Culinary hike "Forest and Water" from Flims
Free cancellationFree up to 24 hours before
Meeting pointBistro Kaufmannfrauen, Il Stuz 2, 7018 Flims Waldhaus
fromAUD 109per person
Check availabilityRhine Gorge: all tickets and tours
Rhine Gorge
Discover one of the most impressive and unique landscapes of the Grisons Alps in the Rhine Gorge. The size and beauty of the gorge have led to it being fondly referred to as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland. Whether you want to hike, bike, raft or just relax, the gorge offers something for everyone. The Rhaetian Railway runs right through the gorge, making it easy to explore. You can reach the Rhine Gorge in a short time from Chur.
4.8/5
Rated by 43 customers and booked more than 150 times
Discover one of the most impressive and unique landscapes of the Grisons Alps in the Rhine Gorge. The size and beauty of the gorge have led to it being fondly referred to as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland. Whether you want to hike, bike, raft or just relax, the gorge offers something for everyone. The Rhaetian Railway runs right through the gorge, making it easy to explore. You can reach the Rhine Gorge in a short time from Chur.
Weather
Today22°12°
Sat24°11°
Sun22°10°
Mon22°10°
Tue22°9°
Culinary hike "Forest and Water" from Flims
Guided toursYou hike along the impressive Rhine Gorge to Crestasee. Along the way, you stop three times at restaurants to enjoy a delicious meal.
- Enjoy a three-course meal at three different restaurants along the way
- Hike from Flims past the turquoise Caumasee and along the Rhine Gorge
- Visit the famous viewpoint Il Spir
Free cancellationFree up to 24 hours before
Meeting pointBistro Kaufmannfrauen, Il Stuz 2, 7018 Flims Waldhaus
fromAUD 109per person
fromAUD 109per person
Check availabilityThe 2 offers in comparison
Guided tours
- Self-Guided E-Bike Culinary Trail from Flims
Self-Guided E-Bike Culinary Trail from Flims
Flimsper person
from AUD 145
- From Zurich: By train, boat, and cogwheel railway into the Swiss Alps with lake and Rhine Gorge
From Zurich: By train, boat, and cogwheel railway into the Swiss Alps with lake and Rhine Gorge
Zurichper person
from AUD 1283
- From Zurich: Train tour with Swiss chocolate, cheese, and cookie tasting
From Zurich: Train tour with Swiss chocolate, cheese, and cookie tasting
Zurichper person
from AUD 1376
Self-Guided E-Bike Culinary Trail from Flims
Guided toursWith the E-Bike, you ride from Flims Dorf to Valendas and back. Along the way, you pass the impressive Rhine Gorge. You stop at a restaurant three times.
- Enjoy a 3-course menu at three restaurants on your tour
- Drive from Flims through idyllic forest and along the Rhine Gorge
- Enjoy the beautiful Alpine landscape on your way
Free cancellationFree up to 24 hours before
Meeting pointGästeinformation Flims, Via Nova 62, 7017 Flims Dorf
fromAUD 145per person
fromAUD 145per person
Check availability
From Zurich: By train, boat, and cogwheel railway into the Swiss Alps with lake and Rhine Gorge
Guided toursDiscover the Swiss Alps from Zurich on a private tour by train, boat, and cogwheel railway. You'll travel to Rigi, cross a mountain pass, go through spiral tunnels, and follow the Rhine Gorge.
- Ride the first cogwheel railway in Europe up to the Rigi
- Enjoy panoramic views over lakes, hills, and the Alps
- Sail across the crystal-clear Lake Lucerne by boat
Duration10 hr
Free cancellationFree up to 24 hours before
LanguagesGerman · French · Italian · English · Arabic
Meeting pointZürich Hauptbahnhof (bitte vereinbare den genauen Treffpunkt nach der Buchung mit dem Anbieter)
fromAUD 1283per person
fromAUD 1283per person
Check availability
From Zurich: Train tour with Swiss chocolate, cheese, and cookie tasting
Guided toursEnjoy a guided train tour with chocolate, cheese, and Kambly biscuits. The experience includes tastings, live production views, scenic rides, and a local Swiss geographer as your guide.
