Swimming and river
Water is never far.
Our own pond lies right on the site — to look at, not for swimming or fishing. Three bathing lakes are reachable on foot or by postbus, and on the Vorderrhein guided boats run through the Rhine Gorge. Anyone wanting to fish buys a permit: for the Vorderrhein from the canton, for the Laaxersee from the Laax guest information.
Lakes for swimming
Crestaseefor families
natural swimming lake · boat, SUP and kayak rental · Easter to mid-October
a good 30 minutes on foot from the site
The swimming lake of the Trin locals, in the middle of the forest and of drinking-water quality. With the guest card you get from us, you pay CHF 5 entry instead of 7.
- 841 metres above sea level, 375 by 180 metres in size, about 14 metres deep.
- Over 24 degrees in high summer. That makes it warmer than the Caumasee.
- An underground spring renews the water in three days.
- Reachable only on foot. A wide gravel road leads there from Trin Mulin, suitable for pushchairs too.
- By postbus: the «Trin, Felsbach-Crestasee» stop on the road to Flims, then 15 minutes on foot.
- By car to Trin Mulin, then follow the «Crestasee» signs. The paid car parks 3 to 5 lie in the Grosswald; from car park 5 there's a driving ban, with a further 15 minutes on foot.
- The way back follows the same route. A narrow path leads around the lake, and behind the inn a path branches off into the Felsbach gorge.
- A lifeguard is on site in summer. Outside the swimming season the lake remains accessible — then without supervision and without the kiosk.
- A kiosk, changing rooms with lockers, WC, shower and boat rental on the shore, plus a fire pit with wood. It stays closed when there is a risk of forest fire.
- The WC and changing rooms are in the wooden house on the road to the inn, the shower with a drinking-water tap on the sunbathing lawn.
- A children's pool on the shore, a raft in the middle of the lake, the Gasthaus Crestasee with a terrace.
- Dogs on a leash only, not in the children's area and not on the jetty. They may go in the water around the rest of the lake.
- Personal canoes, kayaks and foilboards are not welcome, and drones are banned across the whole area.
- Protected white-clawed crayfish live along the shore. You can see them well in the clear water — but shouldn't take them out.
Drinking-water quality, they say. And still they go swimming in it. Humans.— the Murmeli
Information from: crestasee.com · Latest: Verkehrsverein Trin
Caumaseefor families
supervised lido · entry CHF 18, children CHF 9 · pedalo and SUP · summer
about 1½ hours on foot, or postbus to «Flims Waldhaus Caumasee»
The turquoise lake everyone knows — with a free lift down from the car park, a kiosk and beach volleyball. In Romansh it is called «Lag la Cauma», the lake of the midday rest.
- 625 by 325 metres in size, with a wooded island in the middle.
- 17 to 24 degrees in summer.
- From the «Flims Waldhaus Caumasee» postbus stop it's 15 minutes on foot to the lift and a further 15 minutes on forest tracks to the shore.
- On foot, Flims Waldhaus is the best starting point: a forest path also passable with a pushchair or wheelchair.
- By car: paid car parks in Flims Waldhaus, 10 minutes on foot to the lift from there. If they're full, the Stenna car park and the event hall in Flims Dorf are available — 15 minutes on foot.
- The funicular climbs 80 metres and costs nothing. It runs as long as the two restaurants are open, and also brings you back up in the evening.
- A restaurant, a self-service terrace, a kiosk and a play area with a sandpit.
- Changing cabins, pedalo and stand-up paddleboard rental on the shore, plus a beach volleyball court.
- Entry to the lido costs: CHF 18 for adults, CHF 9 for children up to 16; with the region's guest card CHF 9, children free. The lift and forest paths are free.
- The other side of the lake, outside the swimming area, is freely accessible — and dogs may go there and into the water too.
- The Restaurant Ustria La Cauma lies outside the lido — you can reach it without paying entry.
- A ban on barbecues and open fire applies across the whole area. The nearest fire pit is above at the forest playground in Flims.
- No lifeguard is on duty outside opening hours.
- Dogs are not allowed into the lido. On a leash they may go to the restaurant, and into the water on the opposite shore outside the swimming area.
Information from: flimslaax.com
Laaxerseefor families
1.4 km loop path, suitable for pushchairs · pedalo and SUP in high summer
postbus to Laax GR, Posta or See/Lag — five minutes on foot
Supervised swimming in summer, a large playground and a fire pit right on the shore. With the guest card, the sunbathing lawn is free.
- 1,016 metres above sea level, 350 by 140 metres in size, 4.5 metres deep on average.
- Supervision in July and August in fine weather.
