Things To Do
in Chur
Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Graubünden, sitting in a sunny Alpine basin where mountain passes and rail lines converge. The compact medieval Old Town features narrow lanes, historic churches and a relaxed café culture framed by surrounding peaks. Chur is a practical gateway to nearby resorts (Arosa, Lenzerheide) and spectacular rail journeys on the Rhaetian Railway, while also being a center for Romansh culture and local Alpine traditions.
Despite its small size it offers good museums, outdoor access, and a genuine local atmosphere away from larger Swiss tourist hubs.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Chur and check into your hotel, allowing for some time to settle in and refresh. Take a leisurely stroll through the old town, appreciating the beautiful architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Stop by a local café for a traditional Swiss pastry to start your day.
Enjoy a guided walking tour that unveils the history and culture of Chur, including its charming alleys and stunning buildings. Visit the Roccadello, an eco-friendly urban garden, for a peaceful break in nature. As the afternoon sun sets, relax in one of the town's quaint parks or plazas.
Dine at a local restaurant, enjoying Swiss specialties like fondue or raclette. After dinner, take a gentle evening walk, perhaps to the top of the local hill for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Wrap up the day with a warm drink at a cozy bar or café.
Embark on a scenic hike to the Rhine Gorge, often referred to as the 'Grand Canyon of Switzerland'. The fresh mountain air invigorates you as you immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscape. Capture photos of the stunning rock formations and the winding river below.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst the beauty of nature, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery. Continue your hike, exploring hidden trails and observing local wildlife along the way. As you walk, take the time to appreciate the tranquility and the sound of nature around you.
Return to Chur and unwind at a local spa or wellness center, treating yourself to a relaxing massage or sauna. After rejuvenating, enjoy dinner at a restaurant that offers regional cuisine, allowing you to experience local flavors. Conclude your evening with a leisurely walk back through the old town, taking in its nighttime charm.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Beer (pub) | $6-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-160 |
| 🚆Regional train ride | $10-35 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic small-city charm with a well-preserved Old Town and local culture
- Excellent access to alpine outdoor activities and scenic rail routes
- Safe, clean and well-connected by public transport
- Strong local food traditions and seasonal specialties
- Relatively small nightlife and limited late-night entertainment
- Accommodation and dining can be pricey compared to non-Swiss destinations
- Weather in shoulder seasons can be unpredictable for outdoor plans
- Some remote mountain huts/areas have limited services or card acceptance
- "Grüezi" - Hello (formal, Swiss German)
- "Bun di" - Good day (Romansh)
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
Places to Visit in Chur
Visit one of these nice places.
Narrow cobbled streets, colorful facades, arched passageways and the cathedral provide classic medieval cityscapes—best in soft morning or golden hour light.
Panoramic views over Chur, alpine meadows and the surrounding peaks; great for sunrise, wide-angle landscapes and seasonal flower close-ups.
Dramatic canyon scenery and the iconic red trains offer dynamic compositions; the gorge's layered cliffs and the railway bridges make striking images.
Gothic architecture, cloister, and rooftop angles provide strong architectural photography opportunities.
Urban river scenes with reflections, bridges and tree-lined paths—nice for relaxed daytime and autumn-color shots.
Food in Chur
Chur Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Swiss chard or cabbage leaves wrapped around a mixture of spätzle-like dough and local meats, baked in a creamy sauce; commonly found in traditional restaurants and mountain huts.
Must-Try!
Buckwheat pasta from the Alpine region, cooked with potatoes, greens and lots of local cheese—rich and warming in cooler months; available in regional eateries and inns.
A sweet walnut tart native to Graubünden; perfect with coffee and sold in bakeries and patisseries across Chur.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small market held several times a week in the town center where farmers sell fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats and baked goods—great for picnic supplies and local specialties.
Occasional street-food stalls and seasonal markets (Christmas market in winter) offer mulled wine, raclette, and quick savory snacks—check local event calendars for dates.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be on time for appointments and transport—Swiss punctuality is a cultural norm.