- Visit a chocolate factory museum with exhibits and tastings
- Discover cheese making in a mountain cheese dairy
- Learn how the famous Swiss cheese holes develop
Duration11 hr
Free cancellationFree up to 24 hours before
LanguagesGerman · French · Italian · English · Arabic
Meeting pointZürich Hauptbahnhof (bitte vereinbare den genauen Treffpunkt nach der Buchung mit dem Anbieter)
fromAUD 1376per person
fromAUD 1376per person
Check availabilityGuided tours4 Offers
Culinary hike "Forest and Water" from Flims
Guided toursYou hike along the impressive Rhine Gorge to Crestasee. Along the way, you stop three times at restaurants to enjoy a delicious meal.
- Enjoy a three-course meal at three different restaurants along the way
- Hike from Flims past the turquoise Caumasee and along the Rhine Gorge
- Visit the famous viewpoint Il Spir
Important information
Inclusions
- approximately 6 hours hiking
- about 3 hours and 30 minutes of pure walking time
- dining at three restaurants
- three-course meal
Important information
+ not suitable for strollers
Free cancellationFree up to 24 hours before
Meeting pointBistro Kaufmannfrauen, Il Stuz 2, 7018 Flims Waldhaus
fromAUD 109per person
fromAUD 109per person
Check availability- Self-Guided E-Bike Culinary Trail from Flims
Self-Guided E-Bike Culinary Trail from Flims
Flimsper person
from AUD 145
- From Zurich: By train, boat, and cogwheel railway into the Swiss Alps with lake and Rhine Gorge
From Zurich: By train, boat, and cogwheel railway into the Swiss Alps with lake and Rhine Gorge
Zurichper person
from AUD 1283
- From Zurich: Train tour with Swiss chocolate, cheese, and cookie tasting
From Zurich: Train tour with Swiss chocolate, cheese, and cookie tasting
Zurichper person
from AUD 1376
Culinary hike "Forest and Water" from Flims
Guided toursYou hike along the impressive Rhine Gorge to Crestasee. Along the way, you stop three times at restaurants to enjoy a delicious meal.
- Enjoy a three-course meal at three different restaurants along the way
- Hike from Flims past the turquoise Caumasee and along the Rhine Gorge
- Visit the famous viewpoint Il Spir
Important information
Inclusions
- approximately 6 hours hiking
- about 3 hours and 30 minutes of pure walking time
- dining at three restaurants
- three-course meal
Important information
+ not suitable for strollers
Free cancellationFree up to 24 hours before
Meeting pointBistro Kaufmannfrauen, Il Stuz 2, 7018 Flims Waldhaus
fromAUD 109per person
fromAUD 109per person
Check availabilitySelf-Guided E-Bike Culinary Trail from Flims
Guided toursWith the E-Bike, you ride from Flims Dorf to Valendas and back. Along the way, you pass the impressive Rhine Gorge. You stop at a restaurant three times.
- Enjoy a 3-course menu at three restaurants on your tour
- Drive from Flims through idyllic forest and along the Rhine Gorge
- Enjoy the beautiful Alpine landscape on your way
Important information
Inclusions
- about 8 hours trip with the e-bike
- about 3:30 hours of driving time
- Dining at three restaurants
- 3-course meal
Free cancellationFree up to 24 hours before
Meeting pointGästeinformation Flims, Via Nova 62, 7017 Flims Dorf
fromAUD 145per person
fromAUD 145per person
Check availabilityFrom Zurich: By train, boat, and cogwheel railway into the Swiss Alps with lake and Rhine Gorge
Guided toursDiscover the Swiss Alps from Zurich on a private tour by train, boat, and cogwheel railway. You'll travel to Rigi, cross a mountain pass, go through spiral tunnels, and follow the Rhine Gorge.
