Chur

Also known as Coire, Chur boasts of a pristine alpine charm that beckons tourists and Swiss natives alike to its abode of idyll. Set in the Grisonian Rhine Valley, Chur's status as Switzerland's oldest settlement makes it easy for visitors to escape into its time-honored appeal. Its pedestrianized Old Town beholds postcard views of old shops, winding alleys, quaint cafes and markets. Not to be missed is the Chur Cathedral, a 12th-century Romanesque structure that alludes to the town's much talked about history. Beyond the Old Town, a pathway leads you to Haldenhüttli, a quiet overlook that offers views of the town, the mountains and its vineyards. While there is so much to discover in Chur itself, one can always find a time to hop aboard the Bernina Express for a day trip that journeys through the rolling countryside, and fulfills a quintessential Swiss experience that you won't soon forget.