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Things to Do in Chur

Things to Do in Chur

Chur Switzerland Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

The alpine setting around Chur has a natural playground for various outdoor pursuits throughout the year.

Hiking & Trekking

Chur Local Mountain Brambrüesch

A system of trails is directly accessible by gondola from the city. Options include the Panorama Trail (easy, 1.5 hours) and connections to Pradaschier or Feldis.

Long-Distance Trails

Via Alpina (Green Route) passes through Graubünden, with segments accessible from areas around Chur. This track is for serious hikers seeking multi-day challenges.

Equipment Guidance

Pack hiking boots, layered clothing, water, a map, and a daypack for must-have items. Local alpine weather changes quickly, so be prepared.

Water & Adrenaline Sports

  • Rhine River: Opportunities exist for leisurely strolls along the riverbanks. It is not usually for going for a swim or intense water sports directly in Chur due to powerful currents.
  • Nearby Lakes: Lake Cauma (Flims), Lake Cresta (Flims), and Lake Lenzerheide offer swimming, paddleboarding, and rowing in summer.
  • Mountain Biking: Brambrüesch offers dedicated mountain bike trails, including flow trails and a bike park. You can rent bikes available at the base or in town.
  • Rope Parks/Toboggan: Pradaschier Adventure Park, near Lenzerheide, features a high ropes course and Switzerland's longest toboggan run.

Paragliding

  • Tandem flights are available from various mountain sites near Chur, like Flims or Lenzerheide.
  • These offer stunning aerial views of the alpine landscape.

Wildlife Spotting

  • Trekking in the Alps can bring opportunities to spot native wildlife.
  • Look for ibex, chamois, marmots, and various birds of prey.
  • Maintain a respectful distance. No dedicated safaris exist.

Cycling Routes

  • Numerous well-marked routes are available around Chur and throughout Graubünden.
  • Options from easy riverside paths to challenging alpine trails.
  • Rhine Route (National Cycling Route 2) passes through Chur.
  • Graubünden Bike Parking on Brambrüesch has trails for all skill levels.

Safety Note for Outdoors

Mountain weather turns quickly. Look at the forecast before outdoor activities. Stay on marked trails. Inform others of your plans.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with Chur's rich cultural heritage through various hands-on and observational experiences.

Workshops & Classes

  • Art/Craft: Occasionally, community cultural centers or artists may conduct workshops in painting or traditional crafts.
  • Cooking Classes: Some culinary schools or hotels might arrange workshops on traditional Graubünden cuisine, teaching you to prepare dishes like Capuns.
  • Language Learning: Immersion by practicing German with locals proves valuable. Picking up some simple phrases is always appreciated.
  • Community-Based Initiatives: Supporting local businesses in the Old Town, visiting the weekly market, and connecting with residents directly supports the community.

Performances & Traditions

Concerts & Theater

The Theater Chur hosts a diverse program of plays, concerts, and dance performances throughout the year.

Folk Music & Dance

Look for local festivals or "Heimatabende" (homeland evenings) in surrounding villages. These events often feature traditional Swiss folk music and dance.

Cultural Festivals & Events

Events include Chur Fasnacht (Carnival), Chur Fest (late summer), Christmas Market (December), and "Alpabzug" (autumn cattle drive) in neighboring villages.

Relaxation & Wellness

Balance your adventures with opportunities for rest and rejuvenation in Chur and its serene surroundings.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Chur has a modest yet enjoyable nightlife, with possibilities for live music, theatre, and casual evenings.

Shopping & Markets

Discover local crafts, regional delicacies, and classic Swiss souvenirs in Chur's shops and markets.

Relaxation & Wellness

Balance your adventures with opportunities for rest and rejuvenation in Chur and its serene surroundings.

Spas & Thermal Baths

  • Hotel Wellness Areas: Several hotels in Chur have wellness areas, pools, and saunas (e.g., ABC Swiss Quality Hotel, Hotel Sommerau).
  • Tamina Therme (Bad Ragaz): A renowned thermal spa complex about 20 minutes from Chur by train. It includes a large indoor and outdoor thermal bath, a sauna world, and various wellness treatments.
  • Natural Therapy Options: Bad Ragaz is famous for its thermal spring water from the Tamina Gorge. This water is used for therapeutic purposes, pulling in visitors seeking its healing properties.
  • Yoga & Meditation: Less common directly in Chur, but specific resorts or wellness hubs in the wider Graubünden region may arrange these.

Water Activities & Leisure

Pool & Leisure Centers

Obere Au Sport & Leisure Center at Chur offers indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, and various sports facilities.

