Things To Do
in Chur
Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and has a rich history dating back over 5,000 years. It is known for its charming Old Town, featuring narrow winding streets and historic buildings. The city is surrounded by picturesque mountains, offering stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing.
Chur also boasts a vibrant cultural scene with museums, galleries, and annual events that showcase its heritage and creativity.
- "Grüetzi" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please
- "Adieu" - Goodbye
- "Wie geht's?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $50 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start the day with a stroll through the charming streets of Chur's Old Town, filled with colorful buildings and quaint shops. Don't miss the stunning cathedral, which offers a glimpse into the city's history.
Enjoy a lunch at a local café, sampling some Swiss specialties. Afterward, visit the Rätisches Museum to learn about the region's cultural heritage.
As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant for dinner, perhaps trying some fondue. Enjoy a leisurely walk back through the illuminated old town.
Catch a scenic train to Arosa and start your hike on the beautiful trails surrounding the area. The fresh mountain air will invigorate you as you soak in breathtaking views.
Stop at a mountain hut for lunch, enjoying local dishes while taking in the panoramic scenery. Continue hiking to explore various viewpoints that reveal the beauty of the Alps.
Return to Chur in the evening and treat yourself to a hearty meal at a traditional Swiss restaurant. Reflect on your day of adventure over a glass of local wine.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including mountains and rivers.
- Rich cultural heritage with many historical sites and museums.
- Access to outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and biking.
- Vibrant local community and friendly residents.
- Good public transport connectivity to larger Swiss cities.
- Cost of living can be high compared to other regions.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger cities.
- Winter weather can be harsh, affecting outdoor accessibility.
- May have limited job opportunities in certain sectors.
- Tourist influx during holiday seasons can lead to overcrowding.
Best Activities in Chur
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Chur is surrounded by stunning alpine landscapes, making it the perfect location for a variety of hiking trails for all levels of experience.
Explore the area on two wheels along well-marked trails that cater to both beginners and experienced riders.
Experience the thrill of rafting on the nearby rivers, with options for beginners and more challenging courses for experienced rafters.
During the winter months, Chur is an excellent base for skiing and snowboarding with nearby resorts offering a variety of slopes for all levels.
Tours
Uncover the best of Chur with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Chur
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic cemetery with picturesque views of Chur and the surrounding mountains.
Riverside park with beautiful views of the old town and the cathedral.
Unique bar designed by artist H.R. Giger, great for photography enthusiasts.
Food in Chur
Chur Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional dish made of chard or other green leaves, filled with a mix of dough, cheese, and meat, then wrapped and cooked, often served with a hearty gravy.
Must-Try!
A nut-filled sweet tart, a specialty of the Graubünden region, with a crispy crust and rich caramelized nut filling.
A type of pasta made from flour and water, often served with a creamy cheese sauce and crispy fried onions.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Chur better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering fresh local produce, Swiss cheeses, baked goods, and other regional specialties. Open on Saturdays in the old town.
A charming spot offering street-side raclette, a must-try melted cheese dish served with potatoes, gherkins, and pickled onions. Located near the old town area.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Chur, it's important to respect people's personal space and maintain a certain physical distance when interacting with others, especially during conversations or in public places.
Swiss people highly value punctuality, so it's important to arrive on time for appointments, meetings, and social gatherings in Chur.
In Chur, it's customary to greet people with a handshake, particularly in formal settings. It's also polite to address others by their title and last name unless invited to use their first name.
Safety
Tipping in Chur
Ensure a smooth experience
In Chur, Switzerland, tipping is not mandatory, as a service charge is typically included in the bill at restaurants. However, it is customary to round up the amount or leave a small tip as a gesture of appreciation for good service. Tipping 5-10% of the total bill is generally considered appropriate in restaurants and for taxi services.
Payment in Chur, Switzerland is commonly made by cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment methods. Major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but it's always advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases or at establishments that may not accept cards. Contactless payment methods are also increasingly popular, providing convenience for transactions.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (April to June) is a great time to visit Chur, as the weather starts to warm up, the flowers bloom, and the outdoor cafes and markets come to life. It's an ideal time for hiking and enjoying the beautiful landscapes.
Summer (July to August) is the peak tourist season in Chur, with warm temperatures and plenty of outdoor activities such as mountain biking, paragliding, and exploring the nearby lakes and alpine villages.
Autumn (September to November) brings beautiful fall foliage and cooler temperatures, making it a picturesque time to visit Chur. It's also the season for wine festivals and harvest celebrations.
Winter (December to February) offers a magical experience with snow-covered landscapes, skiing and snowboarding in nearby resorts, and the festive Christmas markets in the town center.
Chur at Night
Hiking in Chur
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hiking route that offers breathtaking views of the Ringelspitz mountain and the surrounding landscape, suitable for various skill levels.
A popular hiking trail that connects Glaris and Arosa, with stunning alpine scenery and diverse flora and fauna along the way.
This hiking area features well-marked trails through peaceful meadows and forests, with options for family-friendly hiking to more challenging routes.
Known for its panoramic views, the Pizol hike provides an opportunity to experience the stunning beauty of the Swiss Alps, with various paths leading to different peaks.
A large hiking area with a variety of trails ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes, featuring waterfalls, lakes, and beautiful mountain scenery.
Aiports
How to reach Chur by plane.
The largest international airport in Switzerland, located approximately 120 km from Chur. It serves as a major hub for international flights and has extensive connections.
Located about 140 km from Chur, this airport serves the tri-national area of Switzerland, France, and Germany. It handles a variety of international flights.
Located about 280 km from Chur, Geneva Airport is one of the busiest airports in Switzerland, known for its international connections and services.
Approximately 170 km from Chur, this airport serves the capital city of Switzerland, providing some international flights primarily within Europe.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population consists of Swiss citizens, with a significant portion having roots in the surrounding regions of Graubünden.
A large demographic group in Chur, primarily due to the city's history and its function as a regional hub.
This group includes Italians and descendants, contributing to the multicultural aspect of Chur.
Includes a notable population of Albanians, often settling in the area for employment opportunities.
Comprises speakers of various languages due to immigration from different countries, contributing to the city's diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Chur is located near several ski resorts, making skiing one of the most popular sports in the area.
With its surrounding mountains and trails, mountain biking attracts many outdoor enthusiasts.
Chur's scenic landscapes and numerous hiking trails make hiking a favored activity among locals and tourists.
Football is widely played and followed in Chur, with local clubs and youth leagues active in the region.
Ice hockey is popular in Chur, with local teams participating in regional competitions.
The availability of pools and rivers makes swimming a popular sport, especially during the warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chur.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Chur offer vegetarian and vegan options, with a growing awareness of these dietary preferences.
Several establishments in Chur provide gluten-free choices, particularly cafes and restaurants serving international cuisine.