Bonaduz: Churches, Nature and Trails

Bonaduz brings together local history, natural areas and trails along the Hinterrhein. If you are looking for a hotel in Bonaduz, you can plan your trip around whether you would mainly like to explore churches and culture, enjoy outdoor activities or discover the landscape.

Churches and Local History

The Catholic parish church of the Assumption of Mary was first mentioned in 1445 and is probably older. It was rebuilt as a Late Gothic hall church in 1494. From 1924 to 1927, it was extensively rebuilt; during this period, it was under federal and cantonal heritage protection. The dates mark different construction phases of the church. At the northern edge of the Bonaduz terrace stands the field chapel of St. Magnus, also known as Sogn Mang. It was built in 1773. St. Anthony’s Chapel is a wayside chapel on the western edge of Bonaduz and dates from 1961.

Between Bonaduz and Rhäzüns, the church of Sogn Gieri, also known as St. George, stands on a wooded hill right above the steep banks of the Hinterrhein. It is described as the oldest church in the valley. The choir and chancel arch feature wall paintings dating from around 1340. The medieval structure was restored in 1961–1963 and 2015 and is under federal and cantonal heritage protection.

The Bonaduz Cultural Archive documents the history of the village through images, audio, texts and objects. It contains 10,000 documents dating from 1700 to the present day. Valbeuna offers another glimpse into local history: the village district contains an early medieval burial ground with more than 700 graves.

Nature at Lag and Weihermühle

Weihermühle has been a designated nature reserve since 1967 and is classified as a fen of national importance. The area is fed by spring water. It is home to heat-loving dormice, among other species; its plants include numerous orchid species and sundew, a native carnivorous plant. Surveys of the area recorded 183 plant species, 360 moth species, 47 butterfly species, 23 grasshopper species, 16 dragonfly species and three amphibian species. These totals may change over time.

The small Lag Bonaduz lies east of the village centre and becomes a swimming lake in the summer months. On 14 August 2026, the Lag swimming lake remained closed. If swimming is part of your plans, check its current status before visiting.

Exploring on foot or by bike

The easy Turnerweg trail (659.10) is 6.1 kilometres long and starts at Bonaduz railway station. It crosses open fields and, after a short descent, reaches the banks of the Hinterrhein. It then heads towards Reichenau through the Rhine floodplains and returns to the village along a field path. The Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein meet at Reichenau. The Bot Tschavier circular trail also starts in Bonaduz, passes the Sogn Mang chapel and loops around Bot Tschavier hill. Along the way, there are views of the Rhine Gorge, and you can take a detour to Wackenau Castle ruins. The trails therefore differ in their described stages and destinations: the Turnerweg route features fields, riverbanks and Rhine floodplains, while the Bot Tschavier route focuses on the chapel, the hill and the views.

The Bonaduzer Wald mountain-bike route starts in Bonaduz and follows well-maintained forest roads through the local woodland. It passes the «Zault» viewing platform and returns to Bonaduz along extensive forest roads. Trail and viewpoint conditions may vary by season. BikePark Bonaduz is located on Scumlserstrasse, 7402 Bonaduz; helmets are mandatory. Check the conditions before using the facilities.

Sports and other destinations

The roller sports facility is open to the public and freely accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. The ice rink is available for individual or group sports: in summer, it can be used in particular for grass and ball sports; in winter, it can be used as an ice rink. Seasonal opening may vary. The Finnish track is open to the public without time restrictions. Its condition and maintenance may vary.

Tuleu forest playground is open to the public without time restrictions; exclusive reservations are not possible. Check current local notices before visiting. Minigolf Bonaduz Bahnhof has an 18-hole course right next to the railway station. There is also a children’s playground and a kiosk with outdoor seating. Check opening hours and facilities before visiting.

The Ruinaulta lies near Bonaduz: a wild gorge with a rushing river, white cliffs and extensive forests. Rare birds nest in its floodplain forests. Nearby, you can experience the Vorderrhein by canoe, kayak or on a rafting trip. The Via Francisca also reaches Bonaduz, having crossed the Vorderrhein beforehand via a railway bridge.

Discover more destinations: Domat/Ems, Rhäzüns, Flims, Trin, Tamins.

Return to the regional travel overview: Imboden.