Discover Domat/Ems

Domat/Ems offers a variety of highlights for your stay: a landscape shaped by Tumas, churches and exhibitions steeped in history, and opportunities for outdoor activities and enjoying nature. If you are looking for a hotel in Domat/Ems, you can choose based on which aspects of the village interest you most.

Landscape and trails around the Tumas

Domat/Ems originally developed as a roadside village. Its centre is characterised by a dense network of paths connecting squares with different characters. The Tumas also catch the eye beyond the centre: these hills are made of rockslide material of various origins and are remnants of past rockslides that shaped the plain. The Tumas are protected as a nature reserve.

The Emser Tuma and Rhine Heights route is a moderately difficult hike covering 17.6 kilometres, with 302 metres of ascent and descent. It passes the golf course and follows the edge of the forest to Plong Leula. This section features protected flora and a sessile oak. If you are considering a longer hike, the stated distance and elevation gain provide concrete figures to help you plan.

The Via Francisca from Chur to Bonaduz follows a different route: near Domat/Ems, it passes between Tuma Tschelli and Tuma Casti and goes around the north of Tuma Casti. The Chur Rhine Route, by contrast, is an e-bike tour that passes through Domat/Ems. After a detour around Tuma Padrusa, the Emser Tuma and Rhine Heights route ends at the Chur city bus stop by the post office. City bus line 1 takes hikers there from Chur railway station; the Post stop is also a starting point for the route.

Churches, masks and local history

Several churches offer different insights into the past. The old Catholic parish church of St John the Baptist has wall paintings dating from after 1515 and a late Gothic winged altarpiece from 1504. Sogn Gion, together with its chapel and ossuary, is listed in the inventory of monuments of national importance; its late Gothic winged altarpiece also dates from 1504. The history of Sogn Pieder reaches further back: the church was built around 800 on the foundations of a stately secular building from the second half of the seventh century.

The Chapel of St Anthony was built in 1725 and stands on Tuma Casté, 50 metres above the village. At the Mascaradas Natè Museum, more than 100 masks form a striking wall installation; the exhibition also includes a documentary film about Albert Anton Willi. Willi (1872–1954), known as Albert Natè, is considered one of Switzerland’s notable mask artists. Exhibits and opening arrangements may change, so check the latest visitor information before your visit.

The historical exhibition at EMS-CHEMIE in Domat/Ems offers another perspective on local history. It presents the company’s history through around 140 photographs, more than 300 historical documents, props and plant components, and over 600 product and application examples. The exhibition covers more than 1,400 square metres. EMSORAMA at the Domat/Ems industrial site, by contrast, focuses on experiments: its 400 square metres feature more than 50 experiments at 17 stations for visitors of all ages. Visits are available for groups of ten or more, must be booked in advance and are free of charge.

Activities and practical information

For climbing and training, Quadrel has a 700-square-metre bouldering area with a national competition wall, a large roof, a range of slabs, a beginners’ area, a training area and a children’s playground. The dedicated training area includes, among other things, a campus board, fingerboards, a pull-up and dip bar, a pulley system, TRX, handstand supports, medicine balls, a barbell station, yoga mats and a system wall. The Amedes pump track has 18 banked turns; beginners and children have a kids’ track. The tennis facility has four clay courts and is covered by an air dome in winter.

Quieter options round out the selection. The Domat/Ems Kneipp facility is part of a Vita Parcours fitness trail. It can be reached by public transport via the Plarenga bus stop or the railway station; check routes and stops before setting out. The plantings at the garden studio explore climate, landscape and experimentation. Courses are also held there, and the programme may change.

The Domat/Ems golf course lies in a landscape of Tumas and has three 9-hole courses. The golf club is accessible by car via the A13 and by public transport via Ems Werk railway station; from there, the golf club is a few minutes’ walk away. Guests may play if they have a valid course licence or a recognised handicap certificate, provided they reserve a tee time in advance. Check the club’s current requirements before your visit.

For another break outdoors, there is a spacious playground with a fire pit, tables and benches. It can be reached by taking city bus line 1 to Plarenga and then walking for five minutes; check the latest service information. The Schafweide fire pit is described as a woodland meadow beside the cycling and hiking trail between Domat/Ems and Rothenbrunnen.

Discover more destinations: Tamins, Trin, Bonaduz, Rhäzüns, Flims

Back to the regional travel overview: Imboden.