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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Switzerland

Nearby Destinations

Arosa: A high-altitude mountain resort. Winter activities include skiing and snowboarding. Summer brings hiking, mountain biking, and a ropes course. A beautiful lake and stunning alpine scenery make for a refreshing escape.

Transportation: The Arosa Line, part of the Rhaetian Railway, is a scenic train journey directly from Chur. The train ride itself forms part of the experience.

Arosa Features

  • Skiing & Snowboarding
  • Hiking & Mountain Biking
  • Lake & Ropes Course
  • Scenic Train Journey

Natural Escapes

Graubünden offers dramatic natural landscapes, suitable for scenic excursions from Chur.

Bernina Express Route

This UNESCO World Heritage train journey crosses the Bernina Pass. Features include stunning glaciers, impressive viaducts like the Landwasser Viaduct and the Brusio Circular Viaduct, and dramatic alpine scenery.

Features

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Breathtaking Alpine Views
  • Iconic Viaducts

Rhine Gorge Ruinaulta

Often called the "Swiss Grand Canyon." This deep canyon, carved by the Rhine River, displays white cliffs, turquoise water, and forested slopes.

Activities

  • Hiking Trails
  • Biking Routes
  • Rafting on the River

Cultural Excursions

Maienfeld Heidiland

  • Charming Atmosphere
  • Family-Friendly Setting
  • Can be Touristy
  • Parking Challenges

Bellinzona, Ticino

  • UNESCO Castles
  • Distinct Italian Culture
  • Hot Summers
  • Longer Travel

Comparative Overview

  • Maienfeld Travel Time20-30 min
  • Maienfeld Main DrawHeidi Village
  • Maienfeld TransportTrain, Bus
  • Maienfeld RegionGraubünden
  • Bellinzona Travel Time1 hour
  • Bellinzona Main DrawUNESCO Castles
  • Bellinzona TransportTrain
  • Bellinzona RegionTicino

Planning Your Journey

Always check opening hours, seasonal closures, and transport schedules for your chosen destination. Factor in travel time for day trips.

Multi-Day Extensions

Extend your trip to explore more of Switzerland or neighboring regions, using Chur as a springboard.

Engadin Valley

Spend 2-3 days in this high-alpine valley known for glamorous resorts like St. Moritz, stunning lakes, and extensive hiking or skiing.

Zermatt & Matterhorn

Add 2-3 days to experience the iconic Matterhorn and the car-free mountain village of Zermatt.

Lake Lucerne Region

A classic Swiss experience unfolds here with beautiful lakes, majestic mountains, and a charming city.

Engadin Valley Exploration

Travel from Chur to St. Moritz (explore, hike, relax). Then move to Pontresina (more hiking, alpine charm). Optionally, continue further to Zernez for the Swiss National Park or Scuol for wellness.

Highlights

  • St. Moritz Luxury
  • Pontresina Alpine Charm
  • Swiss National Park Access

Zermatt & Matterhorn Immersion

Travel from Chur via the Glacier Express to Zermatt. Explore the village and take excursions to Gornergrat or Klein Matterhorn. Then possibly continue to Geneva or return to Zurich.

Activities

  • Matterhorn Views
  • Gornergrat Excursion
  • Klein Matterhorn Experience

Extension Overview

Engadin Valley RegionHigh Alps
Engadin Valley Duration2-3 days
Zermatt RegionValais Alps
Zermatt Duration2-3 days
Lake Lucerne RegionCentral Switzerland
Lake Lucerne Duration2-3 days

Strategic Planning

  • Expanding your journey to iconic Swiss locations is a worthwhile consideration.
  • A multi-day trip to Zermatt, Engadin, or Lake Lucerne enriches your travels.
  • Utilize the Swiss Travel Pass for seamless travel across the country.
  • Allocate 2-3 days for each major extension.
  • Plan routes to maximize scenic train rides.