Current Time in Chur, Switzerland

Chur is the capital of the canton of Graubünden (Grisons), the largest and easternmost canton of Switzerland, located in the Rhine valley approximately 120 kilometers southeast of Zurich. With a population of approximately 38,000 inhabitants, Chur holds the distinction of being the oldest city in Switzerland, with evidence of continuous settlement dating back over 5,000 years to the Neolithic period. This extraordinary historical depth, combined with its position as the gateway to the spectacular alpine landscapes of Graubünden, makes Chur one of the most interesting regional capitals in the country.

The history of Chur spans millennia and reflects the city's enduring importance as a communications and administrative center. The Romans established a settlement here, known as Curia Raetorum, which served as the administrative capital of the province of Raetia Prima in the 4th and 5th centuries. The Bishop of Chur, whose seat was established in the 4th or 5th century, has been a continuous presence in the city for over 1,600 years, making the Diocese of Chur one of the oldest north of the Alps. The cathedral, dating primarily from the 12th and 13th centuries and featuring a magnificent Romanesque interior, remains the dominant monument of the old town.

The old town (Altstadt) of Chur is a delightful area of narrow medieval lanes, Gothic and Renaissance buildings, and small squares that preserve the intimate character of a historic Swiss town. The Martinsplatz and the Postplatz serve as the main gathering spaces, surrounded by historic buildings, shops, and restaurants. The Bishop's Court (Bischöflicher Hof), a complex of buildings including the cathedral, the Hofkellerei (episcopal cellar), and the bishop's residence, occupies the highest part of the old town and is accessible through historic gates. The Rhaetian Museum (Rätisches Museum) houses an excellent collection covering the prehistoric, Roman, and medieval history of Graubünden.

Graubünden is Switzerland's largest and least densely populated canton, encompassing a spectacular landscape of high alpine peaks, deep valleys, pristine lakes, and traditional villages. Chur serves as the natural gateway to this region, and its position at the intersection of rail and road routes makes it an excellent base. The Rhaetian Railway, which operates the UNESCO-listed Albula and Bernina Lines through some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery in Europe, connects Chur with the Engadin valley, St. Moritz, and the Bernina Pass.

The canton of Graubünden is Switzerland's only trilingual canton, with German, Romansh (a language descended from Latin), and Italian all recognized as official languages. This cultural diversity is one of the most distinctive features of the region, and Chur reflects this multilingual character in its daily life, signage, and cultural identity. The Romansh language, spoken by approximately 15% of the canton's population, represents a living connection to the Roman past of the region.

Chur's combination of extraordinary historical depth, beautiful medieval old town, exceptional alpine setting, and position as gateway to the wonders of Graubünden makes it a compelling destination for travelers who appreciate the layered complexity of Switzerland's most diverse and scenically spectacular canton.