Chur travel guide

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Introduction to Chur

Welcome to Chur! This capital of the Swiss canton of Graubünden and lies in the northern part of the canton is a bucket list destination, home to many famous attractions, including Bernina Express, Chur Bergbahnen (Brambrüesch), and Quaderwiese. In this ultimate travel guide to Chur, you will learn everything you need to know before booking your ticket to Switzerland. Discover the day-to-day life of the over 35 thousand people who call Chur home and explore the city’s fascinating history, rich culture, and distinct architecture.

You'll learn more fascinating facts about Chur as you explore this spectacular city.

Traveling to Chur is especially rewarding for anyone eager to connect with locals and learn more about their unique culture and traditions.

Get ready to explore and learn more about the city of Chur below!

Top services in Chur

Here on this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Chur, Switzerland. Browse the 12 top-rated tours available to you in Chur. Compare the rates and services of the 2 types of places to stay in Chur and the 2 car rental companies offering CDW insurance coverage. We make it easy for you to find and book the top services in Chur.

Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Chur, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place. Book with Guide to Europe to get an expertly-curated and fully-customizable itinerary and experience the best of Chur on your vacation in Switzerland.

Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Chur from our free 24/7 customer support. Continue reading to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the city of Chur!

Learn more about Switzerland

There are many reasons to visit the city of Chur, but a trip to Switzerland needs no explanation.

Exploring Switzerland, which spans 41,285 square kilometers, is an adventure of a lifetime. Switzerland offers an abundance of truly magical places to discover, including cultural, historic, and scenic sites of significant value to both locals and travelers.

As the home country of many world-famous attractions like the spectacular Bernina Express, Chur Bergbahnen (Brambrüesch), and the Quaderwiese, you’re all set for a unique and memorable travel experience in Switzerland.

Click or tap the link below to discover more about Switzerland.

Best time to visit Chur

The best time to explore Chur is during the summer months of June to August, when the weather is typically warm, sunny, and perfect for outdoor activities. This period also coincides with the Chur Festival, the city’s largest summer event featuring music, food, and local culture. However, if you prefer a quieter visit and are a fan of winter sports, consider traveling between December and February. During these months, Chur transforms into a snowy wonderland, offering a splendid backdrop for skiing and snowboarding. Note that it can be quite crowded during Christmas and New Year's Eve, so booking in advance is advisable. Alternatively, the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) offer mild weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal for those seeking a tranquil getaway. Regardless of when you decide to visit, Chur's enchanting old town and beautiful surrounding landscapes are sure to captivate you.

Weather in Chur

Chur, located in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, experiences a mild climate with significant seasonal variations. The summers, from June to August, are warm but not excessively hot, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, but summer storms can occasionally bring heavy downpours.

The winters, from December to February, are cold but not severe, with temperatures usually falling between -2°C and 5°C. Snowfall is common during this period, transforming Chur into a winter wonderland, but it can also cause disruption to travel. Spring and Autumn see moderate temperatures and are generally more peaceful times to visit. One notable feature of Chur's climate is the Föhn, a warm wind that can cause sudden and dramatic increases in temperature. Travelers should therefore be prepared for unexpected weather changes.

Local tip for visiting Chur

While many tourists flock to Chur for its historical sites and stunning natural beauty, an insider tip is to explore its vibrant local market, held every Saturday in the old town. This is not just an ordinary market, but a treasure chest where local vendors sell everything from fresh produce, artisan cheeses, and homemade jams to handcrafted jewelry, and antiques. It's a fantastic opportunity to taste the local cuisine, interact with the locals, and even pick up a unique souvenir. Make sure to stop by the bakery stalls for a taste of traditional Swiss pastries like Nusstorte and Bündnerfleisch. Remember, the market opens early and most of the vendors wrap up by noon, so plan your visit accordingly. Exploring this local market will give you a more authentic experience of Chur, bringing you closer to the daily lives of its residents.

What to see in Chur

Chur has something for everyone. Regardless of age and interest, travelers have the best time exploring every corner of the city.

