Domat/Ems can be explored through two distinctive themes: its protected Tumas and its multifaceted cultural history. The centre grew from a street village; a dense network of paths connects places with different characters. When planning your stay, you can organise cultural sites, hikes and sports activities according to your interests – each destination has its own visiting and access requirements.
Museums and Churches in Domat/Ems
The Mascaradas Natè Museum displays more than 100 masks in a striking wall installation. The exhibition also includes a documentary about Albert Anton Willi. As exhibition elements may change, it is worth checking the latest visitor information before your visit. Albert Anton Willi (1872–1954), known as Albert Natè, is considered an important figure among Swiss mask artists.
The historical exhibition of EMS-CHEMIE is dedicated to the company’s history. Covering more than 1,400 m², it includes around 140 photographs, more than 300 historical documents, props and plant components, as well as over 600 product and application examples. EMSORAMA offers a different experience: it is intended for visitors of all ages and features more than 50 experiments at 17 stations across 400 m². Visits are possible for groups of ten or more, must be reserved and are free of charge.
The churches also reflect different historical periods. The old Catholic parish church of St John the Baptist has a Late Gothic winged altarpiece dating from 1504 and wall paintings from after 1515. The church of Sogn Pieder was built around 800 and stands on the foundations of a grand secular building from the second half of the 7th century. At Sogn Gion, the church, chapel and ossuary are listed in the inventory of monuments of national importance; the Late Gothic winged altarpiece also dates from 1504. The Antonius Chapel is located on Tuma Casté, 50 metres above the village, and was built in 1725.
Hikes and the Tuma Landscape
The Tumas are protected hills formed from rockslide material of various origins. Remnants of past rockslides, they shape the plain near Domat/Ems. The moderately difficult Emser Tuma and Rhine Heights route is 17.6 km long, with 302 metres of ascent and 302 metres of descent. It passes the golf course and follows the edge of the forest to Plong Leula. After a detour around Tuma Padrusa, the route ends at the Chur city bus stop by the post office in Domat/Ems.
To reach the starting point of this hike, city bus route 1 takes hikers from Chur railway station to the Post stop, the route’s access point. Another option is the Via Francisca from Chur to Bonaduz: near Domat/Ems, it passes between Tuma Tschelli and Tuma Casti and goes around the north side of Tuma Casti. The Chur Rhine Route passes through Domat/Ems by e-bike. These routes therefore differ in their specific course and – in the case of the Rhine Route – in being designed for e-bikes.
Sports and Practical Information
The golf course is located in the Tuma landscape and comprises three 9-hole courses. Guests may play if they have a valid course-permission certificate or a recognised handicap certificate, provided they reserve a tee time in advance. The Golf Club is accessible by car via the A13; by public transport, travel to Ems Werk railway station, from which it is a few minutes’ walk. Check the latest playing and reservation requirements before planning your visit.
Other activities offer different experiences: the Kneipp facility is integrated into a Vita Parcours fitness trail and can be reached by public transport via the Plarenga stop or the railway station. The Amedes pump track has 18 banked turns and a kids’ track for beginners and children. The tennis facility has four clay courts and is covered by an inflatable dome in winter.
The spacious playground has a fire pit, tables and benches. It can be reached by taking city bus route 1 to Plarenga, followed by a five-minute walk. For bus connections and stops, it is advisable to check the current timetable. This makes it possible to choose destinations according to your interests: from historic churches to a reservation-only hands-on science experience, as well as hiking and sports activities.
Discover more destinations: Bonaduz, Trin, Tamins, Rhäzüns, Flims.
Go to the overarching travel overview: Imboden.
