The first things that surprises about Chur is the name.
A small city found at the foot of the Swiss Alps, Chur is actually pronounced “Kour” if you’re up to speed on your standard German dialect.
Confusing enough for a monoglot like me, but add in the local Grisonian German dialect, and suddenly the town switches itself to “Hoor”!
Then chuck into the mix the equivalent Romansh and Italian pronunciations, languages also spoken in this north eastern region of the country, and you’ve got yourself a heady mix of appellations that, at best, leave you wondering how you refer to this Swiss city, and at worst have you heading off on a train in completely the wrong direction!
Thankfully, the helpful staff member at Zurich airport train station was perfectly fluent in confused-Anglo-tourist, and got me swiftly onto the right train, which had me whizzing past beautiful lakes and distant mountain views on the delightful 2 hour ride from Zurich Flagfhafen.
At least getting to Chur is easy!
And exploring this town was wonderfully easy too.
Small, compact, traveller-friendly and peacefully pedestrianised, if you’re heading to charming Swiss spot, here’s the best things to Chur, plus a series of helpful travel tips to ensure there’s as little confusion as possible on your trip there!
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#1 Wander the Old Town
With a history stretching back over 5,000 years, Chur boasts the enviable title of Switzerland’s oldest city, and offers all the quaint, cobbled, cuteness you might expect from an Old Town that dates back to the Medieval period.
Hidden courtyards, cosy cafes and traditional-fronted boutique shops abound in this maze of gateways and old-worldy buildings – a good workout for your step-count and your camera.
Entirely car-free, Chur’s Old Town is perfect for a leisurely stroll, as you wander past colourful facades, ornate fountains, and centuries-old guild houses.
Landmarks like the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption – a stunning 12th-century church with impressive frescoes – the Medieval fortification of the Obertor, the 17th century Kornpaltz, and the Gothic St Martin’s Church, with its impressive stained-glass windows, should form the backbone of your route.
Beside these, don’t miss the beautifully preserved Barenloch, or picturesque Arcas on your discovery tour either.
#2 Stroll Fontana Park & the Rhine River Trail
But it’s not just buildings, streets and squares you should explore with your feet in Chur.
Framed by the Alps, this compact city also boasts a number of fantastic green spaces – ideal for soaking in the spring sunshine, which was beating down during my visit even though it was only March.
Because despite being found in the mountains, Chur actually boasts a something of a Mediterranean climate (oh hello!), as the famous Föhn wind frequently brings a warm, dry, breeze to this nestled, valley settlement.
Take full advantage during your visit and don’t miss the 18th century Fontana Park, complete with the exotic plants, elaborate fountains and heated greenhouses.
Follow this with a stroll along the beautiful Plessur River, a tributary of the Rhine, which flows through Chur, and boasts the 7.6km circular Rhine River Trail – ideal for those seeking lungful’s of clean air.
#3 Check Out the Street Art
The Rhine River trail finishes at the Mühlebach stream, which is the perfect excuse to take in another fab thing to do in Chur – its street art collection.
Famous Swiss street artists Bane, aka Fabian Florin, was born in Chur and his largest work at the Mühleturm – the Mill Tower – near the end of the Rhine River Trail is an impressive starting point.
Created in 2018, it is actually the largest mural painting in Switzerland.
Other notable works you shouldn’t miss include “Die Wachterin der Drei Bunde (the Guardian the Three Leagues), the Plessurfischer” (Plessur Fisherman) and the “I have a dream” on the facade of the Lachen school building.
Chur hosts the Street Art Festival (usually held in June), and since 2014, has also supported graffiti art with numerous walls across the city having been released for creative works.
#4 Visit Museum or 3!
If you’re into more traditional art however, then heading to some of the galleries and museums around Chur is a must do in this city.
A key one to head for is the Bündner Kunstmuseum.
Housed in a striking mix of a historic villa and a modern glass extension, this museum showcases an impressive collection of Graubünden-born artists, including the renowned Angelika Kauffmann and Alberto Giacometti, along with contemporary exhibitions that highlight Swiss and international art.
For those interested in Chur’s deep historical roots, the Rätisches (or Rhaetian) Museum is an excellent choice.
Located in a 17th-century patrician house, it presents the history of Graubünden through archaeological finds, medieval artefacts, and traditional costumes, offering a detailed journey through 5,000 years of regional heritage.
If you’re intrigued by the Alps and their natural wonders, the Naturmuseum Graubünden (theNatural History Museum) is perfect, featuring interactive exhibits on the region’s wildlife, geology, and climate, making it ideal for families and nature lovers.
