Switzerland’s Grand Canyon

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I want to introduce you a place called Ruinaulta, aka the Grand Canyon of Switzerland. This canyon really carries the feeling of the Grand Canyon. Of course, those who have been to the Grand Canyon before, might be wondering how I can even compare the both, but for a tiny country like Switzerland, this is definitely a huge canyon!

The story of Ruinaulta, known as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland, began exactly 10,000 years ago. With a landslide in Flims, 10 billion cubic meters of rock rolled into the valley in between and formed this magnificent mountain pass. The people of Switzerland, who speak the Romansh language, named this pass “Ruinaulta”, which means high rubble pile.

Ruinaulta Switzerland landscape from the hill

Although it is right next to the becoming-popular-places Cauma lake and Cresta lake, Ruinaulta is an incredibly beautiful place that has not been discovered by many people. Besides, hiking in Ruinaulta was not among our plans. We wanted to see Cauma lake and take a walk around. However, it would be appropriate if I said that we were really speechless in front of this beauty that we encountered at an unexpected moment. I will include all the information about Ruinaulta Canyon in this article for those who would visit.

Where Is Switzerland’s Grand Canyon Ruianulta?

Ruianulta canyon is located in city of Flims that is in Switzerland’s largest canton Graubünden. There is Cauma lake right next to it. As you will see on the transportation section, you will definitely have to go over Cauma lake, so you can (and you should!) start the day at Cauma lake.

Don’t complete this route without checking my Flims Cauma Lake (Caumasee) article!

When to Go to Ruinaulta, Switzerland’s Grand Canyon

In my opinion, winter is not the best time to visit (but of course people go in winter too), so I can say that the best time is between May and November. I recommend you to visit 2 important lakes (Caumasee and Crestasee) in the vicinity as well. If we take this into account, you should get up early in the morning and a full day will be enough for you. (Early = around 5-6 in the morning)

How to Get to Switzerland’s Grand Canyon Ruianulta?

Transportation is very easy. The first thing to do is to arrive at the city of Flims. Then you take a 38-minute bus ride and arrive at the lake.

You can purchase your tickets through SBB.

Departure station: Zurich HB

Intermediate station: Chur

Arrival station: Flims Waldhaus, Caumasee

You have to take the train from Zürich and get off at the Chur stop after a 1-hour 15-minute train ride. Then you get out of the train station and take bus number 81 to Flims, Waldhaus from Chur bus stop, which is a 3-minute walk away and get off after about 40 minutes.

After you get off, if you want to go directly to Cauma lake, then you have a 5-10 minute road to walk. However, if you are going to go directly to the canyon, you can start from this point and walk in the direction you wish. The signs will show you the direction you need to go all the time.

By the way, the distance between the lake and the canyon is very short, about 3 kilometers, so you can try the following recommended route for a relatively longer walk.

Ruinaulta Recommended Route

1- Starting Point: Caumasee

You can take it as a starting point to start walking, visit the lake first and then set out for the canyon.

2- Ruianulta Viewpoint: II Spir

This point is the viewing point where you can view the canyon from above. It is exactly 966 meters above sea level. You can go up the hill with a few steps and enjoy the view. It is a point worth seeing, but I think the view upstream from the river is more beautiful than the one down from this viewing point. Nevertheless, I would say don’t go on without viewing the entire canyon from the top.

3- Endpoint: Crestasee

You can complete your route by swimming in the crystalline water of Cresta lake. After a long walk, there is nothing like having a swim in the lake!

What to Take with You When Visiting Switzerland’s Grand Canyon Ruianulta?

Since most of the walk takes place by the river and without the protection of the trees, you should definitely take a hat and sunglasses with you. You should have your water bottle as well. Since there is no market nearby, you will need to fill your bottle with water from the fountains. For the same reason, I recommend you to have a snack with you. There are some places where you can barbecue as in the above picture, so you can bring something to grill and have a picnic.

What Activities to Do in Switzerland’s Grand Canyon Ruianulta?

I think one of the things that makes Ruianulta worth seeing is that it is a little different from the Swiss nature we are used to. In general, you will see the Swiss mountains covered in green and gray in summer and white in winter and between the mountains there are beautiful lakes that shine like a pearl.

But Ruinaulta is a gray valley that resembles a mountain range, and the fast flowing water of the beautiful Rhine river in between really gives a completely different Swiss feeling. Therefore, we can say that the first activity to be done here is to enjoy this view to the fullest 🙂

The forest is full of small lakes, rare orchids and breeding grounds for endangered bird species. If you spend all your day here, you may encounter many of them.

You can hike down the valley, ride a bike or go canoeing along the Rhine.

Where to Eat in Switzerland’s Grand Canyon Ruianulta

Between Caumasee and II Spir there is Restaurant Conn, where you can take a break and have a meal or a drink. Opening dates and times are as follows;

Summer / Autumn: May 11 – October 25 / 9.00 – 18.00

Apart from that, I mentioned above, but I want to mention it again because you will really not find a place to eat until you reach Cresta lake. Make sure to take a snack with you in case you feel hungry. You will encounter many fountains along the way. If you wish, you can take a half-liter water bottle with you and fill it in these fountains as your water runs out.