Grabs(Switzerland) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Grabs, the top family-friendly hotel is Hotel Alpenhof Grabs, a charming alpine-style property nestled in the heart of the village. It offers spacious family suites with panoramic mountain views, children's play areas, and complimentary ski equipment storage. Located just steps from the Grabs Ski Lift and Saint Gallen State Museum, it’s ideal for winter sports and cultural exploration. The hotel also provides weekend family activity packages, including guided nature walks and local cheese-making workshops. With its warm hospitality and child-centric amenities, it’s perfect for creating lasting Alpine memories.

The village center of Grabs is the optimal area for accommodation, offering easy access to the Grabs Ski Lift, local cafes, and organic markets. This quiet, tree-lined district is surrounded by traditional wooden chalets and provides a peaceful retreat while remaining close to all essential services. It’s only a 10-minute walk to the Lake Saint Gallen cycling path and just 1 hour by car to Zurich or the Liechtenstein border, making it ideal for travelers seeking both mountain serenity and urban connectivity. Many guesthouses here offer home-cooked Swiss meals, allowing visitors to experience authentic Alpine culture firsthand.

Don’t miss the Albula Festival held annually in summer at the Grabs Church Square, where locals parade dairy cows through the streets, craft artisans demonstrate wood carving and wool weaving, and guests enjoy traditional Alpine cheese fondue and rye bread. Visit the Grabs Folk Museum to explore centuries-old farming tools and family heirlooms. During winter, participate in the Sleigh Lantern Parade, gliding through snow-covered lanes illuminated by handcrafted lanterns. These events showcase the deep-rooted traditions of the Appenzell region, blending pastoral life with communal joy and seasonal celebration.

Grabs is an excellent destination for skiing, especially for families and beginners. The Grabs Ski Lift features six runs ranging from beginner to intermediate levels, equipped with modern lifts and reliable snowmaking systems. The resort is easily accessible from the village, with rental shops and cozy restaurants right at the base. Guests can also use the St. Gallen Ski Region Pass to access linked slopes in nearby Bregenz and Riet. For the best experience, arrive early to avoid crowds and unwind afterward at the hotel’s thermal pool—a perfect way to enjoy the crisp mountain air and stunning alpine scenery.

Near Grabs, hike the Rhine Valley Trail, an 8-kilometer scenic path following the Rhine River tributary through ancient forests, waterfalls, and birdwatching zones. Stop at Eltahorn Viewpoint for sweeping vistas of the Altau Valley and distant Appenzell Mountains. In autumn, the foliage turns fiery red; in spring, wildflowers bloom along the trail. Also explore the Vineyard Pathway, where you can taste locally produced white wine while walking through terraced grape fields. These trails offer immersive encounters with the region’s unique alpine ecosystem and breathtaking landscapes.

For couples, Hotel Bergblick Grabs stands out with private rooftop hot tubs, mountain-view suites featuring fireplaces, and personalized candlelit dinners on the hillside terrace or in the garden. The hotel offers couples’ wellness packages, including massages and champagne, and hosts sunrise yoga sessions. Cycle together along the Lake Saint Gallen shoreline or enjoy a quiet evening reading in a cozy corner of the hotel’s library. With its intimate ambiance and thoughtful touches like handwritten love notes and rose petals, it’s the perfect retreat for rekindling romance amid the serene Alps.

Grabs is renowned for its alpine cuisine: try the Grabs Cheese Cake, made with local fermented cheese, honey, and almonds; Alpine Potatoes with Smoked Ham, slow-roasted over a wood-fired oven; and fresh rye bread with goat cheese baked daily by local bakers. Many hotels host family kitchen dinners, where guests learn to prepare dishes like Swiss sauerkraut rösti and apple pie. These flavors reflect the region’s agricultural heritage and the purity of mountain-grown ingredients, offering a true taste of the Canton of St. Gallen.

The nearest international airport is Zurich Airport (ZRH), about 90 km away. Take a train from Zurich to St. Gallen Station, then transfer to a regional train to Grabs—a journey of approximately one hour. Alternatively, book the Airport Bus Zürich to St. Gallen, then connect to local buses. For drivers, take the A3 highway to the Chur exit, then follow B104 to Grabs—about 20 minutes. Parking is available at the Grabs Central Car Park, with a 5-minute walk to the village center. During winter, many hotels offer free shuttle services to ensure safe and convenient travel.

Grabs is highly welcoming to solo travelers. Join the guided walking tour led by a local guide to discover hidden trails and historic churches, meeting fellow explorers along the way. Every Friday evening, the Mountain Bonfire Night brings guests together around a central fire pit to share stories, sing folk songs, and craft traditional grass ornaments. Many guesthouses also host single traveler dinner nights, featuring open seating and local cuisine. Spend mornings reading in a café, afternoons studying in the village library, and evenings stargazing—perfect for introspection and connection in a tranquil alpine setting.

Yes, many hotels in Grabs now offer accessibility features. Hotel Alpenhof Grabs provides wheelchair-accessible rooms with non-slip flooring, lowered sinks, and emergency call buttons, plus elevators to all floors. Berggasthof Grabs features ramp entrances, adapted restrooms, and wheelchair rental services. The Grabs Ski Lift has installed ramp-assisted platforms for independent boarding. Key sites like the Grabs Church Square and Rhine Valley Trail are paved with gentle gradients and handrails. Always confirm specific facilities in advance via hotel websites or direct contact to ensure a smooth, inclusive stay.