Bonaduz offers several starting points for an exploration: churches and chapels with a long history, the cultural archive, and trails along the Hinterrhein and through the local woodland. There are also the WeihermĂĽhle nature reserve and the nearby Ruinaulta. Visitors planning a trip can choose to focus on culture, nature or outdoor activities.
Churches, chapels and local history
The Catholic parish church of the Assumption of Mary was first mentioned in 1445, but is probably older. It was rebuilt as a late Gothic hall church in 1494; a major reconstruction followed from 1924 to 1927, and the church was placed under federal and cantonal heritage protection. The Chapel of St. Magnus, also known as Sogn Mang, is a field chapel built in 1773 on the northern edge of the Bonaduz terrace. St. Anthony’s is a wayside chapel on the western edge of the village and dates from 1961.
Between Bonaduz and Rhäzüns, the Church of St. George, also known as Sogn Gieri, stands on a wooded hill above the steep bank of the Hinterrhein. It is considered the oldest church in the valley. Its wall paintings in the choir and chancel arch date from around 1340. The medieval fabric was restored from 1961 to 1963 and again in 2015; the church is under federal and cantonal heritage protection. In the village district of Valbeuna, there is also an early medieval burial ground with more than 700 graves.
The Bonaduz Cultural Archive documents the history of the village through images, audio, texts and objects. Its collection comprises 10,000 documents dating from 1700 to the present day. In Bonaduz, built heritage is complemented by different forms of historical records.
Landscape and nature
WeihermĂĽhle is classified as a fen of national importance and has been a nature reserve since 1967. It is fed by spring water. Notable species found there include warmth-loving dormice, 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. This diversity includes plants and several animal groups; the figures are based on the surveys.
Lag Bonaduz is a small lake east of the village centre that becomes a swimming lake in the summer months. A wooden boardwalk leads into the water. As of 14 August 2026, Lag swimming lake was closed. Check the current status before swimming. The Ruinaulta is also near Bonaduz: a wild gorge with a fast-flowing river, white cliff faces and extensive forests. Rare birds nest in its floodplain forests. Canoeing, kayaking and river rafting are among the activities available on the Vorderrhein in the nearby Ruinaulta.
Trails and active days
The easy Turnerweg (659.10) is 6.1 kilometres long. It starts at Bonaduz railway station, crosses open fields and descends briefly to the banks of the Hinterrhein. The route 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 circuit (656.7) offers a different experience: it starts in Bonaduz, passes the Sogn Mang chapel and circles the Bot Tschavier hill, with views of the Rhine Gorge. A detour to Wackenau Castle ruins is possible. The routes differ mainly in the places described: the river and Rhine floodplains on the Turnerweg, and the chapel, hill and optional detour to the ruins on the Bot Tschavier.
The Bonaduz Forest mountain bike route starts in Bonaduz and runs through the local woodland on forest roads. It passes the «Zault» viewing platform and returns to Bonaduz along extensive forest roads. Trail conditions can vary by season. BikePark Bonaduz is located at Scumlserstrasse, 7402 Bonaduz; helmets are compulsory there. Check the current operating requirements before visiting.
Facilities and seasonal planning
The roller sports facility is open to the public and free of charge for people of all ages and skill levels. The Finnish track is also open to the public without time restrictions; its condition and maintenance may vary. Tuleu forest playground is also open to the public without time restrictions and cannot be reserved exclusively. Check the latest local information about the facilities and playground before visiting.
The ice rink in Bonaduz is available to visitors for individual or group sports. In summer, it can be used in particular for sports on grass and ball sports; in winter, it serves as an ice rink. Seasonal use may vary. 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 garden seating. Check opening hours separately; facilities may change. These specific differences help with day planning: some activities are seasonal, while for others it is worth checking the latest information in advance.
Discover more destinations: Flims, Domat/Ems, Rhäzüns, Trin, Tamins.
Back to the regional travel overview: Imboden.
