Landquart

Landquart lies at the foot of the Swiss Alps, where the valley of the Landquart River opens onto the broad plain of the Rhine. It has long been a crossroads for travellers, traders and mountaineers heading into the interior of Graubünden. Its position on the main rail and road routes between Zurich and the alpine resorts has shaped its growth as a transport and commercial hub, and its name comes from the river, which flows into the Rhine nearby.

History and Heritage Historically, Landquart was a small farming and trading settlement, but the arrival of the railway in the 19th century made it a busy gateway to the mountains, and the railway workshops and sidings still give the station area its character. Today the town is modern, with efficient transport and a welcoming mood, and its closeness to historic villages and castles makes it a convenient base for exploring the region’s heritage. Schloss Marschlins, a castle in the municipality near Igis, dates from the Middle Ages and shows the area’s older, rural side, set among vineyards of the wine district known as the Bündner Herrschaft.

Main Attractions The Landquart Fashion Outlet is one of the main draws, an open-air village with more than a hundred brands, discounts on Swiss and international labels and cafés with mountain views. The town is also the start of scenic rail journeys. The Rhaetian Railway line climbs through the Prättigau to Klosters and Davos, and the Albula-Bernina Express, a UNESCO World Heritage railway, winds through dramatic alpine landscapes to St. Moritz and Tirano from Chur, a short ride away.

Nearby attractions include Heididorf in Maienfeld, the village that visitors link with Johanna Spyri’s beloved character Heidi, where a museum and a farmhouse show the story. The Tamina Gorge and Tamina Therme at Bad Ragaz offer wellness and rest, while Vaduz Castle and the Principality of Liechtenstein are within easy reach for day trips. Outdoor enthusiasts can reach hiking and biking trails, ski resorts and mountain excursions from the doorstep.

Activities Landquart is a year-round base for shopping, outdoor adventure and cultural outings. In summer the surrounding valleys and mountains offer hiking, mountain biking and scenic train rides, and the wine villages of the Bündner Herrschaft invite tastings among the vines. Winter brings skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing at nearby resorts such as Davos, Klosters and Flims-Laax. The town’s central position makes it easy to combine shopping, sightseeing and alpine activities in a single trip.

Getting There Landquart can be reached by train, with direct connections from Zurich, Chur and other Swiss cities. The station is a major hub for regional and international trains and for buses to mountain resorts and attractions. By car, Landquart is reached via the A13 motorway, with ample parking near the outlet and the station. The compact layout and efficient public transport make it easy to explore the area without a car.

Seasonal Advice June to September is the best period, when the weather is warm, the mountains are green and outdoor activities are in full swing. Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures, soft colours and fewer visitors, good for hiking and sightseeing, and autumn brings the grape harvest. Winter suits a mix of shopping and snow sports in the nearby resorts. In every season Landquart’s mix of convenience, scenery and Swiss hospitality makes a practical and rewarding base, with the mountains always close at hand.