The Haldenstein playground lies just along the walking and cycling route Chur-Haldenstein (Rhine cycle route no. 2), along the river Rhine. Its location and the integrated barbecue make it the perfect destination for a family outing. There is a lot of shade thanks to the many trees. 

The Fürstenwald forest extends along the North East of the urban area; it is a popular recreational area with beautiful views of the city and the Calanda. Many paths lead through the mixed forest, making it an inviting place to go walking, hiking, jogging, or biking. A true paradise for anyone who wants to relax far from the bustle of the city or to get active!
The fastest way to Fürstenwald: by public bus no. 2 «Fürstenwald» from Bahnhofplatz in Chur or by car to the Fürstenwald cemetery car park.

Picturesque and medieval - that is how the Arcas looks today. Before 1971, however, it was quite a different story, for until then warehouses obscured the square. Architect Theodor Hartmann had these demolished and integrated an underground garage into his new design concept. Nevertheless, the Arcas has still retained its medieval character, for the row of houses extending towards the Plessur river are built onto the old city walls. And these - as can be seen at Arcas 25 - are thought to date from the 13th century. Nowadays, the medieval houses, with the modern open spaces in between, give the square a picturesque touch.

The Arcas is arguably the most beautiful city square in Chur. With its historical town houses and cafes surrounding the open space, it exudes an almost Mediterranean ambiance. During events, the Arcas becomes a picturesque stage in the heart of the Old Town. Of course, there is also a well where you can refresh yourself. The well on Arcas square is made of Gneis rock from the village of Andeer. It is based on the myth about the spirits on Scalära.

The Church of S. Gieri / St. Georg between Bonaduz and Rhazuns was probably the old parish church of both places and is a very special treasure. The oldest building is according to archaeological finds from the 6/7 Century date. In the second Quarter of the 14th Century brought a new choir, and then the interior was equipped with magnificent paintings. Clients were probably the Barons of Rhazuns. A first unknown artist took over the decoration of the chancel, the east wall (it shows the legend of St. George), and a dragon fight and a donor picture on the long north side. From a second, also not particularly well-known artist, the remaining north wall were the West and south walls provided with scenes from the Old and New Testaments, as well as with painted saints stories. For more information about these historic buildings can be found on the website of the parish Rhazuns.

Bonaduz' leisure offerings are varied and appeal to big and small, families, locals and visitors alike. Well maintained hiking and cycling trails take you into the charming surroundings - whether that's up on the mountains or down into the fascinating Rhine gorge, from Bonaduz the spellbinding nature of Graubünden is only a stone's throw away.

In Bonaduz proper, there are several fun things to do, like a minigolf course, football pitches, tennis courts, cross-country ski trails and woodchip running trails. The golf course Domat/Ems and the fashionable ski resort Laax are close by, too.

History

Archaeological finds from the late La Tène era (5th - 1st century BCE) and an early medieval burial site with more than 700 graves in Valbeuna are evidence for the fact that this has been settled for a long time. The Wackenau castle ruin lies high above the Rhine, not far from the village. It was probably constructed to secure a nearby river crossing. Bonaduz was part of the Rhäzüns dominion and came into possession of Maximilian I of Austria and Habsburg  in 1497. During the reformation, Bonaduz remained Catholic and formed a clerical, political and economic entity with neighbouring Rhäzüns in 1529.  The church was not separated until 1667.

In the middle of the 16th century, Bonaduz purchased Alp Ramuz on the far side of the Kunkels pass. Livestock and grain farming were the cornerstones of the community for most of its existence. Today, many inhabitants of Bonaduz are employed at Ems-Chemie in Domat/Ems, others  commute to Chur.

Bonaduz was originally part of the Romansh language area. In 1860, nearly 70% of the population were still Romansh-speaking. But during the years of reconstruction following a great fire in 1908, more and more German speakers moved into the area, and they made up 80% of the population in 1990 while Romansh speakers had dwindled to only 6%.

Church S. Gieri/St. George

Church S. Gieri/St. George between Bonaduz and Rhäzüns used to be the main church of the Rhäzüns dominion and has exceptional cultural value today. According to excavations the first church at this site dates back to the 6th or 7th century. Around the middle of the 14th century a new choir was built and soon after the interior was lavishly decorated with magnificent paintings. Patrons were the barons of Rhäzüns. The frescoes in the choir from the early 14th century, the choir wall (showing the legend og St. George),  the impressive dragon fight and a donor portrait along the northern wall are by the famous "Master of Waltensburg". The scenes from the Old and New Testaments as well as the hagiographies in the rest of the nave were added in the second half of the 14th century by the "Master of Rhäzüns" in fresco secco style.

Rhine gorge

Close to Bonaduz lies the fascinating Rhine gorge Ruinaulta. It is one of the greatest and most diverse landscapes of the Alps. A wild gorge with a raging river, white cliffs and vast forests. Quiet lakes are filled as if by magic and rare birds breed in the forests along the river. You can even find orchids in the little garden of Eden.

You can explore Ruinalta perfectly well on your own. In the forests and along the Rhine you will find a dense network of hiking trails, various cycling routes and beautiful rest areas. There are three train stations of the Rhaetian Railway (Trin, Versam-Safien and Valendas-Sagogn) at either end and in the middle of the gorge.

If you want to get to know the Rhine gorge from up close, you can even take to the water. Ruinalta is one of Europe's most exciting waterbodies for canoeing, kayaking and river rafting.

