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.

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.

Cross-country skiing trails and wonderful cycling or hiking routes along the Rhine on the valley floor or up to the "Crest'Ault", the local mountain of Rhäzüns, attract many people from near and far, all year round. With the sports comply "Saulzas" the community owns a widely known and beautiful facility with a football pitch, a training pitch, four running tracks and a hard pitch. There are also three tennis courts and two boccia courts. The cableway takes you across the Rhine gorge up to Feldis, an idyllic little village on the mountain. This is the start for many great hiking, biking and cross-country skiing trails, among them a tour to Dreibündenstein and to Brambrüesch. From there you can take another cableway down to Chur, where you can get the train or bus to return to Rhäzüns.

History

In the Middle Ages, Rhäzüns was part of the dominion of the Barons of Rhäzüns, along with its neighbouring villages Bonaduz, Domat/Ems and Felsberg. Through inheritance and trade the area came into possession of king Maximilian I of Austria and thus of the Habsburg family. Therefore, the village remained catholic during the Reformation. Until 1529, Rhäzüns was a single religious, political and economic community with neighbouring Bonaduz. Their parishes were not separated until 1667. In 1815/19, the area of the former dominion Rhäzüns became part of the canton of Graubünden. 

The church S. Gieri/St. George between Bonaduz and Rhäzüns used to be the main church of the Rhäzüns territory and has great cultural and historical significance. 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 of St. George),  the impressive dragon fight and a donor portrait along the northern wall are by the famous "Master of Waltensburg". The Old and New Testament scenes as well as the hagiographies in the church nave were completed by the "Master of Rhäzüns" in fresco-secco style in the latter half of the 14th century. Until 1667, Sogn Paul was the parish church of Bonaduz and Rhäzüns. You can find more information about these historical buildings as well as the opening times of both Sogn Gieri and Sogn Paul on the website of the parish of Rhäzüns.

Although Rhäzüns was traditionally part of the Romansh-speaking area in Graubünden, only 10% of the population still speak the language according to the 2000 census. 

Rheinauen

The "Rheinauen" of Rhäzüns are one of the last natural river landscapes along the Rhine before it flows into Lake Constance. The pasture landscape is one of the most pristine of its kind in all of Switzerland. Between the towns of Rothenbrunnen and Reichenau, the Rhine is allowed to flow however it pleases. Every flood changed the course of the river, moving the earth with it and creating new islets and meanders. The pastures and floodplains lie where water transitions to land. Here you will find sandy banks, clear groundwater ponds, pebble beaches and thick forests. There is an incredible diversity of plants and animal wildlife for the small size of the area.

Nature reserve Weihermühle

Almost 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, about 9 acres are in possession of Pro Natura.

Rhäzünser mineral water

Rhäzüns is renowned for its mineral springs that have been known to man since the late 18th century and exploited since 1850. The mineralisation of the water is rich and well-balanced. The spring lies along the left Rhine bank, close to the so-called Rhäzüns rock at the foot of Heinzenberg mountain. The spring lies at a depth of 50 metres and the water has spent 18 years in the rock before it reaches the surface in Rhäzüns. 1998, the mineral spring was taken over by the Feldschlösschen group, and five years later the output reached 100 million litres for the first time. The company invested 14 million Swiss Francs in new bottling facilities. More information at www.rhaezuenser.ch.

The modern whale hut Tarmuz with veranda offers a beautiful view of the countryside thanks to its elevated position above Rhäzüns.
With the existing infrastructure, it is ideally suited as a venue for larger group events. up to about 50 people. 

• Rental conditions of the municipality of Rhäzüns