- Ride the first cogwheel railway in Europe up to the Rigi
- Enjoy panoramic views over lakes, hills, and the Alps
- Sail across the crystal-clear Lake Lucerne by boat
Important information
Inclusions
- Guided day trip using Switzerland's public transport
- Geography expert Dave as your guide
Important information
+ Bring along: passport or photo ID, comfortable shoes, camera, weather-appropriate clothes + If you don’t have a Swiss Travel Pass and need help purchasing your ticket, the provider can assist you.
Duration10 hrs
Free cancellationFree up to 24 hours before
LanguagesGerman · French · Italian · English · Arabic
Meeting pointZürich Hauptbahnhof (bitte vereinbare den genauen Treffpunkt nach der Buchung mit dem Anbieter)
fromAUD 1283per person
fromAUD 1283per person
Check availabilityFrom Zurich: Train tour with Swiss chocolate, cheese, and cookie tasting
Guided toursEnjoy a guided train tour with chocolate, cheese, and Kambly biscuits. The experience includes tastings, live production views, scenic rides, and a local Swiss geographer as your guide.
- Visit a chocolate factory museum with exhibits and tastings
- Discover cheese making in a mountain cheese dairy
- Learn how the famous Swiss cheese holes develop
Important information
Inclusions
- Guided day trip using Switzerland's public transport
- Geography expert Dave as your guide
- Visit to the chocolate factory museum
- Small voucher for a café or chocolate shop
- Visit to the Mountain Dairy (cheese factory) with live production views
- Kambly experience with tasting
Important information
+ Bring along: passport or photo ID, comfortable shoes, camera, weather-appropriate clothing + If you don’t have a Swiss Travel Pass and need help buying your ticket, the provider can assist you.
Duration11 hrs
Free cancellationFree up to 24 hours before
LanguagesGerman · French · Italian · English · Arabic
Meeting pointZürich Hauptbahnhof (bitte vereinbare den genauen Treffpunkt nach der Buchung mit dem Anbieter)
fromAUD 1376per person
fromAUD 1376per person
Check availabilityExperiences2 Offers
- Rafting tour Vorderrhein Rhine Gorge
Rafting tour Vorderrhein Rhine Gorge
4.9(35)IlanzIn demandper person
from AUD 226
- Rafting Tour Vorderrhein with Barbecue
Rafting Tour Vorderrhein with Barbecue
4.5(8)Ilanzper person
from AUD 316
Rafting tour Vorderrhein Rhine Gorge
4.935 reviewsExperiencesThe adventurous rafting tour for beginners takes you through the Rhine Gorge (UNESCO) from Ilanz to Reichenau.
- Embark on an adventurous, half-day river rafting tour through the Rhine Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Admire the monumental, steep limestone walls and high rock towers
- Experience over 20 km of driving through the impressive gorge
Important information
Inclusions
- 3-4 hours rafting tour (including 2 hours on the water)
- Equipment
- Qualified guide
- Final apero
- Luggage transport to the disembarkation point in Reichenau
Important information
+ Bring along: Swimwear, small daypack, sports band for goggles + Minimum age: 10 years accompanied by an adult, from 12 years unaccompanied + Not suitable for pregnant women
Duration4 hrs
Free cancellationFree up to 72 hours before
LanguagesGerman · English
Meeting pointBahnhof Ilanz, Via dalla Staziun 25, 7130 Ilanz
fromAUD 226per person
fromAUD 226per person
Check availability
Rafting Tour Vorderrhein with Barbecue
4.58 reviewsExperiencesThe adventurous beginner rafting tour takes you through the Rhine Gorge from Ilanz to Reichenau. During the trip, you combine rafting with a barbecue in the UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Embark on an adventurous river rafting tour on the Vorderrhein
- Marvel at the impressive, steep limestone cliffs and towering rock spires
- Experience over 20 km of navigating rapids and calmer stretches through the picturesque Rhine Gorge
Important information
Inclusions
- 5:00 to 6:00 hours rafting tour
- equipment
- qualified guide
- closing aperitif
- baggage transfer to the disembarkation point in Reichenau
- extensive barbecue including non-alcoholic drinks (vegetarian option available upon advance notice)
Important information
+ What to bring: swimwear, small daypack, sports band for glasses + Minimum age: 10 years with an adult, 12 years without + Not suitable for pregnant women
Duration6 hrs
Free cancellationFree up to 72 hours before
LanguagesGerman · English
Meeting pointBahnhof Ilanz, Via dalla Staziun 25, 7130 Ilanz
fromAUD 316per person
fromAUD 316per person
Check availabilityWhich ticket is right for you?
