Dating back over 5,000 years, this alpine city in eastern Switzerland has a medieval car-free center, an 800-year-old cathedral, and an alien-themed bar designed by H.R. Giger.
Chur, Switzerland's oldest city, sits in the Rhine Valley of Graubünden canton. As you walk through its car-free Old Town, you'll discover winding alleys, medieval buildings, and lively squares. Visit the 800-year-old cathedral, sip a drink at the alien-themed Giger Bar, or take a cable car ride to nearby mountain peaks. Chur also serves as a starting point for train journeys through the Swiss Alps, including the famous Bernina Express route.
Exploring Chur's Old Town
Chur's Old Town consists of narrow cobblestone streets and well-preserved buildings from various centuries. As you walk through this pedestrian-only area, you'll see red signs highlighting key sights and interesting facts about the city's past. Look for unique fountains throughout the Old Town, each with its own story. Stop at Arcas Square, surrounded by colorful buildings, to observe daily life in this ancient city.
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption
Above the Old Town stands the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, displaying both Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements. Construction of the current building began in 1150 and ended in 1272. Inside, you'll find Romanesque stone carvings on the capitals and a Gothic sacrament house from 1484. The cathedral's golden high altar, dating from the late Gothic period, is particularly impressive.
St. Martin's Church
St. Martin's Church, prominently located in the city, was built after a fire destroyed the previous Carolingian church on the site. Completed in 1492, it has been a Reformed church since 1526. The church's interior features stained glass windows that create interesting light patterns throughout the day.
Museums of Chur
Chur has three main museums that focus on the region's art, history, and nature. At the Rhaetian Museum, you can learn about the history and culture of Graubünden. The Graubünden Museum of Art displays works by local and international artists. If you're interested in natural history, visit the Graubünden Museum of Nature to see exhibits on the region's plants, animals, and geological features.
The Giger Bar
The Giger Bar, designed by Swiss artist H.R. Giger (known for his work on the "Alien" movies), is unlike any other place in Chur. The bar's interior mimics the biomechanical style of Giger's art, creating an unusual atmosphere. Even if you're not interested in science fiction, you'll find the bar's unique design intriguing.
Brambrüesch Mountain
Take the cable car from the city center to Brambrüesch mountain for views of Chur and the surrounding Alps. In summer, you can hike trails through alpine meadows filled with wildflowers. During winter, Brambrüesch becomes a small ski resort, allowing you to ski without traveling far from the city.
Getting to and Around Chur
You can reach Chur by train, with regular services from major Swiss cities like Zurich (about 1.5 hours). The city is also a hub for the Rhaetian Railway, making it a good starting point for train journeys like the Bernina Express. In Chur, you can walk to most attractions, as the city's compact size makes it easy to explore on foot.
Day Trips from Chur
Take a day trip on the Bernina Express, which connects Chur with Tirano in Italy, passing through mountain landscapes and over high bridges. Another option is to visit the Rhine Gorge, a deep canyon carved by the Rhine River. You can explore the gorge by train, on foot, or by bike.
