Overview
Chur (pronounced roughly 'Koor') is the capital of the canton of Graubünden and is widely regarded as Switzerland's oldest continuously inhabited settlement, with documented human presence stretching back more than 11,000 years. Sitting at the confluence of the Rhine Valley and the Alpine foothills, the city serves as both a living museum of Swiss history and a practical base for exploring the surrounding mountains.
The compact Altstadt (Old Town) is largely car-free and walkable, clustered around a cathedral that has stood in various forms since the early medieval period. Despite its modest size — the population is around 37,000 — Chur punches above its weight culturally, with several respected museums, a vibrant café scene, and good rail connections that make it easy to reach without a car.
Liechtenstein, one of the world's smallest sovereign nations, lies roughly 30 kilometres to the northwest and is reachable from Chur in under an hour by bus or train connection via Sargans or Buchs. The principality's capital, Vaduz, sits beneath its famous hilltop castle and offers its own set of museums and a distinct identity that rewards even a half-day visit. Together, Chur and Liechtenstein form a natural pairing for travelers interested in Alpine culture, history, and landscape.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Switzerland is not a member of the European Union but is part of the Schengen Area. Liechtenstein is also part of the Schengen Area, so crossing between the two countries involves no border formalities for most travelers. Entry requirements vary significantly by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) and Liechtenstein's Office of Foreign Affairs for the rules that apply to your passport.
Health and Insurance
Both Switzerland and Liechtenstein have excellent healthcare infrastructure, but medical costs can be high. Comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is strongly recommended, especially if you plan to hike or ski in the surrounding mountains. Carry any prescription medication in its original packaging with supporting documentation.
Money
The Swiss Franc (CHF) is used in both destinations. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Chur and Vaduz, though smaller businesses and mountain kiosks may prefer cash. ATMs are readily available in both city centres. Switzerland and Liechtenstein are generally expensive by most international standards — budget accordingly.
Connectivity
SIM cards and eSIMs with Swiss data plans work in Liechtenstein, though roaming rules may technically apply — verify with your provider before travel. Free Wi-Fi is available at Chur train station and in many hotels and cafés.
Getting There
By Rail
Chur is well connected by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) network. Direct InterCity and regional trains run from Zurich HB, with journey times of approximately 70–80 minutes. Trains also connect from Basel, Bern, and St. Gallen with one change. The Rhaetian Railway (RhB), a UNESCO World Heritage route, departs from Chur toward Davos, St. Moritz, and the Engadin valley — one of the most scenic rail journeys in Europe.
By Air
The nearest major airport is Zurich Airport (ZRH), which has direct rail links into Zurich HB and onward to Chur. Journey time from the airport to Chur is roughly 90 minutes by train. No commercial airport serves Chur directly.
By Car
Chur is accessible via the A13 motorway (San Bernardino route) running north–south through the Rhine Valley, and the A3 from Zurich to the west. A Swiss motorway vignette (toll sticker) is required and can be purchased at border crossings, petrol stations, and online. Verify current vignette requirements before travel.
Reaching Liechtenstein
The easiest route from Chur to Vaduz, Liechtenstein is by regional bus or train to Sargans or Buchs (both in Switzerland), then connecting by local bus into Vaduz. The journey typically takes under an hour total. By car, the drive from Chur to Vaduz is approximately 30 kilometres via the A13, with no border checkpoint between the Schengen countries.
Getting Around
In Chur
Chur's Old Town is compact and best explored on foot. The city has a local bus network operated by Chur Bus, and the main train station is a short walk from the historic centre. Many hotels provide a guest card that offers free or discounted local transit — confirm this with your accommodation when booking.
The Swiss Travel Pass
If you are traveling Switzerland more broadly, the Swiss Travel Pass covers SBB trains, many buses, and some boat services. It can offer good value depending on your itinerary. Check the SBB and Switzerland Tourism websites for current pass options and pricing.
In Liechtenstein
Vaduz is walkable. The principality is served by the Liechtenstein Bus (LIECHTENSTEINmobil) network, which connects Vaduz with the Swiss rail hubs of Sargans and Feldkirch (Austria). Schedules and fares should be verified on the official LIECHTENSTEINmobil website before travel.
Cycling and Hiking
Both the Rhine Valley cycle path and numerous Alpine hiking routes pass through the region. Bike rental is available in Chur — confirm locations and current providers locally or through Graubünden Tourism's official site.
Things to See & Do
Chur Old Town (Altstadt)
The medieval Altstadt is the heart of any visit. Wander through the network of lanes, passing Roman-era foundations, frescoed fountains, guild houses, and artisan shops. The Martinskirche (St. Martin's Church) contains stained glass windows by the locally born artist Augusto Giacometti, the cousin of the more famous Alberto.
Chur Cathedral (Kathedrale St. Mariä Himmelfahrt)
Perched on the Hügel (cathedral hill) above the Altstadt, this Romanesque-Gothic cathedral is one of the most significant ecclesiastical buildings in the Alpine region. Its treasury holds medieval religious art and artifacts. Entry to the church is generally free; verify opening times locally.
