It seems that to visit the oldest town in a very old place is important, especially when that town elegantly blends progressive design, culture and cuisine with ancient history. Archaeological evidence shows that there were settlements in Chur as far back as 3500 BC.

We have always liked the old town and frequently found ourselves in what is the largest town in the Graubünden. While visiting, we needed to go for a run and were directed toward the local mountain, up to Brambrüesch, and the Dreibündenstein.

Rather than starting in town, we opted to ride the Brambrüesch Lift to 1600 meters. There, we began our run on farmer roads. Alternatively, with more time and energy, it is possible to include the extra 1000-meters of vert right from town.

The trails start through cow pastures, always traversing and always runnable for 5km where a steep right turn gains Glatten Böden, a high grassy plateau with 360-degree views of the region.

At Dreibündenstein, at 2156m, the trail heads down and west before traversing northwards all the way to the Känzeli mid station of the Brambrüesch lift. Here, you have the option of continuing on foot for the remaining 570 meters of descent, or hopping the lift and heading for some good vegan food in Chur's old town like we did.