This Walkable Mountain City Is The Oldest In Switzerland With Idyllic Nature Spots, Shops, And Tasty Restaurants

At first glance, Chur looks like a classic Swiss mountain town, with colorful buildings, church steeples, and rugged peaks rising beyond the rooftops. But it is considerably older than its picturesque appearance suggests. Archaeological evidence shows that people have lived in the area for over 13,000 years, earning Chur recognition as Switzerland's oldest city.

Pronounced like "Kur," Chur sits in a valley surrounded by the Alps in eastern Switzerland, not far from the country's border with Liechtenstein. Part of Chur's appeal is how much it packs into a relatively compact area. The historic center is easy to explore on foot, while the surrounding mountains put hiking trails, alpine lakes, dramatic gorges, and panoramic viewpoints within easy reach. Wander through the Old Town in the morning, stop at a café or taverna for lunch, browse ample shops in the afternoon, and still have time to hike the surrounding mountains before dinner. 

The city is also the capital of the canton of Graubünden — Switzerland's largest canton by area — so it functions as a gateway to some of the country's most spectacular alpine landscapes. Chur is roughly 80 miles southeast of Zurich and its international airport, while the Liechtenstein border is about 25 miles away. With a walk score of 95 from Nomadlio, a car is hardly necessary in Chur. Before setting out, be mindful of the most common mistakes to avoid at all costs on a trip to Switzerland. 

Start exploring Chur on foot in the largely pedestrian-only Old Town, filled with narrow streets and historic buildings. Keep an eye out for the red plaques mounted throughout the city, which identify buildings and sites of historical significance. The Old Town walls are another reminder of Chur's long history, even if only remnants of the fortifications remain. St. Martin's Church is another unique landmark, with a distinctive Romanesque steeple first built in 769 AD and rebuilt after damage in 1464.

The Rhaetian Museum is a great place to start a visit to Chur, as it traces the cultural history of Graubünden and is housed in a historic Baroque building. Art lovers can also visit the Würth Sculpture Park, where a collection of over 16,000 exhibits are displayed outdoors. One of the city's more unusual attractions includes the H.R. Giger Bar. Designed by Chur artist H.R. Giger — who is best known for creating the visual world of the Ridley Scott "Alien" films — the bar has an interior filled with the dark, skeletal forms of extraterrestrial sculptures.

Food is another massive draw of Switzerland's oldest city. Restaurants range from traditional Graubünden cooking to international options. One of the most highly rated restaurants in town is Restaurant zum Kornplatz, a cozy wood-paneled joint with a limited menu of regional dishes. Enjoy a venison dish with local vegetables or rösti, pan-friend grated potatoes with beef or mushrooms and cheese. Google reviewers also rave about Taverna at Jamies, a Greek establishment that has one visitor raving, "Some of the best Greek food we have ever had ... Got the meat tray for two and it was to die for!"

Beyond the historic buildings and delicious restaurants, Chur is the largest shopping district between Zurich and Milan, with more than 500 shops spread throughout the city. Local shops, like Metro Boutique, carry contemporary fashion, while the seasonal Plankis Laden offers products and gifts in a farm store setting. Visitors can also check out a shop run by the ARGO Foundation, which works with people with disabilities and sells housewares and handmade items. Buchhandlung Karlihof is an independent bookstore for rare finds, while you can stock up on active gear at Bieler Sport AG.

Trails around Chur lead into the Alps, while the nearby Flims area is a year-round outdoor playground. In the winter, Flims is among the most expensive ski resorts in Switzerland, but it offers a large course and delicious food offerings. Plus, a European ski vacation is surprisingly affordable compared to the U.S. During the warmer months, visitors can check out Rheinschlucht, or Rhine Gorge — often called the "Swiss Grand Canyon." One of the most popular paths is the 7.9-mile Ruinaulta: The Swiss Grand Canyon trail, which has a 4.9-star rating on AllTrails and over 1,400 feet of elevation gain. For something more leisurely, Crestasee and Cauma are two striking mountain lakes known for their clear, turquoise-colored water. 

Spring is the best time to visit Chur for travelers who want milder temperatures, green landscapes, and ideal hiking conditions at lower elevations. Summer is the obvious choice for higher-elevation hiking and mountain excursions, while winter turns the region into a gateway for snow sports. If you're visiting the country on a budget, Chur is not one of the most affordable towns in Switzerland, so be prepared for the country's higher prices.