Discover Rodels: Churches, Heritage and Nature

Rodels has been part of the municipality of Domleschg since 1 January 2015 and lies at an elevation of about 680 metres above sea level. The Catholic parish church, the House of Blumenthal and the Munté nature reserve offer clear starting points for planning your visit. You can shape your stay around historic architecture, local history, the landscape or a guided activity.

Church, Houses and Local History

The Catholic parish church of St Christopher and St James the Greater brings together several striking architectural details. Its very slender Romanesque tower has paired round-arched windows and an elegant onion dome dating from 1725. The ornamental west portal dates from 1721 and has carved door leaves. Inside, remnants of wall paintings from the first quarter of the 15th century have been preserved; some were uncovered and conserved in the 1970s.

The religious history goes back further: a chapel is mentioned from the mid-12th century, while the parish church of St Christopher and St James the Greater is recorded in 1697. The House of Blumenthal has preserved a wood-panelled room dating from around 1680, with a carved door surround. Other panelling dates from between 1730 and 1780; a portal in the house is also documented as historic. Together, the church and residence offer distinct architectural details to explore on a culture-focused stay.

The village’s history also includes traces of Bronze Age and medieval settlement, including a Bronze Age grave find and a medieval estate belonging to Chur Cathedral Chapter. The landscape, too, was changed by human intervention: the Rhine correction works, carried out from 1832 onwards, created new land in the valley plain of Rodels.

Boulder and Nature Reserve

The “Tomba” of Rodels is a boulder around ten metres high on the valley floor, near the Rhine bridge and the A13. The Munté nature reserve offers a different focus, with diverse habitats ranging from ponds to dry sites. The Tomba represents a single striking boulder, while Munté is notable for its variety of habitats. If you include nature in your travel plans, these two features are easy to distinguish.

Routes and Guided Activities

The “From the Royal Court to Greater Mouse-eared Bats” route starts at the Rodels RhB railway station and passes through Rodels before returning to its starting point. The guided excursion “Tracking Beavers in the Munté Nature Reserve” also starts at Rodels station. It offers the chance to observe various bird species and animal tracks. The guided village walk Rodels / Pratval, by contrast, starts at the Rodels, Dorf bus stop and introduces visitors to the history of the church. Check dates and availability in advance for guided activities.

The Hasensprung ruins are not open to the public and can only be reached across private property. Do not plan a public visit to the ruins.

Getting There and Practical Information

Rodels is served by PostBus routes 90.511 and 90.510 between Thusis, Cazis and Tomils. Timetables may change, so check the current schedule before travelling. The Pardisla picnic site is halfway between Rodels village and the railway station, at the Forstgarten junction. It has a grill grate, firewood, three tables with benches and a drinking-water fountain. Facilities and access conditions may change, so check the latest information if you plan to use the picnic site.

The “Greco im Gässli” restaurant in Rodels serves regional, national and international specialities. If you plan to eat there, check the latest information about its offerings. Then compare the specific details for each hotel, such as rooms, services, price and availability.

Discover more destinations: Cazis, Thusis, Splügen, Flerden, Portein, Fürstenau, Fardün, Donath

For the broader travel overview: Hinterrhein.