Tickets for Rhine Gorge differ by starting point and what's included — here's how to find the right one.
The 6 offers in comparison
 |  |  |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | PriceAUD 109per person | PriceAUD 145per person | PriceAUD 1283per person | PriceAUD 1376per person | PriceAUD 226per person | PriceAUD 316per person |
| Rating | Rating4.9 / 535 Reviews | Rating4.5 / 58 Reviews | ||||
| Popularity | Popularity1 booked | Popularity100+ bookings | Popularity18 booked | |||
| Duration | Duration10 hr | Duration11 hr | Duration4 hr | Duration6 hr | ||
| Meeting point | Meeting pointBistro Kaufmannfrauen, Il Stuz 2, 7018 Flims Waldhaus | Meeting pointGästeinformation Flims, Via Nova 62, 7017 Flims Dorf | Meeting pointZürich Hauptbahnhof (bitte vereinbare den genauen Treffpunkt nach der Buchung mit dem Anbieter) | Meeting pointZürich Hauptbahnhof (bitte vereinbare den genauen Treffpunkt nach der Buchung mit dem Anbieter) | Meeting pointBahnhof Ilanz, Via dalla Staziun 25, 7130 Ilanz | Meeting pointBahnhof Ilanz, Via dalla Staziun 25, 7130 Ilanz |
| Languages | LanguagesGerman, French, Italian, English, Arabic | LanguagesGerman, French, Italian, English, Arabic | LanguagesGerman, English | LanguagesGerman, English | ||
| Provider | ProviderFlims Laax Falera Management AG | ProviderFlims Laax Falera Management AG | ProviderSwiss D Tours | ProviderSwiss D Tours | ProviderSwiss River Adventures | ProviderSwiss River Adventures |
| Cancellation | CancellationFreeup to 24 hours before | CancellationFreeup to 24 hours before | CancellationFreeup to 24 hours before | CancellationFreeup to 24 hours before | CancellationFreeup to 72 hours before | CancellationFreeup to 72 hours before |
| Check availability | Check availability | Check availability | Check availability | Check availability | Check availability |
Rhine Gorge on the map
Bookable experiences, places and events at a glance
From travellers like you
“Great tour, well organized, excellent guides, highly recommended. The only downside was that no one really spoke German, which is surprising here in the Swiss Alps.”
