the van into the house. We wrap bedding and electronics additionally if the path from the stopping place to the front door is longer.

Where do you reserve the stopping place for a move from Chur to Ilanz/Glion or Thusis?
At both ends: once with the City of Chur for moving out and once with Ilanz/Glion in the Surselva or with Thusis in the Domleschg for moving in. We submit the application for you, and each municipality bills its own fee. Because the route follows the Rhine and no pass crossing is needed, the travel time stays manageable.

When should I request a quote for a move to the Upper Engadin, Davos or Klosters?
As early as possible, especially if the date falls in the winter season, because these places depend heavily on winter tourism. With enough lead time we can calmly clarify access and the parking area and bring you the removal boxes in good time. On request we move on a Saturday at no extra cost compared with a weekday.

What applies if I move on from Graubünden to Italy or Austria?
Then it becomes an international move with customs clearance: we handle the export from Switzerland and the import into the destination country completely for you. The basis is a complete inventory list of your household goods, which we draw up with you. Whether the journey starts in the Puschlav, the Bergell or the Lower Engadin, we set the route during the inspection.

How much does it cost to move a piano to a mountain village in Graubünden?
With us, piano transport starts from CHF 250.–; the final price depends on the instrument, the floor and the distance from the van to the door. In mountain villages this path is sometimes longer or steeper, so we plan enough porters and carrying equipment. Please mention the piano at the inspection.

Which items need special protection on winding Graubünden pass roads?
Above all glass, mirrors, pictures, screens and lampshades. We pad them with protective material and secure them in the van against slipping. Also pack boxes to the brim without gaps, so that the contents stay in place even through many bends.

What do movers look out for at a chalet with a steep, narrow driveway in Graubünden?
The gradient, turning space and carrying distance, which we examine closely during the inspection. If there is not enough room for the large van, we use a smaller vehicle and carry the last few metres. Our carpenters dismantle heavy solid-wood furniture beforehand so that it can be carried safely over outdoor steps; if needed, the furniture lift helps.