Rhäzüns can be explored as a travel destination through its river landscape and historical heritage. The village and political municipality are in the Swiss canton of Graubünden and belong to the Imboden region. Rhäzüns is situated on the lower reaches of the Hinterrhein, before it flows into the Vorderrhein. The Rhine floodplains, historic churches and Rhäzüns Castle offer a different focus from the trails to the Rhäzünser Alp or the connection to Feldis. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, it may help with your planning to first consider whether nature trails, cultural history or excursions towards Feldis will be the deciding factor for your stay.
Rhine floodplains and routes around Rhäzüns
The Rhäzüns Rhine floodplains are among the most intact floodplain landscapes in Switzerland and are of national importance. Guided tours of the Rhäzüns Hinterrhein floodplain can be booked through Chur Tourism. Confirm availability before your trip.
The Rhäzüns Rhine Floodplains cycling route starts and ends in Rhäzüns. It is 18 kilometres long, includes 300 metres of ascent and passes Sogn Gieri (St. George). Another option is the Chur Rhine Valley Culture & Indulgence Route: it also passes Sogn Gieri and offers an optional detour to Rhäzüns to visit Sogn Paul. Conditions on both routes may vary depending on the season and weather. The stated route details provide a concrete comparison: on the Rhäzüns Rhine Floodplains cycling route, you know the distance and ascent; the possible detour to Sogn Paul is the main feature of the Culture & Indulgence Route.
Churches and castle: different ways to visit
Sogn Paul is on the southwestern edge of Rhäzüns. The former parish church is now a cemetery church. Its building history combines a medieval origin with later additions: the burial site of the Barons of Rhäzüns and a Baroque nave were added to the medieval church. Its authentically medieval interior contains works of art from four centuries. This building brings together different periods, while its former and present-day functions should not be confused.
Rhäzüns Castle was first mentioned in 1288 and historically guarded the entrance to the Domleschg. The castle is not open to the public. The history of the churches also includes the original parish of Rhäzüns and Bonaduz: its parish church was St. George. Rhäzüns itself was first mentioned in a document in 840 under the name “Raezunne”.
Cable car and trails to the Rhäzünser Alp
The Rhäzüns–Feldis cable car connects Feldis with Rhäzüns and, through it, the valley. Hiking and mountain biking are possible from Feldis; these activities are seasonal. Check the cable car’s operating status and timetable before your trip. The valley station has good rail and bus connections, ample parking and a charging station for electric cars. Confirm these transport and facility details before your trip as well.
Another starting point for planning excursions is the Rhäzünser Alp, also known as Alp Sura. It lies 1,760 metres above sea level above Rhäzüns. Hiking trails lead to the alp; it can also be reached via the signposted mountain bike route number 262. This gives you a choice of different types of route, without assuming a particular walking or cycling time or level of difficulty.
When planning your overnight stay, you can rank the local highlights according to which of the destinations described interests you most: the Rhine floodplains and their routes, the history of the church and castle, or the trails to the alp. For excursions from Feldis, the seasonal availability of activities is also a factor; check the cable car’s operating status and timetable in advance.
Discover more destinations: Trin, Tamins, Domat/Ems, Bonaduz, Flims
For the main travel overview: Imboden.
