Chur Switzerland Travel Guide

Chur (pronounced roughly 'Koor') is the capital of the canton of Graubünden in eastern Switzerland and is widely regarded as the oldest continuously inhabited city in Switzerland, with evidence of settlement dating back roughly 11,000 years. Sitting at around 600 metres above sea level at the northern edge of the Alps, it serves as a natural crossroads between the German-speaking north and the Italian and Romansh valleys to the south.

Despite its small size — around 40,000 inhabitants — Chur punches above its weight historically and architecturally. Its compact Old Town (Altstadt) is largely pedestrianised and centres on a medieval street plan that has changed little in centuries. The city is neither a ski resort nor a luxury destination in the conventional sense; it is a working cantonal capital that happens to have a well-preserved historic core and excellent onward rail connections.

For travellers, Chur functions as both a destination in its own right and a practical hub. From here, the celebrated Rhaetian Railway fans out toward Davos, St. Moritz, and the Albula and Bernina lines — both UNESCO World Heritage routes. The city rewards a slower pace: wandering the lanes of the Altstadt, visiting the Cathedral of the Assumption, and eating and drinking alongside locals rather than tour groups.

Switzerland is not a member of the European Union but is part of the Schengen Area, which affects entry requirements for many nationalities. Visa rules vary significantly by passport. For accurate, up-to-date entry requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (sem.admin.ch).

The Swiss Franc is the only currency accepted in everyday transactions; euro is not routinely accepted outside major tourist sites, and even then rates may be unfavourable. ATMs (Bancomats) are widely available in Chur. Card payments are broadly accepted, though some smaller Old Town shops and market stalls prefer cash.

Chur has a mild Alpine climate relative to higher elevations, but weather can change quickly. Pack a waterproof layer regardless of season. In summer, temperatures are comfortably warm for walking; in winter, the city itself sees moderate snowfall, though the surrounding mountains receive heavy snow. Switzerland's public transport system is one of the most punctual in the world — the Swiss Travel Pass covers trains, buses, and many lake boats and may be worth considering if you plan to travel widely.

By Train

Chur's main train station (Chur Bahnhof) is on the main Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) network and is easily reached from Zurich in roughly 75–90 minutes. Direct IC connections run frequently throughout the day. From Zurich Airport, you can take a direct or one-change connection to Chur; verify current schedules at sbb.ch.

By Car

Chur sits at the junction of several major Alpine routes, including the approach to the San Bernardino and Julier passes. The A13 motorway connects the city to the Swiss motorway network. A motorway vignette (annual sticker) is required for Swiss motorways — verify current purchase options before travel. Parking in the city centre is limited; park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts are a practical option.

By Air

There is no commercial airport in Chur. The nearest major airports are Zurich (ZRH), approximately 120 km to the northwest, and, to a lesser extent, Innsbruck (INN) in Austria. Both have good onward rail connections to Chur. Verify current transport links on the respective airport and SBB websites.

Chur's Old Town is compact and best explored entirely on foot. Most of the main historic sites, restaurants, and shops are within a 15–20 minute walk of the train station. The city centre is largely pedestrianised, making walking the default and most enjoyable mode of transport.

The city operates a local bus network (Stadtbus Chur) covering the broader urban area. Taxis are available at the train station and can be booked by phone; ride-hailing apps have limited penetration compared to larger Swiss cities — verify locally.

For day trips into the canton, the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) is the key transport link. Trains depart from Chur station toward Arosa, Davos, Filisur, and beyond. The narrow-gauge network is both functional and scenically dramatic. Timetables and booking are available at rhb.ch. Swiss Travel Pass holders should verify which RhB routes are included.

Old Town (Altstadt)

The medieval Altstadt is the obvious starting point. Narrow cobbled lanes, painted façades, and historical fountains make it one of the better-preserved small-city old towns in German-speaking Switzerland. The Postplatz and Kornplatz are natural gathering points and good orientation landmarks.