Read on to discover the best places to visit and find out what to expect from the city of Chur.

Top attractions in Chur

Home to plenty of top attractions, Chur is more than just a wonderful city in Switzerland. Chur is a travel hotspot and a great place to experience a mix of the traditional and modern culture of Switzerland.

One fascinating sight in Chur is the unforgettable Bernina Express. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Chur.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Switzerland, check out our list of top attractions in Chur below. Discover the best places to visit in Chur, including the fascinating Bernina Express, Chur Bergbahnen (Brambrüesch), Quaderwiese, Bündner Naturmuseum, and Bündner Kunstmuseum.

Map of attractions

Use this map to find the location of all top attractions in Chur.

Things to do in Chur

Enrich your travel experience in Chur by joining tours and activities. Chur offers an exciting selection of top-rated tours and it's easy for every traveler to find something to their liking. Take the opportunity to catch the top attractions on a tour, stay active with an adventurous excursion, or learn something new about the local history or culture of the city.

Discover the most popular experiences in Chur below.

Most popular experiences in Chur

Traveling is all about gaining new experiences. You can have that and more in the city of Chur.

Chur offers numerous tours and activities for travelers to choose from. Historical Tours, Walking Tours, and City Tours are only a few of the many experiences you can book for your holiday in Switzerland.

Explore the most popular experiences you can join in Chur by clicking on one of the top-rated tour categories below.

Top tours & tickets starting in Chur

Travelers in Chur can choose from 7 categories of top-rated tours and tickets.

By joining this highly recommended tour, travelers get to learn more about what makes Chur one of the best travel destinations in Switzerland.

Chur also offers plenty of budget-friendly tours and activities that promise travelers a unique experience in the city. The affordable E-guide audio city tour through the old town of Chur with tablet is the cheapest tour in the city, and is a popular Historical Tour. This experience costs around 13 EUR and allows travelers a great time in Chur. This Historical Tour is available in 2 languages: German, and English.

Secure an unforgettable experience for your upcoming trip to Chur and book a top-rated tour in the city. Discover the best tours, activities, and tickets in Chur below.

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Search for things to do in Chur

Discover the best things to do in Chur. Choose from 12 fantastic tours and activities available in the city.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Chur. Click the green button to view your options.

What to eat in Chur

Starting your culinary journey in Chur, you'll be greeted by the harmonious blend of traditional Swiss and international cuisines. The charming streets of the Old Town district are dotted with cozy bistros and patisseries, while Bahnhofstrasse is home to high-end restaurants serving gourmet meals. One of the best places to eat in Chur is the Zunfthaus zur Rebleuten, a historic restaurant known for its traditional Swiss fare. Don't miss out on Chur's local specialties, which include capuns, a hearty dish made from Swiss chard, dough, and cured meat, and pizokel, a type of homemade pasta. For a sweet finish, try the bündner nusstorte, a delicious caramelized nut-filled pastry. If you're looking for a unique culinary experience, consider enrolling in a local cooking class to learn the secrets of Chur's cuisine. Moreover, the weekly Saturday market is a must-visit for foodies, offering a variety of fresh regional produce and local delicacies. Combining these suggestions will surely elevate your dining experience in this Swiss city.

Best shopping in Chur

Chur, the oldest town in Switzerland, is not only renowned for its history but also its unique shopping experience. The Old Town is the best place to go shopping in Chur. The cobbled streets are lined with a variety of local boutiques, offering everything from traditional Swiss watches to handmade crafts and delicate confectioneries. Don't miss out on the Bahnhofstrasse, a bustling street filled with high-end fashion stores, bookshops, and antique dealers. For those seeking a more modern shopping experience, City West is a contemporary retail complex housing international brands and a gourmet supermarket. Chur's distinct fashion sense can be seen in the locally produced alpine clothing, perfect for the cold Swiss winters. A must-buy souvenir is the Bündner Nusstorte, a delicious nut-filled pastry that is a regional specialty. Remember, most shops in Chur close early and are closed on Sundays, so plan your shopping trip accordingly.

