First time down the Lenzerheide pass to Chur in Smart Arse and it coped very well. Some very tight hair pin bends but at least, on the way there at least, it was downhill all the way. We headed first for the station as wanted to check the way there and parking facilities ready for train rides later in the week.
We drive right through the bus station, which is also part train station as the train to Arosa sets off through the streets rather than the standard train rails which run from within the Bahnhof behind. Not sure we were allowed to drive through there but finding directions is a challenge when you are trying to read directional signs, listen to Clarissa tomtom who appears to be out of date for Chur and also take note of the multitude of traffic signs in Swiss German.
No matter, nobody stopped us, we didnt run into any trains, buses or trolley buses and instead found ourselves very nicely positioned to whizz down into the station car park where we parked easily and went up into the station.
Surprisingly lovely medieval city, reputedly the oldest in Switzerland, which was only 5 minutes up from the station and we had a really lovely wander through the streets, admiring the buildings and their decorations. We found our way up to the Cathedral but there was a Mass on so instead went into the graveyard behind from which there are some lovely views. The graveyard delighted me. Flowers gloriously planted on every grave and the entire space was beautifully done. As we find so many things are here in Switzerland.
Lots of photos taken and we wandered back down to find the rest of the city and the river Rhine which flows through. Not a big river at this point but the banks are metres high presumably to contain the river when filled with snow melt from the mountains which surround the city.
One thing we did note was that, as well as the road works we have seen in so many other places there are also lots in Chur especially along the river. I think Switzerland has a
Presumably because of the Swiss climate building works do have to be carried out after the winter and before the summer season and again after the summer season before the wintery snow starts.
We waited by the river to see the Arosa past as quite novel to see a train going up the road, albeit on its rails.
Then found a super place for lunch where we had our first Swiss fondue with bread and potatoes to dip into the lovely cheese. Excellent.
Back then to the car by way of the post office which I managed to locate inside the library 😊 and post our birthday card to George. Then back to the car and the campsite.
Really enjoyed our day out in Chur and am so glad we returned as our last visit was not a success because we stayed on a rather grotty campsite in an industrial area and didnt like it so moved on without visiting the city.
So far we are doing incredibly well for weather. Lovely blue sky again today and really quite warm. We are
aware it cannot last as there are storms forecast all over the mountains round here for the next few days. We will just hope the forecasts are exaggerated.
