Located on the right bank of the Rhine River, Domat/Ems is a historic town in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. It was first mentioned in the 8th century as “Colonia de Amede” and since 1943, it has officially been referred to by both its Romansh (Domat) and German (Ems) names. Domat/Ems is renowned for its small hills known as “Tumas”, which are remnants of past landslides.
Things to do in Domat/Ems
Overlooking the Rhine River is the Church of St. John the Baptist, which was built in a Gothic style on the site of a large guard tower. Now heritage-listed, it is notable for its intricate wood carvings and polyptych altars. A short stroll away is the whitewashed Church of St. Peter and the quaint Chapel of St. Antonius.
On the southern edge of town is the Golf Club Domat/Ems, which has been laid out within a spectacular moraine landscape. It comprises three 9-hole courses dotted with small lakes and bunkers, as well as a driving range, a putting green and a chipping area. Adjacent is a club dedicated to tennis and padel.
Domat/Ems makes a good base for visiting the Dreibündenstein, a marker stone erected in 1915 at the border of the Three Leagues. This 15th-century alliance between the League of God’s House, the League of the Ten Jurisdictions and the Grey League led to the formation of Graubünden. From the top of the Dreibündenstein cable car, there are magnificent views across the valley below.
Getting around Domat/Ems
Domat/Ems is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Zürich and Zürich Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Trains connect to the Domat/Ems railway station and buses travel through the municipality. The centre of Domat/Ems is small enough to explore on foot.