Bonaduz

Bonaduz' leisure offerings are varied and appeal to big and small, families, locals and visitors alike. Well maintained hiking and cycling trails take you into the charming surroundings - whether that's up on the mountains or down into the fascinating Rhine gorge, from Bonaduz the spellbinding nature of Graubünden is only a stone's throw away.

In Bonaduz proper, there are several fun things to do, like a minigolf course, football pitches, tennis courts, cross-country ski trails and woodchip running trails. The golf course Domat/Ems and the fashionable ski resort Laax are close by, too.

History

Archaeological finds from the late La Tène era (5th - 1st century BCE) and an early medieval burial site with more than 700 graves in Valbeuna are evidence for the fact that this has been settled for a long time. The Wackenau castle ruin lies high above the Rhine, not far from the village. It was probably constructed to secure a nearby river crossing. Bonaduz was part of the Rhäzüns dominion and came into possession of Maximilian I of Austria and Habsburg  in 1497. During the reformation, Bonaduz remained Catholic and formed a clerical, political and economic entity with neighbouring Rhäzüns in 1529.  The church was not separated until 1667.

In the middle of the 16th century, Bonaduz purchased Alp Ramuz on the far side of the Kunkels pass. Livestock and grain farming were the cornerstones of the community for most of its existence. Today, many inhabitants of Bonaduz are employed at Ems-Chemie in Domat/Ems, others  commute to Chur.

Bonaduz was originally part of the Romansh language area. In 1860, nearly 70% of the population were still Romansh-speaking. But during the years of reconstruction following a great fire in 1908, more and more German speakers moved into the area, and they made up 80% of the population in 1990 while Romansh speakers had dwindled to only 6%.

Church S. Gieri/St. George

Church S. Gieri/St. George between Bonaduz and Rhäzüns used to be the main church of the Rhäzüns dominion and has exceptional cultural value today. According to excavations the first church at this site dates back to the 6th or 7th century. Around the middle of the 14th century a new choir was built and soon after the interior was lavishly decorated with magnificent paintings. Patrons were the barons of Rhäzüns. The frescoes in the choir from the early 14th century, the choir wall (showing the legend og St. George),  the impressive dragon fight and a donor portrait along the northern wall are by the famous "Master of Waltensburg". The scenes from the Old and New Testaments as well as the hagiographies in the rest of the nave were added in the second half of the 14th century by the "Master of Rhäzüns" in fresco secco style.

Rhine gorge

Close to Bonaduz lies the fascinating Rhine gorge Ruinaulta. It is one of the greatest and most diverse landscapes of the Alps. A wild gorge with a raging river, white cliffs and vast forests. Quiet lakes are filled as if by magic and rare birds breed in the forests along the river. You can even find orchids in the little garden of Eden.

You can explore Ruinalta perfectly well on your own. In the forests and along the Rhine you will find a dense network of hiking trails, various cycling routes and beautiful rest areas. There are three train stations of the Rhaetian Railway (Trin, Versam-Safien and Valendas-Sagogn) at either end and in the middle of the gorge.

If you want to get to know the Rhine gorge from up close, you can even take to the water. Ruinalta is one of Europe's most exciting waterbodies for canoeing, kayaking and river rafting.

Nature reserve Weihermühle

Its own little oasis, the mill of Weihermühle is powered by spring water. The abundance of water and constant care have created a true gem of nature all around the mill. The shallow moor of Weihermühle is classified as being of national importance. It is home to a number of rare species like the dormouse, numerous orchids and sundew, a local carnivorous plant. It's thanks to the efforts of Natura Graubünden and the former Natural Protection Society Graubünden that Weihermühle has been listed as a natural reserve since 1967. The first plots of land were purchased by the Natural Protection Society even in 1961. Today, the plot is in possession of Pro Natura, having grown to a size of nearly 9 acres.