The beautiful 18-hole miniature golf course of Bonaduz lies just off the rail station and includes a playground as well as a cafe with garden seating.

At the confluence of the Hinterrhein and the Vorderrhein, at the birthplace of the Alpine Rhine, is Reichenau. The place was already of great importance in the 14th century, when long-distance traffic over the Graubünden Alpine passes increased and two bridges and a customs house were built. Reichenau is a transport hub, where the routes of the north-south axis separate. Reichenau Castle stands in a spectacular location. Built in the 17th century by the Schauenstein episcopal minister family, it has a long history. The last king of France even lived here once. Today, the historical building belonging to the von Tscharner family is used as a winery.

• Further information about Reichenau Castle

The Rhine Gorge lies just outside the gates of the Alpine City of Chur, easily accessible by public transport. What began as the Flims landslide has now become a unique natural backdrop: 10,000 years ago, 10 billion cubic metres of rock thundered into the valley. Since then, the Rhine has carved a path through the bedrock between Ilanz and Reichenau. The result is a ravine that is justly referred to as the Swiss Grand Canyon. The bizarre stone formations bordered by pine tree captivate train passengers, ramblers, mountain bikers and river rafters from around the world. Several panorama platforms along the gorge allow for breathtaking views over the Rhine Gorge, called «Ruinaulta» in Romansh. 

Nature Monument
The value of this impressive landscape was recognised early on and in 1977 it was one of the first landscapes in Switzerland to be placed under national protection - even before the Rhine Falls and the Matterhorn. Not only are the impressive limestone walls and the vast floodplain forests fascinating, the Rhine Gorge is also home to a variety of rare plants (including various orchids) and rare animals (especially birds, butterflies and bats).

Experience the Rhine Gorge

• The Rhaetian Railway runs right through the middle of the Rhine Gorge, opening up spectacular views - from the comfort of a railway carriage.
• Numerous hiking trails, several viewing platforms and barbecue areas provide unique hiking experiences.
• There are also several paths and trails for cyclists and mountain bikers to discover.
• As part of the «Transruinaulta», the Rhine Gorge also offers trail runners a fascinating running experience.
• Gliding through the Rhine Gorge on the waters of the Vorderrhein is a fascinating experience. The section between Ilanz and Versam to Reichenau is one of the most scenic stretches in Switzerland. Various providers offer tours with rafting boats, canoes, packrafts, funyaks and hydrospeeding is also possible.

Discover experiences and activities:

• Rhine Gorge Experience

 Horse shelter, 8 large boxes, space for an additional 16 horses between June and September. Riding circle and square, large pastures.

The roller sports facility with pump track (circuit), a pump bowl and a platform (skate court)  offers leisure fun for mountain bikers, kickboarders, inline skaters and skateboarders.

Almost like an 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. 

A landscape formed by rock slides

Towards the end of the last Ice Age, massive rock slides shook the Rhine valley between what is today Chur and Ilanz. The little valley at Weihermühle formed between the mounds of the Flims rockfall to the north and slate debris to the south. The spring water flowing from the slate rockfaces at Weihermühle has been used by humans since the Middle Ages, as witnessed by the old grain mill just above the present nature reserve. It was in operation until 1942. The marshy, clay-containing ground has been used for centuries. The marsh recovered soon after a period during the Second World War, when the creek was dammed up to be used as a fishing pond. 

A diverse water habitat Today, many animals and plants profit from the abundance of water at Weihermühle. Amphibians and reptiles, but also rare dragonflies and grasshoppers like the golden-ringed dragonfly and the large marsh grasshopper count among the inhabitants of the reed. 

What makes this area so unique?

Only a very few select and specialised plants can grow on the wet, low-nutrient peat soil that dominates the area. Inconspicuous sedges and rushes form the large part of the vegetation, interspersed by delicate beauties like the bird's eye primrose or the marsh orchid. These plants and wet soils are highly sensitive to trampling and should not be walked on. 

Diversity thanks to care Any wetland requires a great amount of constant care.

Otherwise, natural processes set in and the area is soon covered by forest and shrubbery. Still waters tend to dry up and need to be weeded every now and again. It's the only way to ensure that these ponds can retain their function as important habitats for plants and animals. Pro Natura Graubünden has been taking great efforts in the last decades to provide the necessary care for this nature reserve. While a lot of effort is required, the enormous wealth of species is more than enough compensation. The entire reserve has a spectacular diversity of habitats. From black bog rush reeds to tall herbaceous vegetation, magnocaricions, moor grass meadows, montio-cardaminetea and rough pastures, the diversity is virtually endless. This is witnessed also in the impressive number of different species. 183 plant species, 360 moth species, 47 butterfly species, 23 grasshopper species, 16 dragonfly species, 3 amphibian species, various reptiles and small mammals have been found in various  surveys. 

