Overview
Chur (pronounced roughly 'Koor') is the capital of the canton of Graubünden and lays claim to being the oldest continuously inhabited town in Switzerland, with settlements dating back roughly 11,000 years. Sitting at around 600 metres above sea level in the Rhine Valley, it is sheltered on three sides by mountains that rise sharply from its edges, giving the city a dramatic backdrop unusual for a place of its modest size — the population is around 40,000.
The Old Town (Altstadt) is compact, largely pedestrianised, and genuinely medieval in character. Narrow lanes thread between stone and render buildings, eventually climbing toward the Bishop's Court complex that dominates the hillside above. Chur has been an episcopal seat since at least the 4th century, and that long ecclesiastical history is tangible in the architecture.
For most international visitors, Chur functions as an arrival or departure point for the broader Graubünden region — a jumping-off place for the Engadine valley, St. Moritz, the Swiss National Park, or mountain resorts such as Arosa and Lenzerheide. That said, the city itself merits at least half a day of unhurried exploration rather than a rushed transit stop.
Before You Go
Visas
Switzerland is not an EU member but is part of the Schengen Area. Visa requirements vary by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) website for current, authoritative information before booking.
Health
No vaccinations are specifically required for Switzerland. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. Travel insurance that includes medical coverage and mountain rescue is strongly recommended if you plan any hiking or skiing in the surrounding canton — helicopter rescue in Alpine terrain carries significant costs.
Money
Chur is firmly Swiss in its pricing — everyday costs are high by most international standards. Credit cards are accepted widely in hotels and restaurants, though some smaller shops and market stalls prefer cash. ATMs (Bancomats) are available in the city centre. Note that euros are sometimes accepted in tourist-oriented businesses but change is typically given in francs at an unfavourable rate.
Practical preparation
- A Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card can offer meaningful savings if you plan to use trains and PostBuses extensively in Graubünden.
- Download the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) app for timetables and mobile tickets.
- Pack layers regardless of season; mountain weather can shift quickly even when the valley floor is warm.
Getting There
By Rail
Chur is well connected by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). Direct InterCity trains run from Zurich HB to Chur in roughly 75–80 minutes, making it one of the more straightforward Alpine destinations to reach by rail from the main international gateway airport. Connections from Bern and Basel are also available, typically requiring one change.
By Air
The nearest major international airport is Zurich Airport (ZRH). From there, trains to Chur run frequently and the journey is direct. Verify current timetables on the SBB website or app before travel.
By Road
Chur sits on the A13 motorway (San Bernardino route), making it accessible by car from Zurich or from Italy via the San Bernardino pass (or tunnel in winter). A Swiss motorway vignette is required; verify current purchase options before arriving.
Glacier Express and Regional Rail
Chur is one terminus of the Glacier Express scenic train, which runs to Zermatt via the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn. It also connects via the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) — a UNESCO World Heritage route — to destinations including Davos, St. Moritz, and Tirano in Italy.
Getting Around
Chur's Old Town is small enough to explore entirely on foot, and most of the city's visitor attractions are within a walkable core. The main train station (Bahnhof Chur) is a short walk from the Altstadt.
Local buses serve the wider city and some nearby villages. Visitors staying in Chur hotels typically receive a guest card (Gästekarte) that may include free or discounted local public transport — confirm this with your accommodation.
For day trips into the surrounding canton, the PostBus and Rhaetian Railway networks are efficient and scenic. Hiring a car gives more flexibility for reaching smaller villages in Graubünden's side valleys, though parking in the city centre is limited and metered. Cycling is possible along the Rhine valley floor, and rental options may be available locally — verify locally for current providers.
Things to See & Do
Old Town (Altstadt)
Wander the pedestrianised lanes of the Altstadt, taking in the painted façades, medieval towers, and small squares. The Postplatz and surrounding streets give a good sense of the historic fabric. The area is genuinely lived-in rather than purely touristic.
Cathedral of the Assumption (Kathedrale Mariä Himmelfahrt)
Chur's cathedral, sitting within the Bishop's Court complex on the hill above the Altstadt, dates substantially from the 12th–13th centuries. The interior contains an important late-Gothic altar triptych. The complex is free to enter, though check locally for current access hours and any renovation closures.
Rätisches Museum
The cantonal history museum occupies a 17th-century patrician house in the Old Town and covers the archaeology, history, and culture of Graubünden from prehistoric times onward. Verify current opening hours and admission fees on the museum's official site.
Bündner Kunstmuseum
Chur's fine arts museum holds a collection that includes works by Giovanni Giacometti and Angelika Kauffmann, both artists with strong ties to Graubünden. The building itself is of architectural interest. Check the museum's official site for current exhibitions, hours, and fees.
