Where to Find Free Chur Walking Maps

To plan your trip, review Chur travel info.

For official information, visit Chur travel info.

Digital versions are also available on the official city website for free download. These files allow you to plan your route before you even arrive in Switzerland. You can easily download free Chur walking maps to your mobile phone. This saves paper and keeps your hands free while you explore.

Look for the "Old Town Walk" brochure at your local hotel reception desk. Most hotels in Chur keep a stock of these maps for their guests. These maps highlight the top thirteen historical sites within the pedestrian zone. They are perfect for a quick two-hour tour of the local area.

Interactive kiosks around the station also display helpful city navigation maps for all. These screens show your current location and nearby points of interest very clearly. Use them to orient yourself before heading into the narrow winding streets. They are available twenty-four hours a day for all international visitors.

Navigating the Old Town Walking Routes

The Old Town of Chur is a car-free zone with many narrow alleys. You should follow the red signs painted on the cobblestone streets for guidance. These markers correspond to the Old Town Chur walking routes found on most maps. They lead you past stunning fountains and historic guild houses.

Make sure to visit the 800-year-old Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption. Your map will show this landmark at the highest point of the town. The walk up the hill is gentle but offers very rewarding scenic views. It is a highlight of any historical Chur walking tour guide you might use.

Arcas Square is another essential stop featured on every tourist walking map today. This medieval square was once used for livestock and local trade markets. Today, it features charming cafes where you can rest your tired feet. The colorful buildings provide a perfect backdrop for your holiday photos.

• Follow the red markers for the main city loop.
• Visit the Cathedral for the best elevated city views.
• Rest at Arcas Square for a coffee break.
• Allow two hours for a complete historical circuit.

Best Mobile Apps for Digital Navigation

Modern travelers often prefer using smartphones instead of large paper maps today. Several high-quality mobile apps for Chur hiking trails are available for download. These apps use GPS to show your exact position on the trail. You will never feel lost while exploring the beautiful Swiss Alps.

The SwissMobile app is the gold standard for walking and hiking in Switzerland. It features official trail data and topographic maps for the entire Chur region. You can see elevation changes and estimated walking times for every route. It is an essential tool for any serious outdoor enthusiast visiting.

For city explorers, an interactive digital walking map of Chur 2026 is very useful. These maps often include audio guides and historical facts about each location. Simply tap on a landmark to learn about its unique cultural significance. This turns your phone into a private tour guide for free.

Google Maps is reliable for finding specific restaurants or shops in the center. However, it may lack the detail needed for smaller mountain walking paths nearby. Use specialized hiking apps when you plan to leave the paved city streets. Always download your maps for offline use to save mobile data.

Exploring Scenic Trails and River Walks

Chur offers more than just historical streets for tourists to explore on foot. You can find many scenic walks in Chur 2026 that lead into nature. The Plessur river path is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. It offers a flat and easy walk through the green outskirts.

Follow the river downstream to reach the point where it meets the Rhine. This area features wide paths that are perfect for families with small children. You can enjoy the sound of rushing water while you walk along. The mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for this peaceful afternoon stroll.

For a more challenging adventure, take the cable car up to Brambrüesch. Maps for this area show trails ranging from easy loops to difficult climbs. You can walk back down to the city through lush alpine forests. This route takes about three hours and requires sturdy walking shoes.

Haldenstein Castle is another popular destination located just north of the city center. The walk follows the Rhine river and takes about forty-five minutes each way. Your map will guide you through quiet residential areas and open farm fields. The castle gardens are open to the public during the summer months.

Printed Guides at the Tourism Office

Some tourists still prefer the tactile feel of a high-quality physical map. You can purchase detailed printed walking guides at Chur Tourism Office for a small fee. These booklets contain more depth than the free brochures usually offer. They often include local stories and high-resolution photos of the area.

Look for the "Chur City Guide" which is updated every year for accuracy. It contains specific maps for themed walks like the "Art and Culture" trail. This guide costs about five Swiss Francs but is worth every single cent. It makes a wonderful souvenir to take home after your Swiss holiday.

The tourism office also sells regional hiking maps for the entire Grisons area. These maps use a scale of 1:25,000 for maximum detail and safety. They show every small path, fountain, and resting bench in the mountains. This is the best choice for hikers planning long day trips.

Ask the staff for a map that includes the local public transport stops. This helps if you get tired and want to take a bus back. Most city maps clearly mark the locations of bus stops and train stations. This makes navigating the wider Chur area much easier for everyone.

Practical Tips for Using Maps in Chur

Swiss trail signs are very consistent and easy to understand once you learn. Yellow signs indicate standard walking paths that do not require special mountain equipment. These are perfect for casual tourists wearing regular sneakers or comfortable walking shoes. Always check the estimated time listed on the sign before starting.

Red and white markers mean you are on a mountain hiking trail instead. These paths can be steep, narrow, or rocky in certain sections of route. You should have proper hiking boots and some experience for these specific trails. Always consult your map to see the difficulty level of these paths.

Check the weather forecast before you head out for a long walk. Mountain weather can change quickly even during the warm summer months in Switzerland. Your map should help you find shortcut routes back to the city. Safety should always be your top priority when exploring the alpine landscape.

Remember that many shops in Chur close early on Saturday and all Sunday. Plan your walks so you have enough water and snacks during these times. Most maps mark the locations of public water fountains with fresh drinking water. These are free to use and very common throughout the old town.