Cathedral of the Assumption (Kathedrale Mariä Himmelfahrt)

The cathedral, which dominates the upper part of the Old Town, dates in its current Romanesque-Gothic form largely from the 12th–13th centuries, though the site has been a place of worship for far longer. The interior contains notable altar pieces and stonework. Entry is generally free; verify any current access restrictions locally.

Rätisches Museum

Housed in a patrician town house, this cantonal museum covers the long history of Graubünden from prehistoric times through to more recent centuries. It provides useful context before exploring the region further. Verify current opening hours and admission fees at raetischesmuseum.gr.ch.

Bündner Kunstmuseum

The cantonal art museum holds a collection focused on artists from or connected to Graubünden, including Giovanni Segantini, Angelika Kauffmann, and Alberto Giacometti. A newer building extension was completed in recent years. Check opening hours and fees at buendner-kunstmuseum.ch.

Day Trips via Rhaetian Railway

The Arosa Line climbs steeply out of Chur through the Schanfigg valley to the resort of Arosa — the journey itself is considered one of the most dramatic short rail rides in Switzerland. The Albula and Bernina lines (both UNESCO-listed) are accessible via Chur with a change at Thusis or Filisur. These are not to be missed if you have any interest in mountain railway travel.

Chur's food scene reflects its position as a cantonal capital rather than a resort town — there are honest, everyday options alongside a handful of more considered restaurants, without the inflated pricing found in nearby ski resorts.

Local Specialities

Graubünden has a strong culinary identity. Look for Bündnerfleisch (air-dried beef, served thinly sliced), Maluns (a pan-fried potato dish particular to the canton), Capuns (chard leaf parcels filled with spätzle dough and often dried meat), and Pizokel (a buckwheat pasta common in the Engadin valley). Barleycorn soups and hearty meat dishes suit the Alpine climate.

Where to Eat and Drink

The Old Town has a range of restaurants, wine bars, and cafés concentrated along and around Reichsgasse, Obere Gasse, and the Postplatz area. Local Graubünden wines — particularly Pinot Noir from the Bündner Herrschaft region just north of Chur — are worth seeking out and are a point of local pride. Verify specific restaurant details and hours locally, as the dining landscape changes regularly.

Supermarkets (Migros, Coop) near the train station are practical for self-catering and picking up local products at everyday Swiss prices.

Emergency Numbers

The standard European emergency number 112 works in Switzerland. For police, ambulance, and fire services, the Swiss national numbers are 117 (police), 144 (ambulance), and 118 (fire). Verify these are current before travel.

Health

Switzerland has a high standard of healthcare. EU/EEA visitors should carry their EHIC/GHIC card, though Switzerland has its own bilateral agreements — verify coverage with your insurer before travel. Travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended for all visitors.

Connectivity

Free public Wi-Fi is available at the train station and in some public areas. Swiss mobile networks have excellent coverage in the city; roaming costs vary by home country and carrier — check before travel.

Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory in Switzerland as service charges are typically included, but rounding up a bill or leaving a small tip for good service is common practice and appreciated.

Accessibility

Chur's train station is modern and accessible, but the Old Town's cobbled streets and steep lanes can present challenges for those with limited mobility. Verify specific accessibility information locally or with Graubünden Tourism (graubuenden.ch).

Chur is a low-crime city by most measures and is considered very safe for travellers. Standard urban precautions apply — keep an eye on belongings in busy areas around the train station and market squares.

The surrounding Alpine terrain is a different matter. If you plan to hike or travel into the mountains from Chur, be aware that conditions can change rapidly. Check weather forecasts, carry appropriate clothing and equipment, and follow local trail advisories. The Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) and MeteoSwiss provide reliable mountain weather information.

Road travel through Alpine passes is subject to seasonal closures and can be hazardous in winter conditions even when open. Check current pass status at astra.admin.ch or with local authorities before driving.