Splügen receives UN Best Tourism Village 2024 award
The Grisons pass village of Splügen receives the UN Best Tourism Village award from the World Tourism Organization UNWTO.
Splügen in the Rheinwald and Romoos in the Entlebuch region won out among the six Swiss applicants. They were honored for "innovative and transformative approaches in tourism development, which they promote in line with sustainability.
As part of its "Best Tourism Village" initiative, UNWTO has for the fourth time been looking for tourism villages around the world that are developing in a particularly sustainable and innovative way without forgetting the local culture, nature and population. The competition was open to villages in rural areas that are characterized by traditional activities such as agriculture and forestry.
SECO, together with the Swiss Tourism Federation and Switzerland Tourism, called for entries. Splügen presented itself in the Rheinwald in a comprehensive application dossier. Splügen entered the race together with Ernen, Lavizzara, Lens, Romoos and Valendas.
This award is not just a tourism prize, it is above all an award for all those who have worked for the sustainable development of Splügen and the Rheinwald in the past and continue to do so today. The official ceremony and presentation of the award took place on November 14 in Colombia. SECO accepted the award on behalf of the municipality of Rheinwald.
Splügen
Culture
The local population preserves and lives its traditions. Pschuuri - an archaic carnival custom takes place every year on Ash Wednesday in Splügen. It is on the list of Switzerland's intangible cultural heritage. From the beginning of 2025, the Rheinwald Museum in Splügen will bring the history and culture of the valley to life in a new and exciting way. Following a comprehensive redesign of the exhibition, which includes interactive elements, the museum will be open daily to visitors from the region and tourists. The close cooperation between the municipality, various foundations, museum associations and private actors ensures that the cultural heritage of the valley remains alive and is vividly conveyed.
Organic farming
For over 30 years, 100% organic farming has been practiced throughout the Rheinwald. Livestock farming in particular, with cows, goats and sheep, dominates the still small-scale mountain farming. The traditional management of mountain meadows through grazing and gentle cutting allows for a rich variety of flora and fauna. Three dairies and two alpine dairies produce award-winning cheese and dairy products. This traditional craft and the products are highly prized. Various stores and restaurants offer local specialties.
Tourism development
Tourism is a vital economic sector in the Rheinwald. The Splügen-Tambo mountain railroad has been transporting guests up to 2300 m above sea level in winter since the 1960s and employs numerous locals and seasonal visitors. Cross-country ski trails, a network of paths for cyclists and hikers and an unspoilt alpine landscape make the valley popular with outdoor sports enthusiasts. Conveniently located on the north-south axis, Splügen is extremely well developed.
The development between a transit and recreation area, as well as demographic developments, require new ways of thinking and innovative projects. The municipality of Rheinwald has long played a central role in the further development of the town. In addition to local planning, the municipality is working on various projects to create attractive and affordable living space.
Various accommodation projects with investors are currently being planned or under construction. For example, an Alpine brewery and a gourmet hotel will open in Splügen in summer 2025. The new ensemble in old structures is a showcase project for the transformation of vacant buildings and innovative ideas. Rheinwald Resort AG is planning a flagship accommodation project at the valley station of the mountain railroads. Basel architects Herzog & de Meuron have been commissioned to plan an extension to the village. Up to 500 warm beds in apartments, a new campsite, attractive infrastructure for guests and locals and numerous jobs are to be created here.
In the network
The municipality of Rheinwald has been part of the Beverin Nature Park since 2020, a nature park of national importance and thus committed to nature and culture-oriented tourism. As part of the DMO Viamala, Splügen is embedded in a diverse region with highlights such as the Viamala Gorge and the cultural and long-distance hiking trail viaSpluga, which leads from Thusis to Chiavenna. Together, they are working on a sustainable future for tourism in the region. The focus is on the careful utilization of resources in order to create benefits for guests, businesses and the population.
Best Tourism Villages
The aim here is to give you a taste for moving in vertical, frozen water. You will be introduced to ice climbing at the appropriate level and can try out and climb as much as you like.
The Rheinwald
Splügen is one of five charming villages in the Rheinwald. Immerse yourself in a world full of culture, natural treasures and unforgettable moments of longing.