Day Trips
- Arosa: Take the Rhaetian Railway's Arosa line — a steep, scenic route through gorges — for skiing in winter and hiking in summer.
- Lenzerheide: Accessible by PostBus, a mountain resort suitable for families.
- Flims–Laax–Falera: A major ski area, reachable by bus; also excellent for hiking and mountain biking in summer.
- Rhine Gorge (Ruinaulta): Often called the 'Swiss Grand Canyon', accessible from stations on the Chur–Disentis line.
Food & Drink
Chur's food scene reflects its position as a cantonal capital — there is a range from casual cafés and bakeries to mid-range restaurants, with some more formal dining. The cuisine of Graubünden is distinctive within Switzerland.
Regional specialities to try
- Capuns: Chard leaves stuffed with a dough and dried meat mixture, typically served with melted cheese or cream — a Romansh dish found across Graubünden.
- Maluns: A potato dish made from grated raw potato formed into small pellets and pan-fried, traditionally served with applesauce and mountain cheese. Simple but strongly regional.
- Bündnerfleisch: Air-dried beef, cured with herbs in the dry mountain air of Graubünden; sliced thin and served as a starter or aperitivo accompaniment. Look for PDO-certified versions.
- Bündner Nusstorte: A short-pastry tart filled with caramelised walnuts, the confectionery emblem of the canton. Available in bakeries and confectionery shops throughout Chur.
For coffee and light meals, the cafés around Postplatz and along Obere Gasse serve the daily rhythm of local life. The Old Town has a reasonable density of restaurants; evenings can be quiet mid-week outside peak season, so it is worth reserving a table at places that interest you. Wine from the Bündner Herrschaft region just north of Chur — particularly Pinot Noir — is worth trying by the glass.
Shopping
Shopping in Chur is centred on the pedestrian zones of the Altstadt and the adjacent Comercialstrasse area. You will find a mix of Swiss chain stores, independent boutiques, and specialist food shops.
For gifts and regional products, look for Bündnerfleisch packaged for travel, Bündner Nusstorte from local confectioners, and bottles of Bündner Herrschaft wine. Several shops in the Old Town stock locally produced goods. A Saturday market in the city centre sells produce and crafts — verify locally for current market days and locations.
Chur is not a major luxury retail destination in the way that Zurich or Geneva are, but it serves practical shopping needs well for visitors staying in the region.
Practical Information
Emergency numbers
For emergencies in Switzerland dial 112 (general European emergency) or 117 (police), 144 (ambulance), 118 (fire), 1414 (Alpine Rega helicopter rescue). Verify these are current before travel.
Electricity
Switzerland uses 230V/50Hz with a distinctive Swiss Type J plug (three round pins in a triangular arrangement). Many devices also fit the Europlug (Type C). Bring an adapter if needed.
Internet and communication
Free public Wi-Fi is available at the train station and in many cafés. Swiss SIM cards are available at the train station and electronics retailers. EU roaming rules do not apply in Switzerland, so check your mobile provider's Swiss roaming charges before travelling.
Tipping
Service charges are typically included in Swiss restaurant bills. Rounding up the bill or leaving a small additional tip is customary if you are satisfied with the service — it is not obligatory.
Tourist information
Chur Tourismus operates a visitor information office; its location and hours can be confirmed on the official Chur tourism website before or on arrival.
Safety
Chur is a low-crime city by any international measure, and the Old Town is safe to walk at all hours. Standard urban precautions apply — be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure in crowded spaces.
If you plan to hike in the surrounding mountains, even on marked trails, conditions can change rapidly. Check the official Swiss mountain weather forecast (MeteoSwiss) before setting out, tell someone your planned route, and carry appropriate clothing and equipment. The Alpine rescue service (Rega) can be reached on 1414 — verify this number is current before your trip. Do not underestimate mountain terrain on the basis of clear valley weather.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Graubünden is Switzerland's largest canton by area and its most linguistically complex: it officially recognises German, Romansh, and Italian. In Chur itself, German dominates everyday life, but Romansh influence is present in street names, municipal signage, and local identity. Visitors with a curiosity about Romansh — one of the world's smaller Romance languages — will find this a genuine and living presence rather than a museum exhibit.
The city's long history as a bishopric means that Catholic traditions remain part of civic life. The cathedral and bishop's court are not merely historic monuments but active institutions. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Chur has a university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule Graubünden), which contributes to a modest student population and some cultural programming. Check locally for festivals, concerts, or events during your visit — the calendar varies significantly by season.
