Friedhof Daleu

Cemetery Daleu in Chur is a park-style municipal cemetery at Rheinstrasse 26 in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. It lies northwest of Chur's main railway station, in the Rheinquartier district, so it is an easy walk from the town centre. It suits visitors interested in history, funerary architecture and local memory.

How did Daleu cemetery come about?

The Graubünden heritage authority records the cemetery as opened in 1862. It was extended to the northeast in 1876–1877. The layout is parklike: walls enclose the grounds, and a large wayside cross organises the paths that branch from it. This makes the site clear and easy to explore.

What is worth seeing here?

Look for the historicist grave monuments, including those of the von Salis and von Planta families, well-known Graubünden dynasties. The neo-Romanesque chapel with its Art Nouveau interior also stands out. Architecture fans will find examples of styles typical of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

What is the so-called Nazi Stone?

Today the cemetery is also known for a controversial monument. The so-called Nazi-Stein has stood here since 1938. It was erected by the Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge, the German war graves organisation, for German soldiers who died in Switzerland during the First World War. Its history was uncovered in 2023 by the investigative team SRF Investigativ, which prompted public debate. In February 2023 a parliamentary question in the Grand Council of Graubünden asked the canton to consider preserving the mausoleum and placing it in historical context. When visiting, keep in mind that this is a burial ground and a place for reflection, not an ordinary sightseeing stop.

How do you get to Daleu cemetery?

The address is Rheinstrasse 26, Chur. The coordinates are roughly 46.8529 N, 9.5242 E. From the main station, head northwest through the Rheinquartier district. The cemetery is listed in the Graubünden heritage documentation.

Frequently asked questions

When did Daleu cemetery open? In 1862; the northeastern extension followed in 1876–1877.

Where exactly is it? At Rheinstrasse 26 in Chur, northwest of the main railway station.

What is the Nazi-Stein? A monument dating from 1938 for German soldiers who died in Switzerland during the First World War, put up by the Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge. Its history sparked debate after SRF reported on it in 2023.

Is it a good place for a walk? Yes, the grounds are park-like and walled, though visitors should stay quiet and respectful.

Are there graves of notable families? Yes, including the von Salis and von Planta families.