The most sunshine, the most beautiful old town streets, and perhaps even the best almond croissant in Switzerland: the country's oldest city boasts many superlatives. Here are 21 hand-picked insider tips and sights for gourmets, adventurers, and anyone who enjoys a touch of the quirky.
Shopping in Chur: Chur shops and labels
Strolling through the old town, you quickly realize how many wonderful little shops Chur has to offer. Fairly produced clothing? Carefully selected tea blends? Grisons specialties or stylish tableware? It's all there. What's striking is the warm welcome and helpful service you receive everywhere. You might just find yourself boarding the train after your visit to Chur with a shopping bag or two under your arm.
A modern general store and café in one:Cramerei
With her shop, Cramerei, Romina Crameri from Graubünden has created a small store offering sustainable food and non-food products. Everything comes from producers she knows personally. So, you might leave this lovely shop with a pair of fair-trade linen trousers, a delicious honey from the Calanca Valley, and a pack of homemade Graubünden biscuits. Those who want to do more than just shop can enjoy themselves in the integrated café with a cup of wild coffee, a glass of natural wine, and snacks.
At Vazerolgasse 4.
A short break in the old town: Chur tea shop
The stylish Chur tea shop is a little oasis for tea lovers. You instantly feel relaxed as soon as you step inside. This is probably because you can smell the more than 100 varieties – many of them organic – and feel completely at ease and well-advised by Stephi, the shop's founder. She offers herbal blends with names like "Dorma Bain" and "Patschifig," or a gin and tonic tea made with juniper berries, lemon, and pepper. Besides tea, there are also carefully selected cups and teapots. A great idea: Stephi offers a tea subscription and regularly hosts ceramic painting workshops in the tea studio.
At Storchengasse 7.
Sustainable design on the table: YIV
Anyone who owns YIV's stylish enamel plates and bags is guaranteed to be asked by guests where they're from. Chur. This Chur-based label combines design with everyday practicality. The handcrafted enamel products are designed locally and produced CO2-neutrally in Europe. Owner Melanie Kohler has transformed the shop into a real eye-catcher with colorful tableware (including pans) and a charming wall shelf in the shape of the three letters Y, I, and V, which, incidentally, stand for "Your Ideal Vintage." The collection includes simple designs, speckled pieces, and—very much in keeping with the Graubünden region—tableware with an ibex motif.
At Reichsgasse 5.
Finest natural meat from the Grisons region: Alpahirt
Alpahirt offers particularly aromatic Grisons meat specialties such as beef sausage with Grisons chili, goat sausage, and Alpine pork bacon. Even for the great-grandfather of Alpahirt's founder, tradition, love, and respect for nature were paramount in meat production. Alpahirt products make excellent souvenirs, are delicious as train fare, or can help satisfy your longing for Grisons while you're at home.
Currently located at Obere Gasse 38, from autumn 2026 at Arcas Platz.
Good ice cream on two wheels: Schläck
Sarah Schott, from Graubünden, launched the Schläck label a few years ago as part of her diploma thesis. Her vision: incomparably delicious ice cream made from natural, local ingredients in unique flavors. She initially sold her creations from her ice cream cart; today, Schläck cups are also available in select shops and cafés in Chur (including Quintacoira and the Chur Tea Shop). The most popular flavors are Caramel Alpine Salt and Blueberry Basil. Insider tip: Be sure to try Vanilla Rooibos!
Address for your new favorite shoes: Qair Sneakerstore
Need some new sneakers for your trip to Chur? Qair Sneakerstore is Chur's go-to spot for sneaker fans who aren't looking for mass-produced items. The small but carefully curated selection includes not only exclusive sneakers but also clothing and caps. The store is well-known among connoisseurs far beyond the cantonal borders: people happily travel from afar for its limited editions and meticulously curated selection.
At Herrengasse 1.
From Published on 19, 2025,Text: Melanie Michael ,Photos: Anouk Ilg , courtesy of the author