stefan
on Rafting tour Vorderrhein Rhine Gorge“It was an amazing experience. The tour guide was very friendly and had lots of stories to share. Would gladly do it again, hopefully with a few more rapids 😊”
Thomas
on Rafting Tour Vorderrhein with BarbecueActivities near Rhine Gorge
- Rafting tour Vorderrhein Rhine Gorge
Rafting tour Vorderrhein Rhine Gorge
4.9(35)IlanzIn demandper person
from AUD 226
- Free guided tour EMSORAMA in Domat Ems
Free guided tour EMSORAMA in Domat Ems
5.0(3)Domat/Emsper person
from AUD 0
- "Beat the groom" in Chur: action-packed stag party
"Beat the groom" in Chur: action-packed stag party
2.0(1)Churper person
from AUD 539
- Day pass Bike Zone 2 in Flims: FlemXpress to Startgels for beginners
Day pass Bike Zone 2 in Flims: FlemXpress to Startgels for beginners
Flimsper person
from AUD 0
- Private mindfulness hike starting from Flims, Laax or Falera
Private mindfulness hike starting from Flims, Laax or Falera
Flimsper person
from AUD 179
- City tour "Chur Crimes erleba" private
City tour "Chur Crimes erleba" private
Churper person
from AUD 15
- Wildlife watching ibex, stag, chamois and co. in the Weisstannental valley
Wildlife watching ibex, stag, chamois and co. in the Weisstannental valley
5.0(5)Melsper person
from AUD 118
- Foxtrail GO Chur Digital Treasure Hunt
Foxtrail GO Chur Digital Treasure Hunt
Churper person
from AUD 35
- Ticket for 4 attractions of your choice at the Rocks Park Tower in Laax
Ticket for 4 attractions of your choice at the Rocks Park Tower in Laax
Laaxper person
from AUD 53
- Polterchallenge "Hangover - Girls Edition" hosted by Chur
Polterchallenge "Hangover - Girls Edition" hosted by Chur
Churper person
from AUD 23
- Climbing course for beginners in the climbing park in Chur Rhine Valley
Climbing course for beginners in the climbing park in Chur Rhine Valley
Churper person
from AUD 404
- Culinary hike "Mountain and View" from Laax
Culinary hike "Mountain and View" from Laax
Laaxper person
from AUD 163
- Chur interactive scavenger hunt with smartphone
Chur interactive scavenger hunt with smartphone
3.3(4)Churper person
from AUD 18
Good to know about Rhine Gorge
Travel guide
7 Highlights in the Rhine Gorge
- Experience one of the most impressive and unique landscapes in the Alps. Due to the size and beauty of the Rhine Gorge, it is also known as the "Grand Canyon of Switzerland".
- The gorge is home to fascinating flora and fauna. With a little luck you will discover many rare bird species and beautiful orchids.
- The breathtaking size of the canyon enchants every visitor. The steep walls on the sides of the valley rise up to 350 meters.
- On warm days you can cool off in one of the three bathing lakes near the gorge: Lake Laax, Lake Cresta and Lake Cauma.
- Many hiking trails wind through the valley, offering you unique views. They often lead you to one of the six well-known viewing platforms.
- The gorge also offers many opportunities for mountain bikers. A total of five trails lead through the region.
- The good rail connections make it very easy to get there by public transport. In addition, an open adventure train runs through the valley, with which you can comfortably discover the natural spectacle.
What to Expect in the Rhine Gorge
The Rhine Gorge is one of the most stunning regions in the Swiss Alps, located just about 20 minutes from Chur. The beautiful flora and fauna amid the towering rock faces captivates every visitor. For 14 km, the Rhine flows through the gorge before winding its way through Europe to the Atlantic Ocean. Due to the size of the gorge, it’s often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Switzerland.”
You can explore the Rhine Gorge in your own way. Numerous hiking trails of varying difficulties meander through the valley. If you're into mountain biking, the exciting trails in the area will satisfy you as well. And if you simply want to take it easy while enjoying the gorge, there are scenic trains operated by the Rhaetian Railway. By the way, the world-famous Glacier Express also travels through the Rhine Gorge.
The nature you discover during your visit has something for everyone. From various viewpoints, you'll enjoy unique vistas of the mesmerizing landscape. These include spots like Islabord or the Wackenau platform. You can also expect to see many rare bird and insect species, as well as beautiful orchids. And when it gets warm in summer, you can cool off in one of the mountain lakes.
Swiss Activities Offers in the Rhine Gorge
The best hikes in the Rhine Gorge
The Rhine Gorge offers many exciting hiking trails. Learn about five hikes of varying difficulty here.