Best Free Things to do in Chur

Chur, the oldest town in Switzerland, offers a wealth of experiences that don't cost a penny. One of the best free things to do in Chur is to take a leisurely stroll through the Altstadt, the old town. Here, you can marvel at the medieval buildings, visit St. Martin's Church and the Raetisches Museum without spending a dime. The charming squares, narrow lanes and hidden corners are a delight for history buffs and photography enthusiasts alike. For nature lovers, the Brambrüesch hiking trail offers panoramic views of the majestic Alpine landscape. Starting from the city centre, the trail winds through meadows and forests, culminating in a breathtaking vista. If you happen to visit on a Saturday, don't miss the weekly market in the Postplatz and Arcas. It's an excellent opportunity to mingle with the locals, sample the region's produce and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Chur also hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including concerts, exhibitions and festivals, many of which are free. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover or culture vulture, Chur has a multitude of free experiences to offer.

Vacation packages in Chur

The best and easiest way to visit Chur is by booking a vacation package. A vacation package includes everything you need for a worry-free and perfectly planned holiday in Switzerland.

Booking a vacation package to Chur means spending less time planning and more time enjoying your vacation. A vacation package includes everything from flight tickets, accomodation, and a rental car, to 24/7 personal travel support and a carefully planned travel itinerary. You can also take your vacation in Chur to the next level by adding tours, tickets, and activities to each day of your trip.

Apart from providing you with everything you need to travel comfortably, your vacation package to Chur is also fully customizable. In other words, you can add or remove services at your own convenience, to create the perfect vacation for you and your travel companions.

On our website, you will find unique vacation packages to Chur, including flight tickets, hotel reservations, and recommendations for the best sightseeing spots, restaurants, bars, and activities.

Continue to the next section to learn more about what types of vacations you can book in the city of Chur.

Top vacation packages in Chur

Travelers have a great selection of vacation packages to choose from in Switzerland.

Get more Chur vacation ideas on this site and discover the greatest selection of vacation packages in Europe. Scroll down to find the best vacation packages in Switzerland that match your needs and budget.

Find vacation packages in Chur

Discover and compare vacation packages that take you to the wonderful city of Chur.

The best flights, hotels, and activities in Chur get fully booked quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best vacation packages in Switzerland. Your customized holiday package to Chur is only a few clicks away!

How to get to Chur

To get to the city of Chur the fastest way possible, travelers from outside Switzerland can travel by plane.

If you're looking for the best flight ticket deals to Chur, knowing the cheapest travel time and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we have this information for you.

Find cheap flights to Chur

Over the years, more airlines have started offering flexible and direct flights to Chur, making it one of the most accessible travel destinations in Switzerland.

Use the search tool below to find the cheapest flights to Switzerland and the city of Chur from your city of departure.

Where to stay in Chur

An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation. While visiting a city as fantastic as Chur is always exciting, any avid traveler knows that accommodations often make or break the vacation experience.

The best place to stay in Chur usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodation in downtown Chur offers a ton of benefits.

Staying at the heart of the city allows you to easily walk to many of the top sights and dining areas in Chur and cut down on your travel expenses. Centrally-located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in Chur planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.

In Chur, you'll find 2 different types of places to stay catering to every taste, budget, and reason for travel. For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in Switzerland can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the 5-star or 4-star hotels in Chur. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range hotels to budget-friendly accommodations in the city, allowing access to many of the top attractions in Chur.

Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in Chur in the next sections.

Popular types of accommodation in Chur

A trip to the fascinating Chur, Switzerland, means opportunities to relax at any of the 2 different types of places to stay in the city. Overall, travelers can choose from the following: 19 hotels and 2 vacation rental apartments. While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Chur provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Among all these choices available in the city, Drei Koenige is one of the top picks of travelers in Chur.

The hotel is located at Reichsgasse 18, Chur, Ch and boasts many great utilities, including Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi, and Airport shuttle.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Chur. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

In Chur, travelers looking for an economical yet top-rated place to stay usually choose Hotel ibis Chur. For approximately 111 EUR, guests can book a comfortable Double Room at this popular hotel.

