About Chur
Hi all, I'm planning to visit Chur for 2 days in early January, and heading to Vals thereafter.One of the days in Chur would be spent on the Bernina Express or local trains on same route to possibly Poschiavo and then back. Would love to stay overnight in Poschiavo but the high hotel rates (as with everywhere in Switzerland) does not justify a stay over.
The other day in Chur, I'm planning to visit some of Peter Zumthor's buildings. Namely, the Shelter for Roman Ruins, Bündner Kunstmuseum as well as St Benedict's Chapel which is actually in Sumvitg (by public transport). On top of that, the greedy me would like some time sitting in the HR Giger Bar. Question: is this too much to accomplish in 1 winter day?
Thank you so much! :)
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Question: is this too much to accomplish in 1 winter day?
Why not give it a try and see what you can accomplish? There's nothing wrong with a big list, just don't feel obliged to rush through it.When faced with decisions like these I have a look at my priorities. Anything that requires travel (e.g., to Sumvitg) I try to get done as early in the day as possible, for example to arrive close to opening time of the target attraction (if such applies). This allows me to better improvise the rest of day. Then: does the travel time measure up to the priority? It's 2+ hour investment.
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Poschiavo is a nice place. Hotel rates there start at around 120 CHF with breakfast for 2 pax. If you likeit cheaper, go up to Tirano, the final station of Bernina Express, and pay around 80 CHF without breakfast.But be aware that in January 2013, only the morning Bernina Express train Chur dp 8.58 (Monday to Friday) resp 9.31 (Saturday/Sunday) will run. You will arrive at Poschiavo resp Tirano shortly after noon.
Connections with local trains about every hour (with train changes at Samedan and Pontresina) from 7.58 until 16.58 (4 1/4 hrs trip; in January, it will get dark around 16.30)
Do you really want to go back along the same itinerary?
There are many other possibilities, like:
Tirano - Poschiavo - Pontresina - Lavin - Landquart - Chur (every hour)
Tirano dp by train15.10 along Valtellina Valley and Lake Como to Monza ar 17.26, dp 18.22 - Lugano (city of Mario Botta) ar 19.30
If you leave Chur at 7.58 by local train, change at Samedan, Pontresina, Poschiavo and Tirano, you reach Colico (Lake Como) at 14.15 and can go on by bus dp 14.30 along the Lake up to Menaggio ar 15.27, change there to another bus dp 16.00 along Lake Lugano up to Lugano ar 16.57 (daily except Sunday and holidays).
Lugano - Gotthard railway - Goeschenen - Schoellenen railway - Andermatt - Oberalp railway - Sumvitg every hour from 5.30 until 16.30 (3 1/4 hrs trip).
Sumvitg - Vals every hour from 6.50 until 17.50 (1 1/4 hrs trip)
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Neckervd thanks! I know it's kinda silly going down and then back up. but now I only have a day to spare for the train ride. Gonna leave Lugano for the next trip.Bthdth I absolutely agree with you there. Just gonna prioritise my list and not rush through things.