Alluvial path from Ilanz
Ilanz - Castrisch - Sagogn - Schluein - Ilanz
This beautiful hike is perfect for all nature lovers. You start in Ilanz and hike from there through floodplain forests and nature reserves along the Vorderrhein. You will pass through the villages of Castrisch, Sagogn and Schluein before returning to Ilanz.
- Difficulty: medium
- Distance: 16.7 km
- Duration: 5:00 h
- Ascent / descent: 278 (↑ hm) / 278 (↓ hm)
- Season: April - October
Circuit Ruinaulta Sut
Trin Digg - Versam/Safien Station - Versam Islabord - Trin Station - Trin Digg
This rather difficult circular trail leads you from Trin Digg down into the Rhine Gorge to the Versam/Safien train station. From there you walk up to the viewing platform Islabord. After you have enjoyed the great view, you hike back to Trin Digg.
- Difficulty: medium
- Distance: 21.4 km
- Duration: 6:50 h
- Ascent / Descent: 917 (↑ hm) / 917 (↓ hm)
- Season: April - October
Tuora from Flims
Flims Waldhaus - Salums - Conn - Lake Cauma - Flims Waldhaus
From Flims Waldhaus you hike through beautiful forests up to the viewing platform "Il Spir". There you can enjoy a unique view of the panorama of the Rhine Gorge. After the turquoise-blue Lake Cauma, a popular bathing resort, the path leads you back to Flims.
- Difficulty: medium
- Distance: 13.3 km
- Duration: 4:00 h
- Ascent / descent: 460 (↑ hm) / 460 (↓ hm)
- Season: April - October
Fascinating trail Valendas
Valendas - Valendas
On this adventure trail you walk along the Rhine past seven stations. These stations inform you about nature, geology and history of the region. You can walk the circular trail in both directions and start at different places.
- Difficulty: easy
- Distance: 4.6 km
- Duration: 1:25 h
- Ascent / descent: 159 (↑ hm) / 159 (↓ hm)
- Season: May - October
Family circular route Castrisch
Ilanz - Castrisch - Ilanz
This leisurely walk is perfect for families. You start the trail from Ilanz. From there you walk to the mountain village Castrisch. The short hike leads you through the village before you return to Ilanz.
- Difficulty: easy
- Distance: 6.2 km
- Duration: 1:45 h
- Ascent / descent: 111 (↑ hm) / 111 (↓ hm)
- Season: April - November
The 3 best viewing platforms
Islabord viewing platform
The Islabord viewing platform is located a little above Versam village. It offers you a great view of the Rhine Gorge. It was created from wood and concrete by engineer Jürg Conzett. You can easily reach it on foot from Versam. There is also a post bus stop right next to the platform.
Wackenau viewing platform
At the Wackenau ruin there is also a great viewing platform. It is located rather at the end of the 14 km long gorge and thus offers a unique view of the mountain panorama. You can reach it via Trin Station or Bonaduz.
Spitg viewing platform
This platform is a bit more difficult to reach, but the hike is worth it. At the vantage point you can admire a unique panorama with the Versamer Tobel, the Rhine Gorge and the Flims mountains. The hike from Versam village or Trin station takes about 1.5 hours on foot.
Getting to the Rhine Gorge
The approximately 14 km long gorge is located between Ilanz and Reichenau in the canton of Graubünden. It’s easily accessible by both car and train. There are several train stations in the gorge, and some roads lead to viewpoints and villages in the region.
Public Transport
The only continuous route through the gorge is the train line. There are a few larger towns nearby with train stations. The two most important ones for visiting the Rhine Gorge are the stations in Ilanz and Reichenau. And of course, Chur, which is just 20 minutes away from the gorge.
In the gorge, there are a total of three train stations: Trin, Versam-Safien, and Valendas-Sagogn. Most hiking trails start from one of the stations. Mountain bikes can also be taken on the train with a special ticket. The ride through the gorge takes about 30 minutes in total, offering you stunning views of the massive rock faces all along the way.