Nature reserve Weihermühle

Its own little oasis, the mill of Weihermühle is powered by spring water. The abundance of water and constant care have created a true gem of nature all around the mill. The shallow moor of Weihermühle is classified as being of national importance. It is home to a number of rare species like the dormouse, numerous orchids and sundew, a local carnivorous plant. It's thanks to the efforts of Natura Graubünden and the former Natural Protection Society Graubünden that Weihermühle has been listed as a natural reserve since 1967. The first plots of land were purchased by the Natural Protection Society even in 1961. Today, the plot is in possession of Pro Natura, having grown to a size of nearly 9 acres.

Reichenau castle lies at the birthplace of the Alpine Rhine, where the two arms of the Rhine join together. Built in the 16th century by the clergy family Schauenstein, the castle looks back on a long and eventful history. At one time it even housed the last King of France.

Today, the historic building serves as a winery for the Tscharner family. Visit and meet wine producer Gian Battista von Tscharner and his smooth, honest wines during a castle tour with wine tasting.

The little field chapel Sogn Mang was built on a hill near Bonaduz and restored in 1993. It is dedicated to Saint Magnus (Sogn Mang in Romansh). Its unique location on a wide-open field under two mighty poplar trees gives it a wonderful aura of peace and strength.

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Haldenstein is the ideal starting point for biking or hiking tours up to 2,800-meter-high Calanda mountain. The mountain range between the Rhine and Tamina valleys is a fascinating landscape offering spectacular views down to the urban valley floor around Chur and onto the Alps. Not far from the village there is the climbing garden Haldenstein, considered the first of its kind in Switzerland. It was comprehensively renovated in 2012 and 2013. But those who are not out for an athletic challenge will feel just as at home in Haldenstein. The banks of the Rhine are the perfect scene for leisurely walks or cycling trips, horse rides and picnics.

Despite the short distance to the cantonal capital Chur, Haldenstein has retained its rural character to this day. However, things to get busy every other year in May, when the Garden Festival at Haldenstein Castle opens its doors to the delight of garden and plant lovers from near and far. It also offers numerous other attractions. Alternating with the Garden Festival, every other year Haldenstein Castle becomes the stage for impressive outdoor opera productions by the Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Graubünden.

History

The area around Haldenstein has been settled during the medieval and Roman periods and as far back as prehistoric times. In the mid-12th century, the church of Haldenstein is first mentioned in a document. It was replaced by a new church in 1732. It's the only church in the bishopric of Chur that is dedicated to St. Gereon. The Reformation did not arrive in Haldenstein until the first half of the 17th century, nearly a century later than in neighbouring Chur.

Its location between Calanda mountain and the Rhine means that the village has faced many perils: In 1868, it was devastated by a flooding of the Rhine, and in 1971 there was a mudflow at Calanda. The village was hit by fire in 1825 and threatened again by a devastating forest blaze in 1943. 

The impressive castle was built in the early 16th century. From 1544 to 1548 the structure was expanded and magnificently decorated. Part of it was panelling which today is at Köpenick Castle in Berlin. The castle was extended by a floor in 1731. One year later it was damaged by fire and immediately rebuilt. From 1763, the north wing of the castle was home to the Phiantrhopinum, a well-known educational institution. Today, Haldenstein Castle hosts the Garden Festival and many other cultural events.

Haldenstein was originally a Romansh-speaking community, but Germanisation set in around the 14the century, even before it had reached Chur. Haldenstein gets its name from the castle above the village. Haldenstein Castle was build in the mid-12th century and was the seat of the house Haldenstein. The castle was inhabited until the end of the 17th century, before it was destroyed by earthquakes in 1769 and 1787. Another fortress, Lichtenstein Castle, was built in the 12th century and was located on a mountain ridge some distance north of the village. It was probably abandoned in the 15th century, after it had come into possession of the Lords of Haldenstein when the house of Lichtenstein died out at the end of the 13th century.

Batänja

Halfway up mount Calanda, at about 1,400 metres above sea level, lies the abandoned settlement Batänja, formerly called Sewils. It was gifted to the brothers Hans, Dietrich and Jos Batänier, a family of Walser origin, by the nobleman Peter von Griffensee. It was inhabited until 1869 and even had its own school. Today, the landowners coordinate a great voluntary effort to ensure the upkeep of the buildings in Batänja.

The complex was built by the Bishop of Chur Volkhart (1237-1251). The once mighty fortification was the centre of the episcopal jurisdiction. Later, the delinquents from the Five Villages district were imprisoned in the castle. The village fire of 1897 severely damaged the complex. Today, the castle is owned by the Five Villages District. In 2001, structural safety measures were taken. One of the oldest buildings still inhabited in Zizers is the House of the Bell. Once it was an inn, to which probably also Susten (warehouses with horse positions) were attached. Later, the Haus zur Glocke served as the town hall of the Five Villages district. It housed the district administration, the district office, the district notary's office, the debt collection and bankruptcy office, and the guardianship authority. Today, the beautifully spruced up Haus zur Glocke is used purely as a residential building.

The former parish and current cemetery church Sogn Paul is slightly increased, at the southwestern edge of the village, at the foot of the spur of the Heinz mountain. The striking building with einschiffigem nave and a rectangular choir is covered by a single pitched roof.

 The authentic medieval interior is the stage for works of art from four centuries to enter into a dialogue with each other.

Sogn Paul was a medieval parish church that was expanded by a baroque nave and the cemetery for the Barons of Rhäzüns Inside there are remnants of frecoes by the Master of Waltensburg and by a workshop of the "Gotico Internazionale". The alter is decorated by post-Gothic papier-maché copies of the alter wings of Sogn Gieri.