Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Graubünden, with more than 5,000 years of settlement history at the gateway to the Alps. Its heart is the car-free old town (Altstadt) of narrow lanes and squares, crowned by the 12th–13th-century Cathedral of the Assumption, and it serves as the hub where the famous Bernina Express begins and the Glacier Express stops. As of 2026 it remains a popular one- or two-night base, combining a walkable historic centre, the seasonal Brambrüesch cable car, and world-class Alpine rail journeys.
Car-free Old Town (Altstadt): medieval alleys, painted facades, fountains and squares made for wandering on foot
Cathedral of the Assumption (St. Mariä Himmelfahrt): a 12th–13th-century church blending Romanesque and Gothic styles, with a late-Gothic carved high altar
St. Martin's Church: reformed church renowned for its three stained-glass windows by Augusto Giacometti (1919)
Bündner Kunstmuseum (Graubünden Art Museum): around 8,000 works, including the Giacometti family and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner
Brambrüesch cable car: rises from the town centre to a roughly 1,600 m summit for Alpine views and hiking
Good to know
RulesPanoramic trains such as the Bernina Express and Glacier Express require a seat reservation in addition to a ticket — book only through official sites (RhB/SBB). From 29 Oct to 13 Nov 2026, engineering works divert some Bernina Express services, so check the current timetable before travelling.
SeasonThe Brambrüesch cable car and many mountain activities run seasonally (summer roughly early June to late October). Alpine weather changes fast, so pack a warm layer even in summer and confirm operating days and hours before you set out.
MannersThe old town is a pedestrian zone. Many shops close on Sundays and in the evening. Tipping is not obligatory in Switzerland as service is included — rounding up is plenty — and a friendly 'Grüezi' when entering a shop is appreciated.
SafetyChur itself is very safe, but keep an eye on your belongings in busy stations and on crowded scenic trains to and from Zurich. Don't leave bags or passports unattended on your seat while you're absorbed in the scenery.
CautionScams are rare, but avoid unofficial resellers charging inflated fees for panoramic-train seats or packages. Restaurant prices are high, so check menu prices before ordering, and remember the currency is Swiss francs (CHF), not euros.
RulesIf you plan to combine several museums with public transport, check whether a Swiss Travel Pass or a regional Graubünden pass makes sense. Admission fees and opening hours vary by site and change over time, so verify the latest details before visiting.
Practical info
Chur's railway station is a major interchange between the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and the Rhaetian Railway (RhB), about 1 hour 15 minutes by direct train from Zurich, with the old town just a few minutes' walk away. Opening hours and admission for the cathedral, museums and cable car — and seat reservations for the panoramic trains — vary by site and season, so always confirm the latest information on the official websites.
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