Chur

The capital and largest city of Graubünden, Chur is a charming medieval town with narrow winding streets, historic architecture, and excellent museums including the Rätisches Museum. It serves as the cultural and administrative heart of the region with good food and wine traditions.

Things to do

• Rätisches Museum — Explore the cultural and natural history of Graubünden through archaeological artifacts, traditional textiles, and regional art spanning from prehistoric times to the present.
• Cathedral of Chur (Kathedrale) — Visit this impressive 12th-century Romanesque cathedral featuring a notable altar by local artist Jörg Krell and stunning stained glass windows.
• Obertor Gate and Old Town Wandering — Walk through the medieval Obertor gate and lose yourself in the narrow, winding cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings, hidden courtyards, and local shops.
• Plessur River Promenade — Stroll along the scenic riverside path following the Plessur River as it winds through town, offering peaceful views and access to local parks.
• Kunstmuseum Chur — Discover contemporary and historical artworks in this modern art museum, which features rotating exhibitions of Swiss and international artists.
• Brambrüesch Mountain Views — Take the cable car or hike up to this nearby mountain for panoramic views over Chur and the surrounding Alpine valleys.

Food to try

• Capuns — A local specialty of cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of spelt flour, potato, and sometimes meat, then braised and typically served with melted cheese.
• Bundnerfleisch (Graubünden Dried Meat) — Thinly sliced air-dried beef from local cattle, traditionally cured in the mountain climate and served as an appetizer or with bread and local wines.
• Pizzoccheri — A hearty buckwheat pasta dish layered with potatoes, cabbage, garlic, and local cheese, reflecting the region's Italian culinary influences.
• Local Graubünden Wines — Sample crisp white wines like Completer and Müller-Thurgau from nearby vineyards, often paired with regional cheeses and meats in wine bars throughout the old town.
• Nusstorte (Nut Cake) — A traditional Graubünden cake with a shortbread base topped with a sweet walnut and caramel filling, available at local bakeries and cafés.

Local customs & good to know

• Learn Local History Through Architecture — Take time to notice the heraldic crests and dates carved into building facades throughout the old town, which tell stories of medieval merchant families and civic pride.
• Respect Quieter Shopping Hours — Many shops close between 12 and 2 p.m. for lunch and some close on Sunday afternoons, so plan your shopping accordingly to avoid disappointment.
• Embrace Multilingualism — Chur and Graubünden are trilingual regions where Romansh, German, and Italian are spoken; seeing local signage in multiple languages reflects the region's unique cultural identity.
• Engage with Local Wine Culture — Visit a local weinstube (wine bar) not just for drinks but as a social gathering spot where locals discuss regional traditions and food pairings over modest glasses of wine.