Day 1 in Chur
Welcome to Chur,
the oldest city in Switzerland! Upon
arrival, make your transfer to your destination, arrive at your hotel, check in
and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.
Start
your afternoon in the charming Old
Town, one of the best preserved historic city centers in
Switzerland. Just wandering through the twisting streets and alleys, gazing up
at the beautifully preserved buildings and popping into a café to enjoy the
ambiance is a great way to spend a few hours. The vibrant Old Town is
completely car-free and offers a wide range of cultural activities, museums, shopping,
cafes, authentic restaurants and relaxed bars. You may also want to consider a guided tour to learn more
about the history of the area.
Make sure
to admire the iconic Martinskirche
(St. Martin`s Church) which has become the symbol of the city. Named after
Bishop of Tours, St. Martin, the church which is located in St. Martin`s
square, is famous for its distinctive spire and clock face. The church was originally
built in the 8th-century but was rebuilt later in 1491 in the late
Gothic style because of a fire that destroyed the building in 1464.
Learn more
about the history and get some great insight of the area at the Ratisches Museum. The museum
is housed in a baroque patrician residence and displays weapons, agricultural
tools, Roman statuettes, as well as items related to politics and religion.
There is also a display of jewelry from Bronze Age.
If you
enjoy art, spend some time at the Bundner
Kunstmuseum, a tall rectangular museum with a gallery in the
Villa Panta. In the gallery, you`ll find the artistic legacy of Alberto
Giacometti, one of the renowned Graubunden-born artists. The artworks are a
reflection of the art historical significance of present day art forms of the
area.
Some other notable
landmarks worth seeing as you wander through the old town are the Episcopal Palace, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption,
and the numerous boutiques
and galleries.
Finish your afternoon at the Quaderwiese, a nice place for
you to relax and spend some leisure time. The meadow`s lush grass is going to
give you the feeling of tranquility and serenity. If you come in the winter,
you won`t be able to see the green area as the Quaderwiese is transformed into
an artificial ice rink. You can enjoy the pleasant winter atmosphere while ice
skating in the rink between November to March.
Enjoy dinner in the lively old town
before heading back to your hotel for a restful night`s sleep.
Day 2 in Chur
Chur is an important rail center, a
terminal for several of the most scenic railway lines in Switzerland: the narrow-gauge rail line to St.
Moritz (the Rhätische Bahn), the Chur-Arosa line,
the Glacier Express, the Palm Express,
and the Bernina Express. You might also go to Splügen,
said to have the prettiest mountain-pass village in the area.
We recommend you spend today enjoying
a memorable experience on the Bernina
Express, known as one of the most scenic train journeys around
the world. Connecting Chur to Poschiavo (Switzerland) and Tirano (Italy). The
Bernina Express train`s classic route promises the most stunning views of the
Graubunden canton from the north to south. The journey is a four hour journey
available for travel in both winter and summer. At the highest point the train reaches
7,392 ft. above sea level. Part of the route is also shared with the equally
famous Swiss scenic train the Glacier
Express.
For almost the full four hours of the
train ride, you`ll find yourself entranced by the views, beautiful mountains,
glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, rivers, and bridges outside the panoramic windows
of the train. It passes through
five tunnels and crosses 196 bridges.
Depending on which
way you travel, the line either ends in Tirano, Italy, a small town enjoyable
to spend a few hours of exploring. From Tirano you can travel by bus to Lugano.
Or, you can also take the other way and travel to St. Moritz. Either way won`t
disappoint!
End your day back
in Chur, enjoying a drink or bite to eat at a relaxed pub in town before
calling it a night.
Day 3 in Chur
On your last day in Chur spend some
time appreciating the wilderness surrounding it. There are a variety of outdoor
sports including hiking, mountain biking, skiing, skating and swimming, all
depending on what time of year you are here.
From the center of Chur a cable car
will take you directly up to the high plateau of Brambrüesch (7,217 ft). In the winter there is great
skiing offering a variety of runs from easy to difficult. In the summer months,
you will be greeted by magnificent meadows, beautiful flora and stunning
panoramic views. There are several wonderful hikes, the Alpen bike park, with 5
mountain biking free-ride routes, some fabulous tours, fun descents to choose
from, and several charming mountain restaurants.
Another option, if you are
visiting in the summer months, is the new open air panoramic train
journeying between Chur and Arosa. Arosa is an
attractive village tucked away in the stunning ranges of the Alps. You`ll find
a variety of snow sport activities, as well as extended hiking tours in the
summer months.
Additional Days in Chur
Should you be able to spend additional days in Chur and you are here in the summer months, we recommend you check out the Churer Fest, an annual summer festival typically held in the middle of August. This is the largest and most festive event in the southeastern part of Switzerland. Visitors who attend this legendary festival can expect to enjoy numerous attractions, treat from all over the world and the best music.Your Last Day in Chur
Depart your hotel for the train station or airport where you will head home or make your way to more Switzerland adventures. Savor the memories of a very special time in Chur.