Lake Swimming

On nearby lakes, such As lake Cauma or Lake Cresta, you'll discover designated swimming areas in summer.

Relaxation Spots

Fontanapark and walking routes along the Rhine river banks deliver peaceful strolls within the city.

Planning Your Wellbeing

Opening Hours

Check opening times for spas and pools, as some facilities have seasonal operations or specific hours.

Advance Booking

For popular spa treatments or specific thermal bath visits, booking in advance is advisable.

Local Tourist Office

The Chur tourist office can give up-to-date information on local wellness offerings.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Chur has a modest yet enjoyable nightlife, with alternatives for live music, theatre, and casual evenings.

Music & Theatre

  • Live Music Venues: Theater Chur occasionally hosts live music concerts over several genres. Werkstatt Chur features local bands, DJs, and smaller concerts.
  • Theater & Performance Spaces: Theater Chur is the main venue for theatre productions, dance performances, and symphony concerts.
  • Lounges & Bars: Numerous hotels have bars that stay open late, giving a relaxed atmosphere. Some local pubs might feature occasional live music, especially on weekends.
  • Nightclubs & Dancing: Chur has a modest nightlife scene. Clubs are typically found around the city center. Choices include Marsala Club.

Evening Vibes

Casual Gatherings

When measured against larger cities, Chur's nightlife is more subdued and focuses on relaxed gatherings.

Bar Districts

The Old Town and the area around the train station have a concentration of pubs and bars. It is easy to stroll between establishments.

Local Events

Review local listings for special evening events or festivals happening during your visit.

Dining Out

  • Many restaurants stay open for dinner.
  • Reservations are often wise.
  • Explore diverse cuisines.

Cinema

  • Local cinemas show current films.
  • Check schedules for international movies.

Games & Social

  • Some bars have board games.
  • Casual social spots.

Age Restrictions

Minimum drinking age for beer and wine is 16, spirits is 18. Clubs enforce ID checks.

Shopping & Markets

Discover local crafts, regional delicacies, and classic Swiss souvenirs in Chur's shops and markets.

Local Specialties

  • Chur Wochenmarkt (Weekly Market): Every Tuesday and Saturday morning in the Old Town. It sells fresh local produce, regional specialties (cheese, bread, sausages), flowers, and some crafts.
  • Artisan Crafts: Find small places to shop in the Old Town providing local crafts, wooden sculptures, and textiles. These items make unique souvenirs.
  • Specialty Food: Shops sell Bündner Nusstorte, Bündnerfleisch, local cheeses, and Röteli liqueur.
  • Luxury & Boutique Shopping: Primary shopping streets like Bahnhofstrasse offer a mix of international and Swiss brands. Quality items are available.

Souvenirs & Gifts

Swiss Army Knife

AN iconic Swiss souvenir. Victorinox Swiss Army Knives offer quality and utility.

Swiss Chocolate

High-quality Swiss chocolate is a must-buy. Many local chocolatiers offer artisanal products.

Cowbells & Wood Items

Iconic Swiss souvenirs. Look for handmade wooden items and small adornments.

Ethical Shopping

  • Support local artisans and producers by purchasing directly from them at the marketplace or in small shops.
  • Look for "Swiss Made" labels, indicating local production and often fair labor practices.
  • Choose items that reflect sustainable practices, like organic produce.

Shipping

  • Major postal services (Swiss Post) offer international shipping.
  • Shops selling larger items may offer delivery services for convenience.

VAT Refund

  • Non-Swiss residents can claim VAT (Value Added Tax) back on purchases over CHF 300 from participating stores.
  • Look for "Tax Free" signs.
  • You must present your goods, receipt, and passport during customs inspection upon leaving Switzerland.

Shopping Hours

Weekday Hours
  • Around 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM (Monday - Friday).
  • Some shops may have extended hours on Thursdays.
Weekend Hours
  • Saturday until 5:00 PM.
  • The majority of stores are closed on Sundays.

Shopping Tip

For an authentic experience, plan your visit to coincide with the weekly market days.

Activity Planning Summary

Things to Do

  • Explore Chur's Old Town and visit the Cathedral.
  • Discover local art and history at the city's museums.
  • Take the gondola to Brambrüesch for vistas and trails.
  • Taste local specialties like Capuns and Bündnerfleisch.

Planning Notes

  • Check opening hours for attractions and museums.
  • Book tours and popular experiences in advance, particularly during peak season.
  • Monitor predictions for the weather outdoor plans and alpine excursions.
  • Utilize city maps and efficient public transport for navigation.