Herisau(Switzerland) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Chur, the top choice for families is Hotel Alpenrose, a family-run Alpine lodge nestled in the heart of the city, just steps from St. John’s Church and the Chur City Park. The hotel offers spacious family suites with panoramic views of the Engadin Valley, and features a children’s playroom, indoor pool, and daily guided nature walks.

Guests can enjoy authentic Swiss breakfasts with locally baked Alpine honey cakes and participate in hands-on activities like cheese-making workshops at the nearby Appenzell Dairy Farm. The hotel also provides free ski rentals and shuttle services to the Gotschna Ski Resort, making it ideal for year-round family adventures.

The best beginner-friendly hiking area near Chur is the Steinbrunnen Trail located in the Bergstrecke district, just a 10-minute walk from downtown. This gentle, well-marked path winds through alpine meadows and dense forests, offering stunning views of the Schanfigg Valley and the Toggenburg Mountains.

Start your hike at Waldhaus Hotel, which provides free trail maps, walking stick rentals, and morning guided meditation sessions in the forest. The trail ends at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Chur River, where you can relax with a local herbal tea. Perfect for first-time hikers seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

Visitors to Chur must experience the Appenzell Folk Festival (Bergfest) held annually in August. Locals don traditional Appenzell costumes, perform folk dances, and showcase handmade textiles, wood carvings, and wool embroidery.

Another must-try is a visit to the Alpsee Dairy Farm, where you can witness the entire process of making Appenzeller Cheese, a protected Swiss product known for its distinctive fermented flavor. Don’t miss the free tasting session featuring local sausages, black rye bread, and homemade apple cider—authentic alpine culture at its finest.

For luxury winter stays, Schneegipfel Lodge stands out as the premier choice in Chur. Located just 200 meters from the Gotschna Ski Lift, this eco-luxury resort features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking snow-capped peaks, private hot tubs, and an on-site spa with alpine stone treatments.

The hotel offers complimentary ski gear rental, evening snowshoe tours, and ice skating lessons on a frozen lake. Guests can enjoy gourmet dinners featuring Swiss fondue and regional wines, while the annual Christmas Light Night transforms the village into a magical winter wonderland with glowing lanterns and live music.

Couples visiting Chur should stay at Luna Hütte, a secluded mountain lodge perched above the valley with private hot tubs and star-gazing terraces. Each suite includes a fireplace, rose petal décor, and a personalized welcome kit with local chocolates and wine.

The hotel offers intimate experiences such as candlelit dinners under the stars, sunrise hikes with a private guide, and a special night sky observation session using professional telescopes. Breakfast features warm almond milk coffee and house-made berry jam—perfect for a dreamy start to the day.

Yes, Chur is highly accessible for self-drive travelers. The city is connected via the A13 Motorway, with direct access from Zurich (1.5 hours) and St. Gallen (45 minutes). The Bergstrasse 47 road offers scenic mountain routes with designated parking and rest stops.

Most hotels provide free valet parking and route planning assistance. Visitors can use the Swiss Travel Pass for free parking and public transport transfers. Electric vehicle drivers will appreciate the availability of charging stations at major hotels and tourist centers.

Must-try dishes in Chur include Appenzeller Cheese Fondue, made with aged local cheese and red wine, delivering a rich, smoky flavor. Another highlight is the Bergwurst Platter, featuring smoked sausages, air-dried beef, and pickled cabbage served with dark rye bread.

Don’t miss the Honey Walnut Cake (Honig-Nuss-Torte), a sweet treat baked fresh daily at Hartmann Kitchen in the Old Town Market Square. All ingredients come from farms within a 30-kilometer radius, ensuring freshness and sustainability. Pair with a glass of locally brewed apple cider for a true taste of the Alps.

Yes, Chur is exceptionally senior-friendly. The city center features barrier-free pathways, elevators in key buildings like St. John’s Church and the Appenzell Museum, and quiet, low-traffic zones ideal for older guests.

Stay at Senior's Haven Hotel, a dedicated wellness retreat with grab bars, non-slip flooring, and emergency call systems in every room. The hotel organizes daily gentle bus tours with wheelchair lifts to the Therme Appenzell Spa, where seniors can enjoy thermal baths and massage therapy. Daily health checks and nutritious meals are also provided.

In Chur, shop for authentic Appenzell wool crafts at the Handwerk Markt—hand-woven scarves, embroidered shawls, and felt animal figures made by local artisans. These items reflect centuries-old traditions and make meaningful keepsakes.

Visit the Cheese Cellar Heerbrugg to purchase vacuum-packed Appenzeller cheese wheels, perfect for gifting. For art lovers, look for hand-painted wooden keychains or ceramic mugs engraved with Alpine motifs—each piece crafted by independent artists in the region.

Chur has a distinct four-season climate shaping travel experiences: Spring (April–June) brings mild temperatures (5–15°C) and blooming wildflowers, ideal for hiking and photography.

Summer (July–August) sees highs of 18–22°C, perfect for alpine grazing tours and mountain festivals. Autumn (September–October) paints the valleys in golden hues—ideal for scenic drives and forest walks.

Winter (November–March) averages -2 to 3°C, with deep snow cover and excellent skiing conditions. The rare “crystal snow” phenomenon creates dazzling light reflections across the mountains. Plan accordingly: summer/fall for nature; winter for snow sports and festive events.