Samnaun

Samnaun sits in a high side valley in the far north-eastern corner of Graubunden, and until 1912 the only road in came from Austria - the Swiss side was too steep and too remote to build through. Because the village could not be supplied from Switzerland or effectively policed by Swiss customs, it was granted exemption from customs duty in 1892, and it kept the status after roads improved. The result is a small Alpine village whose main street is lined with shops selling spirits, tobacco, watches, perfume and electronics at duty-free prices to visitors from three countries. It shares the Silvretta Arena ski area with Ischgl in Austria, and the lift system crosses the border.

What you actually see

• A customs exemption since 1892 - granted because no Swiss road reached it.
• A duty-free main street - spirits, watches and electronics in an Alpine village.
• Access through Austria - the historic and still easiest approach.
• A cross-border ski area - the Silvretta Arena shared with Ischgl.

When to go

December to April, or June to September. Two days.

Honest expectations

The shopping strip dominates and is not picturesque. Allowances on what you may carry back apply and are enforced. The approach through Austria is long. Outside the two seasons the shops carry the village and little else is open.

Nearby

Scuol and the Lower Engadin are south-west; Ischgl is over the ridge in Austria.