Getaway: Relaxed mountain time at the Arosa Kulm Hotel

Last summer we had a bit of a crush on Arosa. We spent four hiking holidays in the Schanfigg and were by no means able to test all the activities and refreshment options noted. So it is obvious that at the beginning of this summer season we picked up on our Arosa holidays from last year and spent two more perfect mountain days here. This time we used the historic Arosa Kulm Hotel in Innerarosa as our base. The perfect starting point to switch from hiking boots to bikes and take a close look at the trails of this bike-friendly holiday destination.

Friday 16:00: Weekend Mode on

This year’s focus on biking is no coincidence. Already last year we wanted to spend one of the four days on the bike. But in the end, the weather threw a spanner in the works and in pouring rain, a leisurely hike somehow seemed to be the better option than a muddy bike tour. This time, the weather forecasts sound promising – a stroke of luck in this very unstable summer weather so far. But first, it’s time to start the weekend in style. We are among the first guests to be welcomed by the Arosa Kulm Hotel this summer. The summer season of the 5-star hotel industry in Arosa is – due to altitude – short and crisp and usually lasts from the beginning of July until the ClassicCar Weekend at the beginning of September.

We are allowed to spend the night for two nights in the panoramic Deluxe Suite on the fourth floor. A spacious room that can accommodate up to four people with fold-out beds and inspires us especially with its great south-facing balcony with panoramic views over the Schafrügg. The room interior is classic and the wood panelling exudes a homely ambience. “Down-to-earth and attentive to the inner values” is how I would describe the Arosa Kulm Hotel in comparison with other Swiss 5-star hotels.

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This first impression is confirmed in the further course of this first evening, which we ring in in the cozy panorama lounge. Actually, we just wanted to start an enjoyable evening here with a drink, Peister Salsiz and alpine cheese. But the bar menu not only contains really good drinks (my tip: Flower Mate), but also a great selection of regional appetizers. Don’t miss the Geschwellti Deluxe with Albula mountain potatoes and the Schanfigger tapas!

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Saturday 09:00 a.m.: On the saddles, get set, go!

The next morning, the sun lures us out of bed early. The Arosa Kulm Hotel has upgraded for this summer season and offers its guests not only special bike arrangements, but also the opportunity to benefit from a free in-house bike rental. We have reserved two e-bike fullys of the latest generation for today. The perfect vehicle to tackle the 32-kilometre-long Ochsenalp-Tschiertschen circuit (Switzerland Mobility Route No. 636). With a total of 1,200 metres in altitude, there is plenty to hitchhike here – but at the same time, it is also a technically easy bike tour (Switzerland Mobil lists it as moderately difficult – but since it does not include single trail sections, it is quite manageable for experienced (road) cyclists).

To do this, we first jet down from Innerarosa to Arosa train station and follow the forest path via Prätschalp up to the Ochsenalp. The lovingly managed Ochsenalp is one of last year’s highlights in Arosa and we will not be disappointed this year either. We fortify ourselves with a delicious piece of homemade apricot cake and then cycle on the panoramic path to Tschiertschen.

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After a winding descent down to Molinis, our leg muscles are really in demand again on the subsequent ascent back to Arosa. But we are fast on the road and therefore take a few more meters of altitude with us and cycle up to the Alpenblick mountain restaurant above the valley station of the Hörnli Express. Due to its proximity to the Hörnli Flowtrail, the Alpenblick is a popular stop for bikers. At the same time, Alpenblick joins the guild of Arosa’s creative and “refreshing” gastronomy scene, which we praised a lot last year.

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The refreshment on the sun terrace and the longer lasting good weather front makes us feel cocky. Why not take the hairpin bend around the Schwellisee with you? In principle, this is an excellent idea. The route is incredibly scenic and more experienced bikers will certainly appreciate the single trail here. To be honest, I spent about 2/3 of the route between Alpenblick and Arven bumping. But well, as the saying goes: practice makes perfect!

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Our bike tour at a glance

On the following map you can see the route of our bike tour from Arosa via Ochsenalp and Tschiertschen back to Arosa (incl. Schwellisee additional round).

Starting point	Arosa (Innerarosa, 1,850 m above sea level)
Reachability	accessible by public transport
Length	43.3 kilometers
Elevation gain	↗ 1,660 m 1,650 m ↘
Duration	approx. 4.50 to 5.50 h (with e-bike)
Destination	Arosa (Innerarosa, 1,850 m above sea level)

Saturday 16:00: Time to put your feet up

Just in time with the onset of the rain front, we are back at the Arosa Kulm Hotel. There we treat our legs to a breather on the loungers of the wellness area and then try our way through the menu of the Muntanella restaurant. Chef Florian Mainzger inspires us here with modern, fresh alpine cuisine.

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Sonntag 09:00 Uhr: easy like sunday morning

We’ll take it easy on Sunday. After all, the rich breakfast buffet of the Arosa Kulm Hotel should also be savoured extensively. Here, too, you will find many regional products from companies in the Schanfigg or the adjacent Graubünden valleys. For us, the careful selection of cheeses and the homemade muesli mix are particularly important quality features. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy breakfast outside on the sun terrace. It’s still a bit too fresh for that this morning. To do this, we will then go on a short walk again. From Innerarosa you can reach the Bear Sanctuary in just under 40 minutes at the middle station of the Arosa-Weisshorn cable car.

We already paid a short visit to the bear sanctuary last year. In the meantime, Napa the bear has unfortunately passed away and a new bear has joined us with Jambolina. This time, however, we benefit from a one-hour guided tour including a look “behind the scenes”. The guided tours are conducted by the expert members of the Bear Sanctuary team and cost a flat rate of 250 CHF. Recommended for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of the bears, how to deal with them and the commitment of the Bear Sanctuary (or the organization Four Paws).

Afterwards we walk to AlpArosa in a few minutes. An employee of the Arosa Kulm Hotel gave us this tip for a bite to eat and what can I say?! Great! In my opinion, there is no more beautiful place than the AlpArosa to end a mountain Sunday in a really enjoyable way. And yes: We can confirm our first impression from last year at this point: Arosa, we like you!

Practical tips for your relaxing weekend in Arosa

• The room prices at the Arosa Kulm Hotel start in the summer season at CHF 319 for a double room standard including a rich breakfast buffet as well as the Arosa Card and the possibility to rent bikes free of charge depending on availability.
• During the summer season, the restaurant Muntanella (alpine cuisine) as well as the tavern (pizza and hot stone) as well as the bar are open at the Arosa Kulm Hotel.
• In case of bad weather, it is worth taking a detour to the hotel’s own bowling alley (integrated into the tavern). There is a Kids Club for the younger children and teenagers can retreat to the Galaxy Teen Club.
• During the summer season, you will receive the Arosa Card for stays of one night or more, which includes free travel on public transport and the mountain railways as well as numerous leisure activities
• In last year’s Arosa post you will find more culinary tips and four great hiking routes around Arosa

Please note: this stay was supported by the Arosa Kulm Hotel & Spa. All impressions and opinions are, as always, ours.