Almens: Village Churches, Domleschgerlauf and Fire Pit

Almens is a village in the political municipality of Domleschg, in the Viamala region of the Swiss canton of Graubünden. A clustered village, it lies on a gently sloping terrace above the right bank of the Hinterrhein. Clearly named landmarks for finding your way include the village entrance with its church and playground, the Almens Dorf bus stop and the Plaun da Glenna fire pit. The Domleschgerlauf also starts in Almens. Together, these points of interest offer options for a stay ranging from village history to a run or time outdoors.

Churches and village history

The Catholic parish church of St. Andreas was first mentioned in 1410 and rebuilt in 1694 at right angles to the old structure. It is a Baroque building with a two-storey façade. The dates refer to different historical milestones: 1410 marks the first mention, while 1694 marks the new building. Almens Church stands at the village entrance and was built in 1694 as a Reformed church. It has been protected as a monument at both cantonal and federal levels since 1946. Although 1694 is given for both churches, the information describes different building histories: for St. Andreas, it refers to the new building in relation to the old structure; for Almens Church, it refers to its construction as a Reformed church. Their locations, architecture and histories each provide distinct points of reference for finding your way around the village.

Outdoor destinations

Almens Playground is at the village entrance and offers children opportunities to play outdoors. Facilities include two handball-sized football goals, a slide, a net swing, a roundabout and a climbing pole. The Almens Dorf bus stop is directly in front of the playground. This means that a place to play and the bus stop are right next to each other for route planning; the stop’s name is also a specific landmark at the village entrance.

The Plaun da Glenna fire pit is about 600 metres from the village centre and can be reached on foot or by bike. Dogs are welcome; check local notices for any temporary restrictions before your visit. The playground and the fire pit are two different destinations for spending time outdoors: the playground is at the village entrance, while the fire pit is about 600 metres from the village centre.

Domleschgerlauf and KOSTBAR

The Domleschgerlauf is a trail-running route that starts in Almens. It passes Schloss Rietberg on its way towards Lake Canova and can be reached by bus to the Almens, Dorf stop. Check the current timetable before travelling by bus. When planning, you can distinguish the starting point in the village from Schloss Rietberg and Lake Canova, which are mentioned along the route. If the run is your main focus, the start and direction are the key points of reference; for a stay with more of a cultural focus, the churches offer their own historical details.

KOSTBAR Kunst und Kunsthandwerk offers another cultural dimension. Eight women artists founded it in 2013 in a private home in Almens; it developed into a three-day creative event at several locations in the village. Dates and the programme vary with each edition. If you would like to attend, use the dates and programme for the relevant edition when planning your visit.

Discover more destinations: Thusis, Scharans, Sufers, Masein, Urmein, Fürstenau, Portein, Fardün.

View the overview of the wider area: Hinterrhein.