Respect quiet hours (often evenings and Sundays) in residential areas; keep noise low in mountain huts and public transport.
Follow local recycling and waste-disposal rules closely; take care to leave nature clean—this is taken seriously.
A few words of German (or Romansh greetings) are appreciated; polite greetings and simple phrases go a long way. Always greet shopkeepers when entering small stores.
Safety
Tipping in Chur
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is typically included in bills (service charge). Leaving a small extra tip (5–10%) for good service or rounding up to a convenient amount is appreciated but not obligatory.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common in shops and restaurants. Carry some Swiss francs (CHF) for small vendors, mountain huts and market stalls that may be cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days (15–25°C / 59–77°F) with cool nights; ideal for hiking, mountain biking and outdoor terraces. Expect busy weekends and clear skies, but bring sun protection and an insulating layer for higher elevations.
Crisp air and spectacular fall colors in the valleys and larch forests; harvest and hunting season influence menus. Weather can be changeable—good hiking windows but early snow possible at higher altitudes.
Cold with regular snow at higher elevations; excellent for alpine sports in nearby resorts (Arosa, Lenzerheide). City stays are quieter; dress warmly and be prepared for shorter daylight hours.
Variable weather with melting snow and blooming valleys; lower trails become accessible and waterfalls swell. Some lifts and mountain huts open later in season—check local timetables.
Chur at Night
Hiking in Chur
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Close, lift-accessed trails offering easy to moderate hikes, alpine meadows, panoramic views and family-friendly routes.
A scenic canyon nicknamed the Swiss Grand Canyon—offers trails along the gorge, viewpoints and dramatic geology; accessible by train and bus.
More challenging ridge routes with rugged terrain and rewarding views over Chur and the surrounding ranges; suitable for experienced hikers.
UNESCO World Heritage site with marked hikes showcasing unique tectonic formations; trails vary in difficulty and offer outstanding geology and landscapes.
Network of lakeside and mountain trails offering gentle walks, longer mountain hikes and family-friendly routes; good for summer swimming and picnics.
Airports
How to reach Chur by plane.
Main international gateway to Switzerland (about 1.5–2 hours by direct train to Chur). Offers frequent rail connections and many international flights—most convenient for long-distance travel.
Small regional airport on Lake Constance with seasonal and low-cost flights; reachable by regional transport, but with limited international connections.
Small regional airport near St. Moritz (used mainly for private and seasonal flights); useful if combining Chur with Upper Engadin destinations but fewer scheduled services.
Major international airport in northern Italy (longer transit, approximately 3–4 hours by car or train), sometimes used by travelers combining Swiss and Italian itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents speak Swiss German dialects and form the core of local culture and commerce.
Romansh speakers are a distinct cultural group in Graubünden; you’ll encounter Romansh place names, signage and cultural institutions.
Chur functions as a regional administrative and service center, attracting workers from surrounding villages.
Visitors in summer and winter include international tourists, families, and day-trippers heading to nearby resorts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Dominant winter sports in the canton with many resorts (Arosa, Lenzerheide) offering alpine skiing, freeride zones and snow parks.
Extensive summer mountain trails and established running routes are popular with locals and visitors alike.
A growing sport with lift-assisted downhill trails and cross-country routes in the region.
Ice hockey and football (soccer) have local followings; recreational sports clubs are common in towns and villages.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chur.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and many restaurants (cheese dishes, vegetarian rösti, salads). Ask for meat-free versions of traditional dishes; some mountain huts may have limited choices, so carry a snack on hikes.
Vegan and gluten-free options are increasingly common in town but less so in remote mountain restaurants—inform staff in advance and use supermarkets for specialty items. Gluten-free pasta and breads are available at larger stores.
Restaurant staff generally understand basic allergy requests; German is helpful but most places speak English. For severe allergies, carry translations and ingredient lists in German.