Things to Do in Chur

Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Chur is a charming destination brimming with historical allure and natural beauty. As the oldest city in Switzerland, Chur offers visitors a delightful mix of ancient architecture and vibrant culture. You can start your exploration by wandering through its well-preserved Old Town, where narrow alleys and medieval buildings transport you back in time. The Cathedral of Saint Mary, with its impressive Romanesque design, is a must-see landmark.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are a range of things to do in Chur like hiking and biking in the surrounding mountains, showcasing breathtaking alpine views. The city's vibrant arts scene, including local galleries and museums, adds a modern touch to its historic charm. To fully immerse yourself in Chur's offerings, consider booking your Switzerland packages which provide a memorable blend of cultural discovery and scenic adventure.

Here are some of the best things to do in Chur:

1. Exploring the Old Town:

Exploring Chur's Old Town is like stepping back in time as each corner has its own unique story. You can wander along charming cobblestone streets lined with colorful medieval buildings.

You can visit the Cathedral of Saint Mary as this beautiful church, with its tall spire and detailed architecture, is a highlight of the Old Town. You can check out the Rätisches Museum and get to know about the history and culture of Chur and the surrounding region.

2. See Cathedral of the Assumption:

The Cathedral of the Assumption, also known as Chur Cathedral, is a beautiful and historic church in Chur. You can admire the cathedral's impressive Romanesque architecture, with its tall spire and intricate details. Inside, you can see beautiful stained glass windows, ancient frescoes, and a stunning altar.

The crypt beneath the cathedral is one of its most fascinating features. It contains historical artifacts and has a unique, mysterious ambiance. You might hear the magnificent sounds of the cathedral's pipe organ, which is occasionally played during services or special events.

Location: Hof 18, 7000 Chur, Switzerland

Timings: 07:00 AM- 07:00 PM

3. Visit Rhaetian Museum:

The museum features exhibits that showcase the history of Chur and the surrounding area, from ancient times to the present. You can see artifacts, clothing, and tools, and learn about the traditions and customs of the people who have lived in the region, including the Rhaetians and Romans.

The museum has a collection of art and archaeological discoveries, including ancient sculptures and pottery. You can see Romanesque Frescoes, Celtic Artifacts, Bündner Glass Paintings, and religious sculptures. The Rhaetian Museum often hosts temporary exhibitions on various topics where you can discover something new. 

Location: Hofstrasse 1, 7000 Chur

Timings: 10:00 AM- 05:00 PM

4. Discover the Graubünden Art Museum:

The museum showcases a wide range of Swiss art, including paintings, sculptures, and graphic works. It is a wonderful place to see works by local artists from the Graubünden region like paintings, sculptures, and graphic works. The collection includes modern and contemporary art like "The Red Cow" by Giovanni Segantin, "Landscape with Moonrise" by Giovanni Giacometti, and "Portrait of Ottilia" by Angelica Kauffman.

The museum houses works by renowned Swiss artists such as Angelika Kauffmann, Alberto Giacometti, and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. Their pieces provide insight into different art movements and periods. You can also see temporary exhibitions highlighting different themes, artists, or specific art movements.

Location: Bahnhofstrasse 35, 7000 Chur

Timings: 10:00 AM- 05:00 PM

5. Hop on a stunning train ride:

Taking a train ride is one of the fantastic things to do in Chur to experience the stunning scenery of the Swiss Alps. You can ride the Bernina Express and this famous train journey offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, deep gorges, and picturesque villages. Another iconic train ride that you can enjoy, the Glacier Express, is known as the "slowest express train in the world."

It travels through beautiful alpine scenery, including the Oberalp Pass and the Rhine Gorge. During your journey, you will admire stunning views of lush valleys, sparkling lakes, and impressive mountain peaks.

Location: Bahnhofpl. 1, 7000 Chur

6. Explore the Street Art:

Chur is home to several impressive murals painted by local and international artists. These murals add a splash of color and creativity to the city's walls. While enjoying one of these exciting activities to do in Chur, you can see murals, Graffiti, nature-inspired art, Stencils, and Paste-ups.

These artworks often convey powerful messages or showcase unique styles. Some of Chur's street art is located in public squares and parks. These installations often reflect the city's culture and history, making them interesting to explore. If you are interested in learning more about the artists and the stories behind the artworks, consider joining a guided street art tour.

7. See the view from Haldenhüttli:

Haldenhüttli is a scenic viewpoint located in the city of Chur, Switzerland. It offers stunning panoramic views of Chur and the surrounding mountains. It is a perfect place to take in the beautiful landscape and get a sense of the region's natural beauty. Several trails lead up to the viewpoint, offering a nice outdoor adventure. Once at Haldenhüttli, you can admire scenic vistas of Rhein Valley, alpine peaks, vineyards, and farmlands. Also, you can capture the city of Chur below, the rolling hills, and the majestic mountains in the background.

Location: Arosastrasse 15, 7000 Chur

Timings: Open 24 Hours

8. See St Martin’s Church:

Visiting St. Martin’s Church is one of the cultural activities to do in Chur to experience the city's rich history and architecture. St. Martin’s Church is known for its impressive Gothic architecture. The tall tower and detailed stonework are highlights of the building's exterior. Inside the church, you can see beautiful stained glass windows that depict various biblical scenes. You can also see several historical artifacts, including religious paintings and sculptures. The church tower has a set of bells that chime regularly and listening to the bells is a pleasant experience.

Location: Kirchgasse 12, 7000 Chur

Timings: 09:00 AM- 05:00 PM

9. Explore Würth Sculpture Park:

The park features a diverse collection of modern sculptures by various artists such as Niki de Saint Phalle, Jean Tinguelyand Robert Indiana. The artworks are spread throughout the park, offering a mix of styles and materials. The park features a collection of sculptures by both Swiss and international artists. The pieces vary in style, size, and material, including bronze, steel, and stone. Some of the sculptures are large-scale installations that make a dramatic impact and add to the park's unique landscape. You can find both abstract sculptures, which use shapes and forms to convey meaning, and figurative works that represent recognizable objects or figures.

Location: Aspermontstrasse 1, 7004 Chur

Timings: 11:00 AM -05:00 PM

10. Visit the Alien-Themed Bar (Giger Bar):

Visiting the Alien-Themed Bar is one of the must do things to do in Chur. The bar features a design inspired by the art of H.R. Giger, known for his work on the "Alien" movie franchise. The interior includes eerie which is designed with dark, organic shapes and textures. The walls and furniture are adorned with Giger’s distinctive artwork, including sculptures and paintings.

The bar’s design immerses you in a sci-fi, alien-like atmosphere. The bar offers a variety of drinks, including cocktails and local specialties. The drink menu might feature names inspired by Giger’s themes and the “Alien” universe.