Switzerland’s oldest town, Chur (pronounced Kur) has a history that can be traced back around 5,000 years. Today, though, Chur is best known as a mid-mountain train hub for the scenic Bernina Express and Glacier Express. While the Engadin Alps that circle the city are busiest in winter, there are plenty of things to do in Chur all year round, with opportunities for hiking, biking, and wine tasting in the Graubünden Rhine Valley nearby.
Chur sits at an altitude of around 1,970 feet (600 meters), so winter visitors are more likely to catch a light dusting of snow instead of a Narnia streetscape. Snow-seekers don’t have to go far, though, with mountain resorts nearby that promise excellent skiing and snowboarding between December and early April. And if winter sports aren’t your jam, summer is stunning, drawing hikers, mountain bikers, climbers, and sightseers alike.
Just an hour away by train from Zurich Airport, Chur is easy to access by most modes of transport. Parking restrictions, parking lot prices, and a car-free Old Town render the place tricky for drivers, but walking around is easy, with the train station sitting mid-way between Chur Old Town and the modern part of the city. You can also navigate the city by using the local Chur Bus service or calling a taxi.
If you’re looking for panoramic views over the town of Chur itself, head up the city cable car to Brambrüesch mountain to gaze around and visit a restaurant for lunch with a view. Experienced mountain bikers will find the trails down a thrill. A slightly less high vantage point is the Haldenhüttli, a romantic-looking hut on the road between Chur and Arosa.
