Top Hidden Photo Gems in Chur City Center
Chur is widely known as the oldest city in the beautiful country of Switzerland today. It hides many very beautiful and secret spots for all professional photographers to enjoy here. You will find amazing hidden photo gems in Chur city center during your 2026 visit. These locations offer very unique views of the historic and ancient Alpine streets for everyone.
Secret Courtyards of the Old Town
The Old Town of Chur is full of many narrow and winding historic alleys today. Many small and private courtyards sit quietly behind the heavy wooden doors of old houses. These hidden spaces provide very peaceful scenes for your professional camera lens to capture clearly. They look especially magical during the cold 2026 winter travel season in the mountains.
Look for the small hidden garden located very near to the historic Martinsplatz square area. The old stone walls create a very rustic background for your beautiful portraits in winter. Sunlight hits these specific spots at sharp angles during the cold and snowy winter months. This creates very deep shadows and a high level of visual contrast for shots.
Entry to these public courtyards and alleys is completely free for all visitors in 2026. You should plan to spend about thirty minutes exploring these secret spots for your portfolio. Most of these areas are open to the public from early dawn until late dusk. Please remember to keep your noise levels low in these residential areas today.
- Martinsplatz secret garden
- Obertor gate side view
- Ancient wooden door details
Unique Angles of the Chur Cathedral
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption is a very iconic and historic landmark here. Most people take their photos from the main front entrance of the large stone building. You should explore the small side paths to find much better and more unique views. These paths offer framed shots through the very ancient stone arches located nearby.
Walk up the small stone stairs located directly behind the main cathedral building for height. This elevated spot gives you a great view of the colorful and patterned tiled roof. The intricate tile patterns are perfect for some detailed close-up photography shots during your visit. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the whole beautiful scene at once for your collection.
Check the official Chur Tourismus website to find the current opening hours for visitors. The interior of the cathedral also has stunning light during the very late afternoon hours. Visiting the cathedral grounds is free for every traveler exploring the city center this year. The golden hour makes the old stone glow very warmly and beautifully for your camera.
- Tiled roof patterns
- Stone arch framing
- Bishop's Palace courtyard
Hidden Photo Gems in Chur City Center Alleys
Arcas Square is a very popular and scenic spot in the center of old Chur. However, the small side alleys hold the real and hidden photographic treasures for your camera. These narrow paths feature many brightly painted houses and very old historic signs for 2026. They are perfect hidden photo gems in Chur city center for your 2026 winter photography trip.
Find the small stone passage leading toward the flowing Plessur river near the city walls. The perspective in this alley creates a very great sense of depth for your images. You can use the colorful house walls as natural leading lines for your final photograph. This technique draws the eye deep into your professional photograph for a better result.
In 2026, the city has updated its many historic and classic street lamps for visitors. These lamps add a very classic and cozy feel to your night photography shots here. Read our night photography tips for Chur to get much better results this winter. The blue hour is the best time for taking these artistic photos in town.
- Arcas Square alleys
- Painted house facades
- Historic street lamps
Hidden Perspectives from the Plessur River
The Plessur river flows right through the heart of the ancient city center of Chur. Many bridges offer very standard and common views of the cold and rushing mountain water. Look for the lower stone paths located near the edge of the water instead. These spots give you a unique low-angle view of the city for your portfolio.
The reflection of the old wooden houses in the water is very beautiful for pictures. In winter, the thin ice along the banks adds a great texture to your shots. This is a perfect place for taking some artistic long-exposure shots of the flowing river. Use a sturdy tripod to keep your images very sharp and clear during your trip.
Check out the Chur Winter Photography Spot Guide to find more great ideas for shots. You will find the very best bridge locations listed clearly in that helpful online guide. The river looks most dramatic right after a fresh and heavy snowfall in the city. It creates a high-contrast scene that looks great in black and white photography today.
- Plessur river reflections
- Untertor gate bridge
- Snowy river banks
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hidden photo gems in Chur city center for winter?
The best hidden photo gems in Chur city center include the colorful Arcas alleys. You should also visit the secret courtyards located near the historic Martinsplatz square for variety. These spots offer unique views that most tourists usually miss during the winter season here. Check our best sunrise photo locations in winter Chur guide.
Do I need a permit for photography in Chur city center?
You do not need a permit for personal photography in public areas of Chur city center. Most of the hidden gems are located on public streets and open paths for everyone. Always be respectful of private property when entering the small courtyards of the city. Commercial shoots may require a special permit from the local city office.
When is the best time to photograph the Plessur river?
The best time is during the morning or the late afternoon hours in the city. This is when the light is softest and the reflections are clearest for your camera. Winter provides beautiful ice textures along the river banks for your creative shots. Use a tripod for the best results during these low-light times of day.
Chur offers endless beauty for those who look very closely at the small details here. These hidden gems will make your photography portfolio stand out from many other travelers today. Check our guide on how to photograph Chur old town snow for more expert tips. Enjoy your time capturing the magic of this very ancient and beautiful Alpine city center.