Graubünden is situated in the middle of the Alps. Whole of the canton has mountains between 2,000 m (6,500 ft) and 4,000 m (13,000 ft) high. Because of that it is a bit hard to determine whether this canton belongs to the northern or the southern part of the Alps. The best solution is to draw an imaginary line throughout three passes: the Julierpass south of Oberhalbstein, the Albulapass south of the Albula valley and the Flüelapass west of the village Susch. The areas south of this line are generally situated a bit higher and look a bit rougher than the rest of the canton. Roughly said we are talking about the Engadin (Oberengadin and Unterengadin) and the Poschiavo valley (the region south of the Berninapass). De differences in height vary per area. The Poschiavo valley is situated at 500 m (1,600 ft) to 1,000 m (3,300 ft). This warm valley is only 25 km (15.5 miles) apart from the snow-covered area around the Piz Bernina of 4,049 m (13,284 ft). The Oberengadin has a valley floor between 1,600 m (5,200 ft) and 1,800 m (5,900 ft) over sea. As a result of the elevation, you will hardly find any deciduous trees and the nights are cold, also in summer.

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Depressions arrive mostly from the west, therefore much of the rain has already been lost in the western Alps. Because of that rain chances in Graubünden are regularly a bit smaller than in the rest of the country. The Engadin is known for the high number of sun hours. The village of Celerina near St.Moritz has the highest average.

Murmeltiere (mountain marmots) live between rocks in high mountainous areas.

Picture: Berghotel Wildstrubel.

The nature in Graubünden is remarkable. A beautiful National Park can be found in the Unterengadin. But the scenic view around the Piz Bernina in the Oberengadin is also something you probably don't want to miss. The Poschiavo valley offers palm trees and vineyards. In the north, the river Rhine runs through a valley with beautiful white rock walls. In Schanfigg, the area surrounding the little river of Plessur, erosion has left impressive scars in the scenery. Furthermore there are many valleys where you will find hardly any buildings, and where nature still looks as it always was: untouched by human beings.