Chur Travel Blog
Chur is the capital city of the Swiss canton of Graubunden. It’s a beautiful city that offers visitors a wide variety of attractions, ranging from cultural landmarks to natural wonders. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoors enthusiast, or just looking for a relaxing weekend getaway, Chur has something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at 10 places you must visit and 5 places you should avoid during your trip to Chur!
10 Places to Visit
Here are 10 must-visit places in Chur:
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Old Town (Altstadt)
The Old Town of Chur is a charming medieval quarter that dates back to the 12th century. It’s full of narrow alleys, historic buildings, museums, and art galleries. You can spend hours just wandering around the streets and admiring the architecture. Make sure to visit the Cathedral of Saint Mary and the Bishop’s Palace, which are two of the town’s most famous landmarks.
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Rhaetian Railway
The Rhaetian Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Switzerland’s most scenic train routes. It offers breathtaking views of the Alps and passes through numerous tunnels, bridges, and viaducts. You can take a ride on the Bernina Express, which is the railway’s most famous train, or explore the railway museum in Bergun.
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Schluderns Castle
The Schluderns Castle is a grandiose fortress that was built in the 13th century. It’s located in the picturesque village of Schluderns, which is about an hour’s drive from Chur. The castle houses a museum that showcases the history and culture of the region, as well as a restaurant that serves traditional Swiss cuisine.
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Lenzerheide
Lenzerheide is a popular ski resort that’s located about 30 minutes from Chur. It offers over 150 kilometers of ski slopes, as well as numerous hiking and biking trails in the summer. The resort is also home to several spas and wellness centers, where you can relax and recharge after a long day on the slopes.
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Parc Ela
Parc Ela is a nature reserve that covers over 600 square kilometers of the Albula Alps. It’s home to diverse wildlife, including chamois, ibex, and golden eagles. You can explore the park on foot, by bike, or on horseback, and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
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Sandstone Caves
The Sandstone Caves are a series of underground chambers that were carved out of the rock by the river Julia. They’re located about 15 kilometers from Chur and are accessible by train or bus. You can take a guided tour of the caves and learn about their geological history and the myths and legends associated with them.
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Cresta Run
The Cresta Run is a world-famous toboggan run that’s located in the town of St. Moritz, about an hour’s drive from Chur. It’s a thrilling and adrenaline-pumping ride that’s only for the bravest of souls. You can take part in a training session or watch the professionals race down the track at speeds of up to 130 km/h.
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Alpine Garden
The Alpine Garden is a botanical garden that’s located in the village of Pontresina, about an hour’s drive from Chur. It’s home to over 4,000 species of plants that are native to the Alps, including rare and endangered species. You can take a guided tour of the garden and learn about the flora and fauna of the region.
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St. Moritz
St. Moritz is a glamorous resort town that’s famous for its luxurious hotels, high-end boutiques, and gourmet restaurants. It’s also a popular destination for winter sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice-skating. You can take a stroll around the town and admire the stunning views of Lake St. Moritz and the surrounding mountains.
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Rhein Gorge
The Rhein Gorge is a natural wonder that’s located in the eastern part of Switzerland. It’s a deep and narrow valley that was formed by the river Rhein and offers spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs and forests. You can take a boat tour of the gorge or hike along the numerous trails that crisscross the area.
5 Places to Avoid
Here are 5 places you should avoid during your trip to Chur:
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Chur Central Station (Bahnhof Chur)
The central station of Chur is not a pleasant place, especially during peak hours when it’s crowded, noisy, and dirty. Try to avoid it if you can, or at least be prepared for the chaos.
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Rossboden District
The Rossboden district is a dull and unremarkable area that’s far from the city center. It has little to offer in terms of attractions or amenities and is not worth the trip.
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Chur District 2
Chur District 2 is a residential area that’s located on the outskirts of the city. It’s not particularly interesting or tourist-friendly and is better left to the locals.
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Domat/Ems
Domat/Ems is a small village that’s located about 5 kilometers from Chur. It has few points of interest and is not worth the time or effort to visit.
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Chur City Hall (Rathaus)
The city hall of Chur is a rather bland and unremarkable building that’s not worth a detour. There are much more interesting landmarks and attractions to see in the city.
With this guide, you’re now ready to explore the best that Chur has to offer. Whether you’re looking for culture, nature, or adventure, you’ll find it all in this fascinating city. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable trip to Chur!