For many years, Pro Natura has been maintaining Weihermühle with the help of long-term jobseekers. Thus, the are with its remarkable biodiversity could be preserved. Currently, four farmers are helping to mow part of the meadows. In addition to the primary preservation efforts, a further objective is pursued: Proving that collaboration between nature conservationists and farmers can be fruitful. The aim is also to raise mutual awareness for each other's concerns - for the need to preserve nature on one side and for the concerns and requirements of professional farmers on the other. This way, both parties can learn and profit from each other.

Summer passes and start outdoor pools
The AU DABI and WASSER summer passes are available from 1 May. The season starts at the Obere Au and Sand outdoor pools on 10 May. Further information.

Mother's Day brunch 11.05.2025
Enjoy a delicious brunch in the sports restaurant with your family on Mother's Day - pool admission included. Book a table now!

The large Obere Au outdoor pool in Chur is located by the Rhine at the foot of the Calanda mountain. It is characterised by the extensive sunbathing lawn with shady trees and views of the mountains around Chur. The 50m-pool with 8 lanes is suitable for swimming lengths, while the learning pool with its wide slide and a tube slide offers plenty of fun for children and the spacious children's paddling pool will lure even the youngest to the water. Sports enthusiasts can let off some steam during table tennis, at the group fitness area or at the pirate themed playground. If you're hungry, you can grill your own food in the barbecue area, get a snack from the Obere Au Take Away or Khurer Gnusswaga (food truck) or eat at the Obere Au sports restaurant.

Play afternoons from 11. June at the outdoor pool
The play afternoons on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11. June until 9. August will be held at the Obere Au outdoor pool (instead of the indoor pool). They will not take place in case of bad weather. Further information: Play afternoons

Free transition to the indoor pool
The free transfer between the Obere Au indoor and outdoor pools via the terrace of the sports restaurant, which was introduced last year, was very popular with customers. That's why this will be offered again this summer.

In 2021 Swiss Aquatics has included the swimming pool of the Obere Au outdoor pool in the official list of Olympic pools, category A. Category A are pools for the highest demands that are suitable for holding major competitions. Diploma Olympic pool, cat. A

• Water and air temperatures
• Pool rules
• Access for people with disabilities

By the way: There is also a swimming pool in Chur town centre, called "Badi Sand".

Limited capacities at the indoor pool 22.04.-09.05.2025
Due to the removal of the air dome above the 50m pool, only the 25m pool is available to all visitors for swimming. There may therefore be bottlenecks. Please check the occupancy schedule and the occupancy display at www.sportanlagenchur.ch before your visit. Further information.

Mother's Day brunch 11.05.2025
Enjoy a delicious brunch in the sports restaurant with your family on Mother's Day - pool admission included. Book a table now!

Whether you want to swim lengths in the 25m-pool, jump from the diving tower (1, 3, or 5 meters), or try out your first strokes in the learning or paddling pools - there's something for everyone to enjoy at the Obere Au indoor pool, even more so with the 85m-long slide. In the outside area of the indoor pool there is also the Aquamarine warm water wellness pool with various massage jets and whirlpool systems. Use of the Aquamarine is included in the indoor pool admission. Then you can refuel in the Obere Au sports restaurant, build up your strength in the gym, or relax in a sauna or infrared cabin. Free wifi for our guests in the foyer.

Water temperatures

• 25m pool, diving tower pool, beginner pool: 28-30°C
• Paddling pool: 32°C
• Aquamarine (outdoor): summer 31-33°C, winter 32-35°C

Children's Play Afternoon
The large pool in the indoor pool is completely available to children, the lanes are removed and the pool is filled with various play equipment, such as rings, noodles, planks, AirSmiley, inflatable mattress for climbing etc. The diving boards and slides invite you in to play! The play afternoons on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11. June until 9. August will be held at the Obere Au outdoor pool (instead of the indoor pool). They will not take place in case of bad weather. More info.

Additional Infos

• Aqua jogging: specific lanes are reserved for this - please check the occupancy schedule
• Weather report for indoor pool and Aquamarine hot water experience pool
• Access for people with disabilities
• Pool rules, information for groups, pool regulations