Senda Ruinaulta: The Swiss Rhine Gorge Route

Technical information

Starting point:	Laax GR, Staderas
Destination:	Laax GR, Staderas
Getting to the starting point:	Post bus Chur - Laax GR, Staderas
Getting to the destination:	Post bus Chur - Laax GR, Staderas
Technique:	easy
Physical fitness:	easy
Hiking time:	3h
Length:	9km
Hiking time:
Season:	May to November

Description

It all began 10,000 years ago. Between the Flimserstein (a high plateau) and Piz Grisch over 10,000 million cubic metres of rock broke off and thundered down into the valley. Towards Reichenauhe the Upper Rhine Valley disappears under a gigantic mass of debris. From there the Rhine got to work, eating greedily through the rock and creating the spectacular Swiss "Grand Canyon" - the Ruinaulta.

From Laax a pleasant hike leads to the 12.5 metre high observation platform "Il Spir", meaning "swift" (the bird). This is a most appropriate name, for "Il Spir" hovers over the Vorderrhein 400 metres below and provides a breathtaking bird's eye view into the gorge.

The trail starts at the sports centre Prau la Selva in Laax. An easy walk leads past Lag Tuleritg, the lake that subterraneously supplies the slightly lower lying Lake Cauma with water, through the enchanting mountain forests of Flims-Laax-Falera. With its turquoise colours and idyllic inlets, Lake Cauma quickly gives you a Mediterranean feeling and obviously lives up to its reputation as being one of the most popular bathing lakes.

Restaurant Conn serves local delicacies such as the speciality of the house, the Trinser Birnenravioli (Trins pear ravioli).

Tour Overview

3D hiking map Download GPX coordinates Download KMZ (GoogleEarth)

Profile

The careful planning of a tour will ensure that you also derive the maximum pleasure and enjoyment from it. Please take the time to contact the local information centre and enquire about route and weather conditions before setting off. Your intended trail may be fully or partially closed, depending on the time of year and weather conditions.