By car
The valley is partially accessible by car. However, it is recommended to leave the car at the train stations Reichenau or Ilanz and to discover the gorge by train. Parking spaces are available in many places:
| Parking spaces railroad access | Parking spaces left gorge side | Parking spaces right gorge side |
|---|---|---|
| Reichenau-Tamins train station | Trin Porclis | Bonaduz |
| Ilanz train station | Flims village | Versam village |
| Laax village | Valendas village | |
| Sagogn | ||
| Schluein | ||
Who is the Rhine Gorge suitable for?
You should definitely add the fascinating Rhine Gorge to your list when you are traveling in the region. The unique natural spectacle with exciting flora and fauna enchants every visitor. Since the gorge is very well connected by rail and roads, it is suitable for everyone. Families can enjoy one of the shorter hiking trails. And even wheelchair users get their money's worth with the open adventure cars of the Rhaetian Railway.
7 Highlights in the Rhine Gorge
- Experience one of the most impressive and unique landscapes in the Alps. Due to the size and beauty of the Rhine Gorge, it is also known as the "Grand Canyon of Switzerland".
- The gorge is home to fascinating flora and fauna. With a little luck you will discover many rare bird species and beautiful orchids.
- The breathtaking size of the canyon enchants every visitor. The steep walls on the sides of the valley rise up to 350 meters.
- On warm days you can cool off in one of the three bathing lakes near the gorge: Lake Laax, Lake Cresta and Lake Cauma.
- Many hiking trails wind through the valley, offering you unique views. They often lead you to one of the six well-known viewing platforms.
- The gorge also offers many opportunities for mountain bikers. A total of five trails lead through the region.
- The good rail connections make it very easy to get there by public transport. In addition, an open adventure train runs through the valley, with which you can comfortably discover the natural spectacle.
What to Expect in the Rhine Gorge
The Rhine Gorge is one of the most stunning regions in the Swiss Alps, located just about 20 minutes from Chur. The beautiful flora and fauna amid the towering rock faces captivates every visitor. For 14 km, the Rhine flows through the gorge before winding its way through Europe to the Atlantic Ocean. Due to the size of the gorge, it’s often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Switzerland.”
You can explore the Rhine Gorge in your own way. Numerous hiking trails of varying difficulties meander through the valley. If you're into mountain biking, the exciting trails in the area will satisfy you as well. And if you simply want to take it easy while enjoying the gorge, there are scenic trains operated by the Rhaetian Railway. By the way, the world-famous Glacier Express also travels through the Rhine Gorge.
The nature you discover during your visit has something for everyone. From various viewpoints, you'll enjoy unique vistas of the mesmerizing landscape. These include spots like Islabord or the Wackenau platform. You can also expect to see many rare bird and insect species, as well as beautiful orchids. And when it gets warm in summer, you can cool off in one of the mountain lakes.
Swiss Activities Offers in the Rhine Gorge
The best hikes in the Rhine Gorge
The Rhine Gorge offers many exciting hiking trails. Learn about five hikes of varying difficulty here.
Alluvial path from Ilanz
Ilanz - Castrisch - Sagogn - Schluein - Ilanz
This beautiful hike is perfect for all nature lovers. You start in Ilanz and hike from there through floodplain forests and nature reserves along the Vorderrhein. You will pass through the villages of Castrisch, Sagogn and Schluein before returning to Ilanz.
- Difficulty: medium
- Distance: 16.7 km
- Duration: 5:00 h
- Ascent / descent: 278 (↑ hm) / 278 (↓ hm)
- Season: April - October
Circuit Ruinaulta Sut
Trin Digg - Versam/Safien Station - Versam Islabord - Trin Station - Trin Digg
This rather difficult circular trail leads you from Trin Digg down into the Rhine Gorge to the Versam/Safien train station. From there you walk up to the viewing platform Islabord. After you have enjoyed the great view, you hike back to Trin Digg.