Train enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Rhaetian Railway Administration Building, and literary lovers should make a beeline for the stunning neo-renaissance town library, once the former postal office.
There’s also the Cathedral Treasure Museum, whose exhibits cover 2 floors, and the Museum of Fine Arts, housed in a modern wing of the exotic and grand-looking Villa Planta.
Beyond museums, a visit to the Episcopal Palace – the seat of the Bishop of Chur – is a highlight, though it is only accessible during special events.
#5 Snap a Fab Sunset from Haldenhüttli
And after all the sightseeing and culture vulture-ing, it’s probably time to take a moment and soak this city.
And in my opinion, there’s no better place to do that than from the Haldenhüttli – especially during sunset.
An observation deck situated above the Old Town – so yes, there is a small uphill walk to get here – the view with the setting sun raining down on historic Chur through a break in the mountains is well worth it.
To get to Haldenhüttli it’s just a 1km walk from the Old Town.
From Bahnhofplatz, stroll along Bahnhofstrasse and on to Alexanderplatz, and turn left onto Quaderstrasse, before continuing to the Coop Quader supermarket.
Behind Coop Quader, take Haldenweg, which leads uphill to Haldenhüttli.
Built in the 1879, this remains the perfect spot for grabbing beautiful Chur snaps.
#6 Ride the Cable Car to Bergbahnen (Brambrüesch)
Want even more scenery?
Then this top thing to do in Chur has you covered!
Brambrüesch is the local Chur mountain and offers a wealth of hiking and biking trails, along with cosy mountain restaurants from its lofty position.
Thankfully you don’t have to struggle to get up there!
With a handy, two-stage cableway that departs direct from Chur to the 1,600m summit, it’s easy – get your tickets here.
The first section is a gondola ride to Känzeli, providing stunning aerial views over the city and the Rhine Valley.
This is followed by a chairlift that takes you to the heart of Brambrüesch.
Once at the top, visitors can enjoy lush, alpine meadows in summer and a snowy wonderland in winter.
Scenic trails like the Dreibündenstein Panorama Trail, which offers breathtaking vistas of the Swiss Alps, can be enjoyed in the warmer months, and mountain bikers will love the Alpenbikepark Chur, which features thrilling downhill tracks for all skill levels.
In winter, Brambrüesch transforms into a family-friendly ski area, with slopes ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing.
When it’s time to refuel, cute alpine eateries, such as Bergbaiz, serve hearty Swiss dishes, allowing you to enjoy the spectacular surroundings over lunch.
With Brambrüesch just a short ride from Chur, it makes the perfect day trip from the city.
#7 Sample Local Speciality, Capun
If you’re anything like me, trying local dishes when you visit a destination is a must… and my time in Chur was no different.
Enter capun, which are a much-loved specialty from the Graubünden of Switzerland.
Essentially a traditional Swiss dumpling, capun are made by wrapping a flavourful mixture of spätzle dough, herbs, and dried meat (such as Salsiz or Bündnerfleisch) in Swiss chard leaves, and then simmering them in a rich broth, often made from milk and bouillon.
After cooking, capun are typically served with a generous drizzle of melted butter and grated cheese, and the result is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for the mountain terrain!
While the classic version includes dried meats, vegetarian options are also widely available, substituting the meat with cheese, mushrooms, or nuts for added depth of flavour.
Luckily enough, I got to try some of these meat-free options at the wonderful KostBar in Chur.
A cute, independent restaurant, big on the vibes, the place was packed with locals, even on an early March Wednesday – always a good sign!
With a vegetarian and vegan menu, as well as plenty of choice for the meat lovers, my starter of beetroot consomme with mini ravioli, and delicious capun main course, was all washed down with a delicious glass of Swiss white – you’ll know if you read about my trip to Valais, that I love Swiss wine!
All in all, KostBar is the place to head for lunch or dinner when in Chur. Just make sure to book ahead!
#8 Indulge at Chur’s Chocolate Shops
What trip to Switzerland is really complete without a chocolate shop visit?!
Thankfully, Chur has some top picks!
Merz Bahnhofstrasse, conveniently located on Bahnhofstrasse, is a firm favourite, with its shop and café offering a wide selection of exclusive chocolate specialties
Another gem, Bühler’s Zuckerbäckerei, is known as the best patisserie in Chur, renowned for its high-quality chocolates and breads.
Finally, Café Confiserie Maron features a chocolate store offering a range from white to 80% dark.
My tip when visiting any of these chocolate dream-spots is to ask about seasonal specialties and to opt for an assortments of options, so you can soak in a range of flavours.
#9 Bernina Express
And now we get to the thing Chur is perhaps most famous for, its incredible train rides.
