Urmein lies west of Thusis on the Heinzenberg and is a municipality in the Viamala Region in the Canton of GraubĂĽnden. This clustered village combines a long local history with hiking trails and the Lake Patrutg excursion area in Oberurmein. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing between the different highlights: the historical connections are in Urmein, while the lake and its leisure facilities are in Oberurmein.
Local history and exhibitions
The earliest recorded spelling dates from the 12th century: “Hof Urmein”, formerly Ormen. The place appears as a farm in a papal charter issued at the Lateran in Rome. In it, the estates of Cazis Monastery were placed under the protection of the pope at the time.
The historical route also places Urmein on the Heinzenberg: the route from Chur ran via Rhäzüns and Präz through the upper villages of the Heinzenberg, with Urmein as the last village. From there, it continued either via the Nolla to the Schams or over the Glas Pass to the Safiental. Urmein Church was built between 1720 and 1722; the village has had its own parish since 1725. Exhibitions are regularly held in the exhibition church in Urmein. If you are planning your visit around a particular exhibition, check the current programme separately.
Landscape and hiking trails
South of the village, the Nolla flows through a deeply incised gorge. To the west rises the Glaser Grat, at 2,124 metres; beyond the Nolla Gorge, the municipality’s land climbs to within reach of the Zwölfihorn, at 2,280 metres. The municipality also includes the regional Nollaaue floodplain near Casellis (object no. 1266) and the nationally protected floodplain near Garieinz (object no. 410).
Urmein has a network of winter and summer hiking trails with magnificent views across the Domleschg. The inner Heinzenberg has more than 20 kilometres of well-maintained winter hiking trails. As trail preparation depends on the season, it is advisable to check current trail conditions before a winter hike. This helps you distinguish between the seasonal trails in Urmein and the winter hiking options specifically noted for the inner Heinzenberg when planning your visit.
Lake Patrutg in every season
Lake Patrutg in Oberurmein is a family recreation area. The site includes a play stream, a children’s swimming lake, a play and sunbathing lawn, five fire pits with seating areas, a playground, and a boat and bathing jetty. There is also a wheelchair-accessible toilet. A stroller-friendly walking path encircles the site; trail conditions can vary by season.
At 1,609 metres above sea level, there is a natural ice rink by the lake. Weather permitting, it is open daily from Christmas until early March. If the ice rink is important to your plans, check the weather and opening conditions before travelling. Lake Patrutg therefore offers different reasons to visit: the seasonal natural ice rink and the facilities of the family recreation area.
Getting there and practical information
You can reach Lake Patrutg by car via Urmein and Oberurmein in the direction of LĂĽsch. Oberurmein is served by PostBus; check the timetable for your travel dates. The holiday village of Oberurmein, at an altitude of 1,527 to 1,609 metres, is part of Urmein. If you are looking for accommodation, check the exact place name and stated location so you can compare them with the destinations you plan to visit.
In Oberurmein, Laada am Berg sells local products and numerous specialities from the immediate area. The range may vary by season; contact the shop in advance if particular products are important to you.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: Oberurmein, Fardün, Sils Im Domleschg, Almens, Feldis, Tschappina, Trans, Präz.
Back to the main travel guide: Hinterrhein.
