Plessur connects urban and tourist areas, extending from urban to alpine landscapes. The region covers around 285.30 square kilometres and ranges from 537 to 2,979 metres above sea level. Distinctive mountain ranges and valleys such as the Schanfigg are part of the landscape, along with forests, alpine meadows and fields. Hiking and mountain-oriented outdoor activities are among the things to do in the alpine terrain.
Chur’s Old Town and Cultural History
Chur is considered the region’s economic, administrative and educational centre. The almost entirely traffic-free Old Town can be explored on foot or on a guided tour through its winding alleyways. Boutiques, restaurants, bars, museums and galleries shape what the city has to offer. Recurring markets also bring a variety of events to city life: the Chur weekly market takes place on Saturday mornings between May and October, there is a monthly flea market at Arcas Square, and the traditional Christmas market is held on the first weekend of Advent. If you would like to combine your visit with a market, check the specific dates.
The Cathedral of the Assumption of Saint Mary, more than 800 years old, has a late Gothic high altar and is one of Switzerland’s most significant cultural monuments. The present-day cathedral was built between 1150 and 1272 and bears influences from all the major Western cultural traditions. Another way to explore the history of Graubünden is through the Rhaetian Museum, housed in a Baroque patrician house built in 1675. Its permanent exhibition includes archaeological, cultural-historical and folkloric objects dating from prehistory and early history to the present day.
The late medieval Antistitium is one of the city’s oldest residential buildings and survived the city fire of 1574. The adjoining Hasenstube contains an art-historically significant cycle of paintings from 1580. Some rooms in the Antistitium also feature installations with audio stories.
Viaduct History in Langwies
The Viadukt Museum Langwies is located at Langwies railway station and tells the story of the Langwies Viaduct from different perspectives. The multi-part museum comprises several stations: original railway station rooms, including the goods shed and railway service depot, as well as a concrete pier of the viaduct serve as exhibition spaces. At the time it was built, the Langwies Viaduct was the world’s largest reinforced-concrete railway bridge and had the longest span. Exhibitions may change; check the latest information before visiting.
Mountain Activities and Varied Routes
In Churwalden, a chairlift takes visitors to Pradaschier at 1,740 metres in seven minutes. From there, a ski lift continues to Windegga at 2,230 metres. Lift operations and winter conditions may change; check the latest information if you are planning a ride. The Pradaschier toboggan run is over three kilometres long, has 31 bends and covers an elevation difference of 480 metres. It is complemented by a zipline, described as the first zipline in the mountains of GraubĂĽnden, which can be used in both summer and winter. For the toboggan run and zipline, it is advisable to check the latest operating and safety conditions.
The 10-Seen-Plausch in Arosa leads to ten mountain lakes and can be spread over several days. The red route leads from the Hörnli valley station to Älplisee and then to Schwellisee. The black route leads to Untersee, Stausee, Grüenseeli and Alteinsee; on the way back, you pass the Altein waterfalls. The routes differ in the sequence of lakes and waypoints.
Experiences Around Arosa
On the Arosa Squirrel Trail, children can feed squirrels and learn about the animals. The squirrels can be observed and fed there year-round; how often they appear may vary. People with visual impairments can explore the trail independently using the MyWay Pro app. It supports navigation and provides information about the squirrels. Check in advance whether the app’s current features meet your needs.
The Ricola Experience Trail connects ten stations about Ricola products and Swiss mountain herbs. This interactive trail for the senses is designed for families. The walk takes about an hour, is considered easy and starts either at the Golf- and Sporthotel Hof Maran or at Arosa Bear Sanctuary. As route details may be updated, it is worth checking the latest information before setting off. Which of these activities interests you most can also help determine your choice of accommodation in Plessur.
By Train Between Chur and Arosa
The regional train service between Chur and Arosa stops along the way at Chur Altstadt, LĂĽen-Castiel, St. Peter-Molinis, Peist, Langwies GR and LitzirĂĽti. Check stops and departure times before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Langwies, Sankt Peter, Tschiertschen, Molinis, Chur, LitzirĂĽti, Malix, Churwalden, Parpan, Praden, Castiel, Peist, Pagig.
View the main travel overview: GraubĂĽnden.
