Tour
Culinary Walk “Forest and Water” starting from Flims
FromCHF 55
7 Highlights at Lake Cauma
- The striking turquoise-green lake in the municipality of Flims is a very popular bathing lake. The mountain lake has summer water temperatures of up to 24 °C.
- You can sunbathe and relax on the rocks and on the shores of Lake Cauma.
- Lake Cauma lies at just under 1000 m above sea level. From Flims Waldhaus, you can take the funicular down to the lake comfortably and free of charge.
- The picturesque location of the lake in the Flims forest gives it a special atmosphere and makes it a popular photo motif.
- You can pedal or stand up paddle across the turquoise-green water and explore the lake.
- Hikes through the surrounding forest and the wider Flums area are very popular. There are several beautiful hiking trails here.
- Lake Cauma is also easily accessible by wheelchair and baby carriage (via funicular).
Lake Cauma is called "Lac da Cauma" in Rhaeto-Romanic. This means something like "lake of the midday rest". However, it is often very crowded in summer, which is why we recommend planning your visit in the morning.
What awaits you at Lake Cauma
At Lake Cauma, you will not only find great opportunities for swimming and relaxing. You can also enjoy a number of activities on and around the lake. The 10-hectare lake has an island called "Isla". You can easily reach it with a pedalo.
The light scattering of the tiny inorganic suspended particles in the lake gives it its characteristic turquoise-blue color. The idyllic location and its unique color have also made Lake Cauma very popular internationally.
It is 625 m long and 325 m wide.
Lake Cauma entrance fee
The rather high price of CHF 19 for entry to the bathing area at Lake Cauma has been the subject of repeated criticism in recent years. There are now discounts for locals and bathers with a guest card.
However, a lot is also done with the money:
- the waste water is pumped up
- the lift is offered free of charge
- lifeguards are employed
- the facilities on offer are maintained
However, admission to Lake Cauma is free during the winter months.
Facilities at Lake Cauma (Badi)
The facilities at Lake Cauma are financed by the entrance fee.
You can use the following facilities:
- Lido with beach
- Children's paddling pool
- raft with diving platform
- Changing rooms and lockers
- WCs and showers
- Playground
- Children's playground
- Hire of stand-up paddles (only in high season)
- Boat hire (pedalos)
- Beach volleyball court You also have the option of buying swimwear on site. Incidentally, dogs are not allowed in the seaside resort. However, there is space for them to swim on the other side of the lake.
Caumasee Restaurant
A restaurant with a sun terrace and cozy lounge is located directly on the idyllic bathing lake. You also pay a (small) entrance fee in summer, but this is combined with a voucher for a non-alcoholic drink. Dogs on a lead are allowed in the restaurant. In the winter months, the restaurant is only open at weekends. However, you will always find a small selection of food at the kiosk and food container. You are not allowed to barbecue here at Lake Cauma. The lake is surrounded by forest and therefore there is an increased risk of fire. However, there is a barbecue area above the Waldhaus Flims playground that you can use.
Lake Cauma weather and water level
Lake Cauma lies in a depression in the area of the former Flims landslide. The lake is surrounded by forest and lies in a "cold air lake". The special feature is that warm air masses above do not mix with the cold air below.
Nevertheless, the lake does not freeze over at its westernmost bay in winter. This is probably due to the lake's underground inflows and outflows. They are also responsible for the extreme fluctuations in the water level. It is assumed that Lake Cauma is part of a subterranean groundwater lake.
The lake has its highest water level in July. This is when the last snow melts in the surrounding mountains. The lake usually has its lowest water level in April. The water level fluctuates by up to seven meters during the year. In midsummer, the location (around 100 m deep in a depression) and the surrounding forest provide a pleasant cooling effect.
The best activities at Lake Cauma
Lake Cauma offers a variety of hiking trails. You can also hire pedalos or stand-up paddles. There is a playground by the lake for children. A beach volleyball court can also be used.
Cycling is not allowed everywhere on the lake. The steep path next to the funicular is not permitted for cyclists. However, you can easily get to Lake Cauma from Flims Waldhaus Post, Flims Waldhaus Playground or Staderas on marked forest paths.
A beautiful 12 km long cycle tour leads from Flims out of the village to the gravel road above Lake Cresta. Continue along this road to the Conn forest clearing. From here you have a very good view of the Rhine Gorge. The easy tour continues to Lake Cauma and from there back to Flims.
The best hikes to Lake Cauma
You can go on both easy and somewhat more difficult hikes around the lake and its surroundings.
Flims Waldhaus to Trin Mulin
An easy hike that takes you past both the turquoise-colored Lake Cauma and the crystal-clear Lake Cresta. From the "il Spir" viewing platform near Conn, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Rhine Gorge on the way to Lake Cresta.
- Distance: 9.4 km
- Time: 2:20 hrs.
- Ascent: 157 m
- Descent: 437 m
- Difficulty: easy
- Best time: March to October
Circular trail along the shore of Lake Cauma
This very easy and short hike takes you from the Flims Waldhaus parking lot to the lake. You walk around Lake Cauma and return to the starting point.
- Distance: 5.8 km
- Time: 1:40 hrs.
- Ascent: 120 m
- Descent: 120 m
- Difficulty: easy
- Best time: April to October
Circular route from Laax
From Laax, this hike begins and ends in Laax, Staderas (bus stop). The individual stops are:
- Flims Waldhaus
- Lag Prau Tuleritg
- Lake Cauma
- Conn, restaurant
- Il Spir in Flims
- Ruinaulta, mountain pine forest
- Alix viewing platform in Valendas
- Crap Signina in Sagogn
- Laax
This hike takes you around Lake Cauma to the Il Spir viewpoint with its spectacular view of the Rhine Gorge. The trail then takes you directly through the Rhine Gorge. You walk through a mountain pine forest and pass barbecue sites. At the Alix viewing platform in Valendas, you climb up and find another viewing point in Sagogn, Crap Signina. A little later you are back in Laax.
- Distance: 19.90 km
- Time: 6:30 hrs.
- Ascent: 655 m
- Descent: 655 hm
- Difficulty: medium
- Best time: April to October
Getting to Lake Cauma
From Chur, you can reach Lake Cauma by car in about 45 minutes. There are also various bus connections to the lake.
Public Transport to Lake Cauma
You can take the train to the city of Chur, which is an important transportation hub in the area. From Chur train station, take a bus towards Flims, for example, bus line No. 81, which connects Chur with Flims. Get off at the bus stop "Flims Caumasee" and walk 500 meters to the Cauma lift. This funicular railway travels down to the lake for free.
In the height of summer, there is also a shuttle bus from Flims to the lake.
By Car
From Chur, take the A13 motorway heading south. Exit the motorway at Flims/Laax and follow the signs to Flims.
In Flims, there are parking spots from which you can hike to Lake Cauma. The parking lot at "Flims Waldhaus" is a good starting point. However, be aware that this parking area can fill up quickly during peak season. Recently, it has been indicated when the parking lot is full. There are also additional parking options nearby.
From the parking lot, you can walk to Lake Cauma. There are well-marked paths that lead you through the forest and along the stream until you reach the lake. The hike is not too demanding and takes about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the Cauma lift down. It's also accessible for wheelchair users and strollers.
The availability of shuttle buses and parking spaces can vary depending on the season. During the peak summer season, it tends to be quite busy here.
Lake Cauma in Flims is a true paradise for summer holidays in Switzerland. With its turquoise waters, scenic hiking trails, and diverse leisure activities, the lake offers a unique nature experience. Enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of Lake Cauma. It's no wonder it's often referred to as "the pearl of Flims."
