kids encyclopedia robot

Goms, Valais facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Goms
Niederwald village in Goms
Niederwald village in Goms
Coat of arms of Goms
Coat of arms
Goms is located in Switzerland
Goms
Goms
Location in Switzerland
Goms is located in Canton of Valais
Goms
Goms
Location in Canton of Valais
Country Switzerland
Canton Valais
District Goms
Area
 • Total 129.59 km2 (50.03 sq mi)
Elevation
1,251 m (4,104 ft)
Population
 (Dec 2020 )
 • Total 1,160
 • Density 8.95/km2 (23.18/sq mi)
Postal code
3985, 3989,
3998
Surrounded by Bellwald, Binn, Ernen, Fieschertal, Formazza (IT), Guttannen (BE), Obergoms

Goms is a municipality in the district of Goms in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. On 1 January 2017, the former municipalities of Niederwald, Blitzingen, Grafschaft, Münster-Geschinen and Reckingen-Gluringen merged into the new municipality of Goms.

History

Blitzingen

Blitzingen is first mentioned in 1203 as Blicingen.

Grafschaft

Grafschaft was created in 2000 through the merger of Biel (VS), Ritzingen and Selkingen. Biel was first mentioned in 1277 as Buele. Starting in the 13th Century, Ritzingen gradually became a municipality. By the 16th Century the traditional practices and pastures of the farmers were finally codified into laws. Selkingen was first mentioned in 1374 as villa de Selgingen.

Münster-Geschinen

Münster-Geschinen was formed in 2004 from the union of the municipalities of Münster and Geschinen. Münster is first mentioned in 1221 as Musterium. Geschinen is first mentioned in 1327 as Gessinon.

Niederwald

Niederwald is first mentioned in 1526 as Zniderwaldt.

Reckingen-Gluringen

Reckingen-Gluringen was formed in 2004 from the union of the municipalities of Reckingen and Gluringen. Reckingen is first mentioned in 1225 as Requinguen. Gluringen is first mentioned in 1203 as Gluringen.

Geography

ETH-BIB-Grimselstrasse, Goms, Blinnenhorn v. N. aus 4600 m-Inlandflüge-LBS MH01-008027
Aerial view from 4600 m by Walter Mittelholzer (1934)

Goms has an area, as of 2009, of 129.59 km2 (50.03 sq mi).

Population

The new municipality has a population (as of December 2020) of 1,160.

Historic population

The historical population is given in the following chart:

Heritage sites of national significance

Munster - Église Sainte-Marie
Church of St. Maria
ReckingenVS1
Church of Mariä Geburt

The Church of St. Maria with Cemetery Chapel in Munster and the Church of Mariä Geburt in Reckingen-Gluringen are listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance. The entire villages of Münster and Geschinen are both part of the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites. The villages of Biel, Ritzingen, Selkingen, Niederwald, Gluringen and Reckingen along with the entire hamlets of Ammere / Gadme / Wiler and Bodmen are designated as part of the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites.

Notable residents

Niederwald was home to famous hotelier César Ritz, who is buried in the local cemetery.

kids search engine
Goms, Valais Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.