Rätisches Museum
Chur's main museum of regional history and archaeology, housed in a baroque building in the Old Town. The collection spans prehistoric findings through Roman-era Curia Raetorum (the Roman name for Chur) to early modern Graubünden. Check the museum's official site for current hours and admission fees before visiting.
Kunstmuseum Graubünden
The cantonal art museum holds works by Alberto Giacometti as well as other Swiss and international artists. It is one of the more significant regional art collections in eastern Switzerland. Verify current admission fees and hours on the official site.
Rhaetian Railway Excursions
Taking at least one journey on the RhB is highly recommended. The Albula/Bernina line to St. Moritz is a UNESCO World Heritage route and passes through dramatic viaducts, tunnels, and Alpine scenery. Book in advance, particularly during peak summer and winter seasons.
Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Vaduz Castle (Schloss Vaduz) is the residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein and is not open to the public, but the views from below are a highlight. The Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein holds an internationally significant collection of modern and contemporary art. The Liechtenstein National Museum covers the principality's history and culture. Consider getting your passport stamped at the Vaduz Tourist Office — a popular and inexpensive souvenir unique to the country.
Skiing and Hiking
Chur is a gateway to Graubünden's extensive ski and hiking network. Nearby resorts and trails are accessible by the RhB or connecting PostBus services. Destinations include Arosa, Laax, and the Calanda mountain directly above the city. Always check trail conditions and avalanche bulletins (available through the Swiss Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research, SLF) before heading into the mountains.
Food & Drink
Graubünden Cuisine
The canton has a distinctive culinary identity. Bündnerfleisch — air-dried cured beef — is perhaps the most iconic local product and appears on menus and in deli counters throughout Chur. Maluns is a traditional potato dish from the region, made by slow-frying coarse potato flour with butter and often served with applesauce and fresh cheese. Capuns are cabbage-leaf parcels filled with spaetzle dough and dried meat, another Graubünden specialty worth seeking out.
Where to Eat in Chur
The Old Town and the streets radiating from the Postplatz offer the widest variety of restaurants, cafés, and wine bars. Options range from traditional Swiss Stuben (taverns) to Italian-influenced restaurants — a reflection of the canton's southern Alpine connections. Chur has a lively café culture; the pedestrian zones are well-served by places to stop for coffee and pastries.
Drinks
Graubünden produces its own wines, particularly from the Bündner Herrschaft wine region to the north of Chur along the Rhine — Pinot Noir (locally called Blauburgunder) is the dominant variety and is worth trying. Local craft beers are also available in several bars. Mineral water from Alpine springs is widely available.
Eating in Vaduz
Vaduz has a small but reasonable restaurant scene given its size. Traditional food reflects the Germanic-Alpine influences shared with neighbouring Switzerland and Austria. For a wider choice of restaurants, Schaan (the principality's largest municipality by population) is just a short bus ride away.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
- Switzerland general emergency (police, fire, ambulance): 112 (EU standard, works across Schengen) or 117 (police), 118 (fire), 144 (ambulance)
- Liechtenstein: Same emergency framework applies; 112 works throughout the Schengen Area
- Mountain rescue Switzerland: 1414 (REGA air rescue) — save this number if hiking or skiing
Tipping
Service charges are typically included in Swiss restaurant bills by law, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip for good service is common practice. There is no obligation to tip.
Shopping Hours
Shops in Chur generally follow standard Swiss retail hours — verify locally as hours vary by establishment and season. Most shops are closed on Sundays. In Vaduz, similar patterns apply; the tourist information office can provide current hours for specific attractions.
Accessibility
Chur's Old Town has some steep cobbled lanes that may be challenging for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. The main train station and newer areas of the city are generally more accessible. Check with individual museums and attractions regarding their accessibility provisions.
Postal Services and Wi-Fi
Switzerland Post (Die Post) offices are present in Chur for mailing souvenirs or documents. Free Wi-Fi is available at the train station and many cafés.
Safety
Chur and Vaduz are both considered safe destinations with low rates of violent crime. Standard precautions apply — keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas such as train stations and popular tourist spots.
If hiking or skiing in the surrounding mountains, safety preparation is essential. Check weather forecasts, avalanche bulletins (SLF website), and trail conditions before heading out. Inform someone of your planned route. The mountains around Chur can change conditions rapidly regardless of season.
Tap water throughout Switzerland and Liechtenstein is clean and safe to drink, including from many public fountains.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Languages and Identity
While German is the everyday language in Chur, the canton of Graubünden is Switzerland's only officially trilingual canton — German, Italian, and Romansh all hold official status. You may encounter Romansh place names and signage throughout Graubünden. This linguistic diversity is a point of local pride and reflects the canton's complex history at the crossroads of Alpine cultures.
Liechtenstein's Unique Status
Liechtenstein is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world (the other being Uzbekistan) and is the sixth smallest country globally. It retains a constitutional monarchy — the Prince of Liechtenstein is an active head of state with meaningful political powers, which is unusual among European monarchies. The principality has its own customs and character despite using Swiss currency and participating in many Swiss institutions.
Religious Heritage
Both Chur and the broader Graubünden region have deep Catholic roots, visible in the cathedral, monasteries, and chapels throughout the area. The cathedral chapter in Chur is among the oldest in the German-speaking world. Visitors should dress respectfully when entering religious sites.
