Chur Old Town
Chur, Switzerland, 7000
The oldest town in Switzerland, Chur boasts one of the best-preserved old towns in the country, with narrow cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and historic buildings. In addition to the Bishop's Palace and the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary (Chur Cathedral), Old Town Chur offers cultural activities, shopping, restaurants, and bars.
The basics
To get acquainted with this destination, book a guided walking tour of Old Town Chur to learn about historic landmarks like St. Martin’s Church, its storied past, and the small city's rich culture. This area of the city is compact enough to explore in an afternoon, but you can spend more time discovering its nooks and crannies. Highlights include cathedrals and churches, remains of the city wall, original guard towers, and narrow, colorfully painted houses.
Things to know before you go
Street art is popular in Chur, so look for large murals on buildings, smaller works, and street art installations.
You may see the French name for Chur, Coire, on transit info.
Look for the red plaques on buildings to learn about their history. They are written in German; use Google Translate if you don’t speak the language.
How to get there
Set in the canton of Grisons (Graubünden in German), Chur is a 1.5-hour train ride from Zurich and two hours away by train from the resort town of St. Moritz. It’s known to many as the departure point for the Bernina Express, the panoramic train that winds through the Alps, but it’s also worth at least an overnight visit on its own. Visitors can easily navigate the traffic-free streets of Old Town Chur on foot.
When to get there
There is a weekly market every Saturday morning in Old Town Chur from May to October. The Christmas market is held from late November to late December. If you’re into winter sports, plan a winter visit to explore the many ski resorts in the area. The summer is peak season for Chur, with warmer weather that allows visitors to hike in the nearby Swiss mountains.
What to know about the Bernina Express
The panoramic train connects Chur to Poschiavo in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy by crossing the Swiss Alps through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Rhaetian Railway and over the Landwasser Viaduct. The coaches feature large windows, and an on-board audio guide offers English, Italian, and German commentary, making the train a must-do sightseeing activity.
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