We awoke to the crystal blue skies which always seem to be present when people share photographs of Switzerland (vastly different to the last couple of days - especially the day we decided to go sledging.
And we headed down to the train station to board the Glacier Express, touted as the world's slowest express train, for a 4 1/2 hour trip to Chur, passing was was the most beautiful scenery we've ever experienced. When the critics say its a bucket-list train trip - they are not kidding - and the photos just don't do it justice. Between the towering mountains, deep valleys, stunning clear water, and monsterous piles of glistening snow... There really are no words.
Whilst on the journey, we enjoyed a three-course lunch, and then after much awe, arrived in Chur (pronounced as Cur).
Chur, which we never really heard about, or did any research, turns out to be the oldest town in Switzerland, and features remnants of roman settlements and many medieval constructions, including the initial parts of the hotel we (well dad) decided to stay in.
It might not be immediately obvious, but the hotel is a converted prison, one which was built partly out of a medieval city wall and tower, but was really put to penal use in 1817, and surprisingly remained in active use (we presume with some improvements over the years) until 2020, when it was retrofitted to be apartments and hostel-style accomodation.
So it was here that we all got our first taste of a night in prison, and true to form, the cell doors have been retained, as are the rooms (which are actual former cells), though I think the bedding and bathrooms have been sweetened - and softened.
After 'escaping' the room, we explored the town (which we had almost to ourselves as its Sunday) and found an amazing time capsule of a world long past. Winding streets, beautiful old buildings, it almost felt like a movie set at times.
We wrapped up the evening with a cafe dinner and a quiet night in the room - well we are in a prison, we had to maximise our time in the cells!
And so we bid Chur farewell and we continue onto one of the other must-do train rides, onto Milan!
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