First up we have the Bernina Express – a world renowned panoramic trains that departs from Chur to Tirano daily.
Covering a distance of 122km through stunning Swiss Alps scenery, picturesque viaducts and mountains tunnels, this is an absolute gem, you can’t miss!
I could wax lyrical about this amazing voyage, also well as all my do’s and don’t’s for getting the best experience, but I’ve written a whole article about it, so head to my perfect Bernina Express planning guide for the full lowdown.
Many people simply, head into Chur and straight out on the Bernina Express, but I absolutely recommend staying a night or 2 in Chur beforehand to give yourself time to soak in this city and all the fab things to do on this list!
For those staying over, historic Hotel Stern in Chur’s historic city, is the place to rest for the night with comfortable, ensuite rooms, fab friendly staff and a sumptuous breakfast buffet!
#10 Glacier Express
And last but not least, number 10 on this list of top things to do in Chur, is another epic train ride.
The Glacier Express, loved as the world’s slowest express train, provides an 8 hour experience across 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels as part of an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps.
Unlike the Bernina Express, which runs southeast to the Italian border, the Glacier Express heads southwest, finishing in Zermatt, with its enviable Matterhorn views.
Departures from Chur in the late morning are available year-round, and the ride offers panoramic views of the Rhine Gorge, often referred to as the “Swiss Grand Canyon,” with its dramatic cliffs and winding river.
The journey continues over the Oberalp Pass, the highest point at 2,033m, passing charming villages, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and majestic peaks enroute.
Like the Bernina Express, the Glacier Express boasts panoramic windows designed to immerse passengers in the scenery and booking in advance is highly advised.
You can also choose from different classes – think luxurious Excellence Class, which provides guaranteed window seating, a five-course meal, and access to a dedicated bar area!
Embarking on the Glacier Express from Chur promises a serene and visually stunning exploration of Switzerland’s alpine beauty, making it a highlight of any Swiss itinerary!
@bigworldsmallpockets Chur is a stunning Swiss town under 2 hours from Zurich by train🇨🇭 Here’s 5 reasons to add it your travel list… 🎨 Street art – Chur has a fantastic series of pieces in cool locations around the city. ⛪️ Quaint Old Town – think cobbled Medieval streets, cute chocolate shops and beautiful old buildings. Historic Hotel Stern is the place to stay here. 🍴 Great food – try local speciality capun at the fantastic KostBar, a buzzing local spot with a quirky cosy vibe. 🏔️ Stunning scenery – located in the Swiss Alps, Chur’s beautiful backdrop and stunning lookouts guarantee great snaps! 🚂 Bernina Express – pick up this world famous scenic train ride each morning from Chur. #gifted #chur #visitchur #churswitzerland #swisstravel #swisstrip #rhätischebahn #berninaexpress #berninaexpresstrain #berninaexpress🇨🇭 #berninaexpress🇨🇭🚞 #swisstrains #swisstourism #alps #alpsmountains #swissalps🇨🇭#swissalps #alpstrain #alpstravel #uktravelblogger #femaletravelbloggers #traintravel #traintrip ♬ original sound – Big World Small Pockets
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Travel Tips for Chur
How to Get to Chur
The easiest airport to fly to for Chur visits is Zurich.
From there, you can catch an easy train from Zurich Flaghafen to Chur via Zurich hbf.
The journey takes less than 2 hours.
Book your tickets through Trainline.
From the station, it’s then just a short walk to Chur’s Old Town.
When to Visit
Winters in Chur are cold and snowy, while summers are hot and sunny.
I think Spring is the best time – sunshine and blue skies, with snow still on the mountains framing Chur.
How Long to Spend in Chur
I recommend 1-2 nights in this city.
Where to Stay in Chur
Hotel Stern – a lovely historic property in the centre of Chur comes highly recommended.
Travel Insurance
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.
eSIM
I recommend Holafly.
Get 5% off with my exclusive discount code: BIGWORLDSMALLPOCKETS.
Luggage Storage
Store luggage for the day, or longer in Switzerland with LuggageHero.
Travel Money
Switzerland uses the Swiss France (CHF).
I always travel Europe with my Wise card, which makes spending abroad cheaper, thank to real exchange rates and no sneaky transaction or ATM fees.
Wise cards works just like a debit card and link easily with Google and Apple pay.
Grab yours here.
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And there you have it, my list of the top 10 things to do in Chur.
Have you visited this historic Swiss city?
What did you enjoy doing there?
Let me know all in the comments box below…
My stay in Chur was sponsored by Chur Tourism but, as always, all views are my own.
This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.
