The Haldenstein playground lies just along the walking and cycling route Chur-Haldenstein (Rhine cycle route no. 2), along the river Rhine. Its location and the integrated barbecue make it the perfect destination for a family outing. There is a lot of shade thanks to the many trees. 

The Fürstenwald forest extends along the North East of the urban area; it is a popular recreational area with beautiful views of the city and the Calanda. Many paths lead through the mixed forest, making it an inviting place to go walking, hiking, jogging, or biking. A true paradise for anyone who wants to relax far from the bustle of the city or to get active!
The fastest way to Fürstenwald: by public bus no. 2 «Fürstenwald» from Bahnhofplatz in Chur or by car to the Fürstenwald cemetery car park.

Picturesque and medieval - that is how the Arcas looks today. Before 1971, however, it was quite a different story, for until then warehouses obscured the square. Architect Theodor Hartmann had these demolished and integrated an underground garage into his new design concept. Nevertheless, the Arcas has still retained its medieval character, for the row of houses extending towards the Plessur river are built onto the old city walls. And these - as can be seen at Arcas 25 - are thought to date from the 13th century. Nowadays, the medieval houses, with the modern open spaces in between, give the square a picturesque touch.

The Arcas is arguably the most beautiful city square in Chur. With its historical town houses and cafes surrounding the open space, it exudes an almost Mediterranean ambiance. During events, the Arcas becomes a picturesque stage in the heart of the Old Town. Of course, there is also a well where you can refresh yourself. The well on Arcas square is made of Gneis rock from the village of Andeer. It is based on the myth about the spirits on Scalära.

Haldenstein is the ideal starting point for biking or hiking tours up to 2,800-meter-high Calanda mountain. The mountain range between the Rhine and Tamina valleys is a fascinating landscape offering spectacular views down to the urban valley floor around Chur and onto the Alps. Not far from the village there is the climbing garden Haldenstein, considered the first of its kind in Switzerland. It was comprehensively renovated in 2012 and 2013. But those who are not out for an athletic challenge will feel just as at home in Haldenstein. The banks of the Rhine are the perfect scene for leisurely walks or cycling trips, horse rides and picnics.

Despite the short distance to the cantonal capital Chur, Haldenstein has retained its rural character to this day. However, things to get busy every other year in May, when the Garden Festival at Haldenstein Castle opens its doors to the delight of garden and plant lovers from near and far. It also offers numerous other attractions. Alternating with the Garden Festival, every other year Haldenstein Castle becomes the stage for impressive outdoor opera productions by the Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Graubünden.

History

The area around Haldenstein has been settled during the medieval and Roman periods and as far back as prehistoric times. In the mid-12th century, the church of Haldenstein is first mentioned in a document. It was replaced by a new church in 1732. It's the only church in the bishopric of Chur that is dedicated to St. Gereon. The Reformation did not arrive in Haldenstein until the first half of the 17th century, nearly a century later than in neighbouring Chur.

Its location between Calanda mountain and the Rhine means that the village has faced many perils: In 1868, it was devastated by a flooding of the Rhine, and in 1971 there was a mudflow at Calanda. The village was hit by fire in 1825 and threatened again by a devastating forest blaze in 1943. 

The impressive castle was built in the early 16th century. From 1544 to 1548 the structure was expanded and magnificently decorated. Part of it was panelling which today is at Köpenick Castle in Berlin. The castle was extended by a floor in 1731. One year later it was damaged by fire and immediately rebuilt. From 1763, the north wing of the castle was home to the Phiantrhopinum, a well-known educational institution. Today, Haldenstein Castle hosts the Garden Festival and many other cultural events.

Haldenstein was originally a Romansh-speaking community, but Germanisation set in around the 14the century, even before it had reached Chur. Haldenstein gets its name from the castle above the village. Haldenstein Castle was build in the mid-12th century and was the seat of the house Haldenstein. The castle was inhabited until the end of the 17th century, before it was destroyed by earthquakes in 1769 and 1787. Another fortress, Lichtenstein Castle, was built in the 12th century and was located on a mountain ridge some distance north of the village. It was probably abandoned in the 15th century, after it had come into possession of the Lords of Haldenstein when the house of Lichtenstein died out at the end of the 13th century.

Batänja

Halfway up mount Calanda, at about 1,400 metres above sea level, lies the abandoned settlement Batänja, formerly called Sewils. It was gifted to the brothers Hans, Dietrich and Jos Batänier, a family of Walser origin, by the nobleman Peter von Griffensee. It was inhabited until 1869 and even had its own school. Today, the landowners coordinate a great voluntary effort to ensure the upkeep of the buildings in Batänja.

Graubünden’s capital is the oldest city in Switzerland and one of the warmest thanks to the Foehn. Stroll along the cobblestones of the picturesque Old Town and breathe in the history of the buildings and alleys. Visit the Episcopal, see the award-winning art museum but don’t be frightened by Benedict Fontana's martial monument. Down from his pedestal with his sword, the Schlachtenheld shows you the way south to where the hawkers once sought their way across the Graubünden passes to Italy. Directly out of the city you can take a cable car up to Brambrüesch. Up there, you’ll find a plateau with hiking trails and wonderful panoramic views over the entire Rhine Valley. If you are brave enough, you can go back down to the city on a mountain bike via the downhill track. In winter you are welcomed by ski slopes, toboggan run, winter hiking and snowhoeing trails on Chur's local mountain. 

The Haldenhüttli is a small wooden pavilion on Schanfiggerstrasse, which leads from Chur to Arosa. The pavilion was built in 1879 by the Chur city association as part of the idea of turning Chur into a climatic health resort. It is also an observation point and retreat for lovers and offers a romantic view of the city to the southwest. The board with the panoramic map on the site helps visitors identify the surrounding peaks.

The bikeshop for rental, sale & service for freeride-, downhill- and enduro bikes, directly nearby the station of the Chur gondola and Alpenbikepark.

Dani Schwarz has turned his passion into a profession: After many years in computer science, he is now a sommelier and runs the "gust" shop in Chur's old town. As a wine expert SFS/ASSP, certified sommelier SFS/ASSP and certified cheese sommelier, Daniel Schwarz is happy to pass on his knowledge - be it in the context of themed tastings, Events with wine, cheese and other food or entertaining formats such as wine and cheese games. In addition, "gust" offers employee training and wine list advice for catering businesses.