Below is a list of all 2 different types of places to stay in Chur. Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

Top hotels in Chur

Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in Chur for the unique experience they provide. So if you're the kind of traveler who prefers staying at hotels, you'll be glad to know that the city is home to around 21 hotels.

Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in Chur provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in Chur are created equal, finding the best in the city often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in Chur.

If comfort, convenience, and affordability are your non-negotiables, check out City West Hotel & Restaurant, the top 4-star hotel in the city. When all you need is a pleasant place to rest and sleep in between your activities in Chur, the highest-rated 3-star hotel, Romantik Hotel Stern Chur, is for you.

Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in the Chur. Travelers are encouraged to book early as these hotels quickly reach capacity.

Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel by clicking the cards.

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Search for accommodation in Chur

Use the Accommodation Search tool below to find available stays in the city of Chur on specific dates. This handy feature also allows you to compare prices and amenities.

Enter the preferred check-in and check-out dates. Then, select the number of guests and rooms. Click the Search button to find all the available hotels and places to stay in the city of Chur that match the information provided.

Car rental in Chur

Experience the freedom and convenience of a self-drive vacation by renting a car for your adventures in Chur. Chur has 2 car rental companies ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Automatic cars for rent in Chur start from 56.44 EUR per day or 395.09 EUR per week. The cheapest automatic rental car is a Seat Leon.

If you prefer driving a manual car, you’ll find multiple options for rent in Chur, starting from 48.8 EUR per day or 341.57 EUR per week. The cheapest manual rental car is a Peugeot 208.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Chur, Switzerland, below.

Popular types of car rental in Chur

Discover and choose from our broad range of popular car rental options in the city of Chur to find the best car for your travel plans. Travelers in Chur can choose from small cars, medium cars, large cars, estate cars, mini vans, SUVs, convertibles, premium cars, camper vans, mini campers, vans, cars. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Renting a car is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore Switzerland at their own pace. The most popular type of car rental among small groups of travelers in Chur is a TopLevel.

Another very popular type of car to rent in Chur is a TopLevel. This car is particularly popular among couples and solo travelers touring the city of Chur.

Check out all options available in Chur and book the car rental for your upcoming adventures in Switzerland below.

Search for car rental in Chur

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of Chur. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Chur, Switzerland, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

Popular destinations to visit after Chur

The city of Chur is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in Switzerland. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that Switzerland has it all.

Switzerland is calling, and the country is asking you to experience its culture and diversity to the fullest! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in Switzerland that are as magical as the city of Chur. The most popular travel destinations in Switzerland are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

All the best destinations in Switzerland

When unsure of where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in Switzerland. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Transportation in Chur

Chur, being the oldest town in Switzerland, provides easy and convenient transportation for locals and visitors alike. The city's public transit system includes buses and trains, which are well-connected and provide frequent service to different parts of the city and its surrounding areas. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) offers regular services to other major Swiss cities, making it easy to explore more of the country from Chur.

Taxis are also readily available in Chur for a more private and direct mode of transportation. Additionally, there are several car rental agencies in the city, offering the flexibility to explore at your own pace. For those looking for a more adventurous mode of transportation, the town offers the unique experience of the Rhaetian Railway. This iconic railway line passes through the stunning Alpine landscapes and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Whether you are exploring the heart of the city or venturing into the Swiss Alps, Chur offers a range of efficient and enjoyable transportation options.

Domestic flights from Chur

A taste of Switzerland through a visit to Chur can often reignite a traveler's passion for adventure. When this happens, the best way to satisfy this wanderlust is to book a domestic flight from Chur to another remarkable destination in Switzerland.

To begin your search for the best or cheapest flights from the city of Chur to other spectacular locations in Switzerland, jump to the last section of this travel guide.

Search domestic flights from Chur

Traveling to another city or region in Switzerland? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Chur to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in Switzerland on the selected dates.

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