Charming Streets of the Old Town

You can find the latest updates on Lonely Planet Chur.

For the most up-to-date details, check UNESCO: Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes before you go.

Visit the Arcas square to find some of the most beautiful medieval architecture in the city. The tall and colorful houses create a perfect backdrop for your professional travel portraits. Many local photographers love the soft morning light that hits the stone facades here. This specific area is essential for any architecture photography walk through Chur.

Look for the many hidden fountains that are scattered throughout this historic district of town. Each fountain has a unique design that tells a story about the local Swiss history. They add a classic and timeless touch to all of your urban street images. Capture the clear water sparkling brightly under the warm and direct mountain sun.

Panoramic Views from Brambruesch Mountain

Take the modern cable car directly from the city center up to Brambruesch mountain. This high location offers incredible panoramic views of the entire scenic Rhine Valley below. It is definitely one of the best photo spots in Chur for landscape lovers. The cable car ride itself provides many great opportunities for unique aerial photos.

Follow the various Brambruesch mountain hiking trails to find many different and interesting camera angles. You can see the entire city nestled comfortably between the high and jagged peaks. The contrast between the urban life and raw nature is very striking to see. Bring a sturdy tripod to ensure you get sharp and clear landscape shots.

Plan your mountain visit during the late afternoon to enjoy the warm and soft lighting. The sun sets slowly behind the mountains located directly across the wide valley floor. This timing creates very long shadows and a beautiful golden glow on the rocks. It remains a favorite spot for professional landscape photographers visiting Switzerland in 2026.

Iconic St. Luzi Cathedral and Court

The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption is a truly iconic landmark in Chur. It sits proudly on a small hill that overlooks the rest of the historic city. This religious site is a must-visit location for every photographer traveling through the region. The exterior features very impressive architectural styles from the Romanesque and Gothic periods.

Explore the quiet Bishop's Palace which is located right next to the main cathedral building. The inner courtyard offers a very elegant and peaceful atmosphere for your photography session. You will find many intricate stone carvings and beautiful arched windows in this area. These small details make for excellent and high-quality close-up photography subjects today.

Walk along the old city walls located near the court for an elevated view. This high position provides a unique perspective of the many traditional red rooftops below. It is often cited as one of the best photo spots in Chur. Check our historical Chur walking tour guide for more interesting local context.

Modern Landmarks and Artistic Corners

The city of Chur is not just about very old and historic stone buildings. This urban center also features some very impressive and award-winning modern architecture projects. The Art Museum extension is a great example of modern design in the city. Its geometric and grey facade creates very interesting patterns for your creative photos.

Look for colorful street art located in the newer and more modern districts of town. These large murals add a bright splash of color to your digital photo gallery. They represent the very vibrant and modern side of local Swiss life in 2026. Many talented international artists have left their creative mark on Chur's concrete walls.

The Chur railway station is another modern highlight that photographers should definitely visit soon. Its large and sweeping glass roof is a true masterpiece of modern Swiss engineering. Capture the strong leading lines created by the many train tracks entering the station. This spot is perfect for those who enjoy urban and travel photography.

Best Times for Photography in 2026

Proper timing is always crucial for getting the perfect shot of this mountain city. Springtime brings many blooming flowers to the various public city parks and private gardens. The fresh green leaves contrast very well with the old and grey stone walls. This season usually offers very soft and diffused natural light for your photos.

Summer provides the longest days for exploring all the best photo spots in Chur. You can shoot from the very early morning until the late evening hours. The high mountain peaks usually remain clear of clouds during most summer days. This is definitely the best time for high-altitude photography in the Swiss Alps.

Autumn is famous for its very vibrant and golden colors in the local vineyards. The vines surrounding the city turn a bright yellow and orange in October. This creates a stunning natural frame for all of your wide city views. Use our guide on golden hour photography spots in Chur for more tips.