- Difficulty: medium
- Distance: 21.4 km
- Duration: 6:50 h
- Ascent / Descent: 917 (↑ hm) / 917 (↓ hm)
- Season: April - October
Tuora from Flims
Flims Waldhaus - Salums - Conn - Lake Cauma - Flims Waldhaus
From Flims Waldhaus you hike through beautiful forests up to the viewing platform "Il Spir". There you can enjoy a unique view of the panorama of the Rhine Gorge. After the turquoise-blue Lake Cauma, a popular bathing resort, the path leads you back to Flims.
- Difficulty: medium
- Distance: 13.3 km
- Duration: 4:00 h
- Ascent / descent: 460 (↑ hm) / 460 (↓ hm)
- Season: April - October
Fascinating trail Valendas
Valendas - Valendas
On this adventure trail you walk along the Rhine past seven stations. These stations inform you about nature, geology and history of the region. You can walk the circular trail in both directions and start at different places.
- Difficulty: easy
- Distance: 4.6 km
- Duration: 1:25 h
- Ascent / descent: 159 (↑ hm) / 159 (↓ hm)
- Season: May - October
Family circular route Castrisch
Ilanz - Castrisch - Ilanz
This leisurely walk is perfect for families. You start the trail from Ilanz. From there you walk to the mountain village Castrisch. The short hike leads you through the village before you return to Ilanz.
- Difficulty: easy
- Distance: 6.2 km
- Duration: 1:45 h
- Ascent / descent: 111 (↑ hm) / 111 (↓ hm)
- Season: April - November
The 3 best viewing platforms
Islabord viewing platform
The Islabord viewing platform is located a little above Versam village. It offers you a great view of the Rhine Gorge. It was created from wood and concrete by engineer Jürg Conzett. You can easily reach it on foot from Versam. There is also a post bus stop right next to the platform.
Wackenau viewing platform
At the Wackenau ruin there is also a great viewing platform. It is located rather at the end of the 14 km long gorge and thus offers a unique view of the mountain panorama. You can reach it via Trin Station or Bonaduz.
Spitg viewing platform
This platform is a bit more difficult to reach, but the hike is worth it. At the vantage point you can admire a unique panorama with the Versamer Tobel, the Rhine Gorge and the Flims mountains. The hike from Versam village or Trin station takes about 1.5 hours on foot.
Getting to the Rhine Gorge
The approximately 14 km long gorge is located between Ilanz and Reichenau in the canton of Graubünden. It’s easily accessible by both car and train. There are several train stations in the gorge, and some roads lead to viewpoints and villages in the region.
Public Transport
The only continuous route through the gorge is the train line. There are a few larger towns nearby with train stations. The two most important ones for visiting the Rhine Gorge are the stations in Ilanz and Reichenau. And of course, Chur, which is just 20 minutes away from the gorge.
In the gorge, there are a total of three train stations: Trin, Versam-Safien, and Valendas-Sagogn. Most hiking trails start from one of the stations. Mountain bikes can also be taken on the train with a special ticket. The ride through the gorge takes about 30 minutes in total, offering you stunning views of the massive rock faces all along the way.
By car
The valley is partially accessible by car. However, it is recommended to leave the car at the train stations Reichenau or Ilanz and to discover the gorge by train. Parking spaces are available in many places:
| Parking spaces railroad access | Parking spaces left gorge side | Parking spaces right gorge side |
|---|---|---|
| Reichenau-Tamins train station | Trin Porclis | Bonaduz |
| Ilanz train station | Flims village | Versam village |
| Laax village | Valendas village | |
| Sagogn | ||
| Schluein | ||
Who is the Rhine Gorge suitable for?
You should definitely add the fascinating Rhine Gorge to your list when you are traveling in the region. The unique natural spectacle with exciting flora and fauna enchants every visitor. Since the gorge is very well connected by rail and roads, it is suitable for everyone. Families can enjoy one of the shorter hiking trails. And even wheelchair users get their money's worth with the open adventure cars of the Rhaetian Railway.