Eldorado for stargazers

Glacier Express in the Rhine Gorge near Flims.Below the church of Falera, 34 stone blocks rise into the sky. They are over 3500 years old, up to two meters high and form the oldest megalithic complex in Switzerland.Menhirs and observatoryAlready in the middle Bronze Age people met at the "Parc la Mutta" at the foot of the Crap Sogn Gion. The various "menhirs " are aligned to point to the sunrise point at the time of the summer solstice, and to the sunset point at the time of the winter solstice. They also point to the southernmost point on the horizon where the moon sets. On one of the stones the exact time of the solar eclipse in 1089 BC is recorded. While in the Bronze Age the sky was studied with the naked eye, in the 21st century a telescope is used. The largest accessible telescope in Switzerland is located not far from the "Parc la Mutta" in the observatory "Mirasteilas". The observatory has various instruments to explore the universe, including a receiver for the echo of shooting stars. Guided tours through the observatory and the Celtic site "Parc la Mutta " in Falera are popular supporting programs for conferences and congresses in the destination Flims Laax Falera. Also in the tradition of astronomy is the planetary path between Falera and Laax. The short hike leads past the Tegia Larnags mountain restaurant, which focuses on regional, seasonal cuisine and can be booked for events.Stronger focus on events and conferencesOn the "Il Spir" viewing platform near Conn, groups can look not only at the sky but also at the depths of the Rhine Gorge. The modern structure, designed by the young architect Corinna Menn from Chur, consists of a single pillar that leans over the gorge and is held back by a traction cable. Just a few steps away from "Il Spir" is the excursion restaurant Conn, known among other things for its pear ravioli and polenta with Pila sausage. From Conn you can walk or take a horse-drawn carriage to Flims, where the Waldhaus Arena is located. The multifunctional hall, which regularly hosts curling tournaments, is suitable for congresses, trade fairs, concerts, product presentations, exhibitions, GVs and large events for up to 1800 people. It is part of the 5-star Waldhaus Flims Mountain Resort & Spa, which has been managed by ZCG Swiss Hospitality GmbH since April 1, 2016. As Marion Minarik, Marketing Manager of Waldhaus Flims Mountain Resort & Spa, explains, the meeting and congress infrastructure will also be refreshed. "The Waldhaus Flims is increasingly focusing on the meetings, incentives, conventions and events business," says Minarik.

Martin's Hole Flims, part of the Unesco World Heritage Tectonic Arena Sardona. © GRF/Ruedi HombergerDown to earth incentiveAccording to Minarik, the meetings and events sector has a high priority throughout the destination of Flims Laax Falera. A DMC agency, flf Meetings, was recently founded to deal exclusively with the meetings, incentives, conventions and events (MICE) business. In addition, the conference facilities in various hotels have been expanded, a MICE destination website implemented, various incentive agencies established and the destination's incentive offers expanded. Of course, not only astronomy aficionados are addressed. Those who prefer a more down-to-earth experience can, for example, take part in the traditional alpine procession. Every September, the cows are herded together and run over the Scala Mola stone staircase into the high valley of Bargis before making their way down into the valley, via Fidaz to Flims. The incentive, which can begin with a brunch in an alpine hut if desired, is concluded with a visit to the Stallchilbi in Scheia or a rustic evening event with yodeling and alphorn.