Laax - The region
The villages of Flims, Laax and Falera are situated in the region of Surselva, which in turn belongs to the canton of Grisons. The main language spoken here is Romansh, the fourth Swiss national language. The Grisons canton is almost entirely mountainous and many of its scenic areas are part of the Swiss National Park or the Ela Nature Park. Agriculture and tourism are the pillars of the canton’s economy. During the summer time you will see sheep and goats gracing the forests and mountain pasturage. The capital of Grisons is the historical city of Chur. The city is over 5,000 years old and is rightfully claiming to be the oldest Swiss city. Languages spoken are Swiss, German, Italian and Romansh.
To fully take in the town’s history there are two discovery trails marked by red and green footprints that lead through the town. Examples include the Gothic old town dating from the 15th and 16th century, where the buildings attest the skills of the italian master builders. You will also see the 800-year-old cathedral that dominates and is the most prominent landmark of Chur. Chur is also the ideal spot to visit vineyards in the `Bündner Herrschaft´winemaking region. To the west of Chur lies the Domleschg, the most castle-populated region of Switzerland, and to the south is Thusis, at the entrance to the Viamala gorge. This small bishop’s town has developed to become the cultural and economic centre of the Grisons, thanks to its excellent location on key transport routes through the Alps.