- It's five minutes on foot from the stop; the path is passable with a pushchair or wheelchair too.
- Paid parking directly at the lake and in the Grava underground car park by the WellnessHostel3000, a few minutes to the shore from either.
- The loop path measures 1.4 kilometres; motor and pedal vehicles are banned all the way round.
- Toilets, showers and changing rooms stand at the lake, plus a playground, picnic tables, table tennis, beach volleyball and a goat enclosure.
- Two fire pits with firewood and a grill grate on the sunbathing lawn, free to use. Tables and benches belong to them; nothing can be reserved.
- The Marenda kiosk rents out pedalos and stand-up paddleboards, with the Restaurant Ustria Lags next door.
- If the kiosk is closed, the Ustria Lags can help — including with the pétanque sets.
- There is a dedicated entry and exit point for kayaks.
- Dogs stay on a leash and, on the sunbathing lawn, only along the stream. During the swimming season they may only go in the water outside swimming hours.
- Those wanting to fish buy a day or week permit at the Laax guest information office or online.
- Quiet hours apply at night around the lake.
Information from: Gemeinde Laax · Latest: Flims Laax Falera
All further places to swim (9)
Lag Prau Pulté
karst lake · almost circular · about 6 m deep · runs dry in autumn
on foot from the site, through the Flims forest
The first and highest of the three lakes lying on the debris of the Flims landslide. Air rises from the cave system beneath the ground and tints the water grey-green. When the lake overflows, a stream feeds the Lag Tuleritg further down.
- The lake is a source of the widely branched karst system beneath the landslide area.
- It fills with snowmelt, earlier or later in spring depending on the temperature.
- In autumn it runs completely dry and stays empty until the water returns from below.
- Reachable only on foot. There is no kiosk, changing room or supervision here.
- The way: from the Caumasee past the Prau la Selva sports centre and the campsite to the main road, across it and straight on following the Pultébach stream.
- The way back follows the main road to Flims Waldhaus — the postbus and the Caumasee lift stop there, and there's a fire pit at the forest playground.
- The 4-lake hike from the village square in Trin Mulin takes in all four lakes: 16.7 kilometres, 4:45 hours.
- Since a 2002 tunnel construction cut into a karst channel, the spring has flowed later and for a shorter time. Since 2011 a feeder system from the municipality of Flims has helped it along.
Information from: Verkehrsverein Trin · Latest: Flims Laax Falera
Lag Tuleritg
karst lake · crescent-shaped, greenish · about 300 × 100 m · at most 2 m deep
on foot from the site, in the Flims forest west of the Caumasee
The crescent-shaped neighbouring lake in the Flims forest, shallow and shimmering green. It has no surface outflow: its water seeps away and re-emerges in the Caumasee, which lies 500 metres to the east and 18 metres lower. It fills in about three days after the snowmelt.
- 1,015 metres above sea level, about two hectares in size.
- The level drops in August, and the basin lies dry in autumn.
- At two metres it's too shallow for swimming.
- Reachable only on foot. There is no kiosk, changing room or supervision here.
- The way: at the valley station of the Caumasee lift, keep left and head west.
- It is fed via the Pultébach stream from the Lag Prau Pulté; since 2011 a feeder system has supported the inflow.
- The fastest way back is via the Caumasee, where the free lift takes you up to Flims Waldhaus.
Information from: Verkehrsverein Trin · Latest: Flims Laax Falera
Lag Tiert
spring funnel · about 50 m diameter · 1,102 m · around 5 degrees year-round
from Laax, at the south-western edge of the Staderas plain by the Laaxerbach
A round spring funnel on the border between Flims and Laax, entirely surrounded by trees. It is fed from the karst system of the Vorab, and because the water comes from great height it stays at around five degrees all year. The Romansh name means roughly «the crooked lake».
- Before the Flims bypass was built, the spring flowed all year: at least 200 to 300 litres per second in winter, up to 1,500 litres at the end of the snowmelt in May and June.
- During construction of the Flims bypass tunnel in 2002, a karst channel leading directly to the spring was cut into. Since then the lake occasionally runs dry in winter.
- In exchange, water now flows year-round from the new spring in the tunnel.
- The water is too cold for swimming. It stays at around five degrees even in high summer.
- The overflow is captured and drives a small power station at the Ual da Mulin reservoir.
- Staderas lies on the way from Flims to Laax; the lake sits there close to the Laaxerbach stream. There is no kiosk, changing room or supervision.
Information from: Stiftung Pro Laax · Latest: Flims Laax Falera
Lag digl Oberst
270 × 110 m · fen and amphibian breeding ground · water only during the snowmelt
from Laax, in the shallow hollow south of the village centre
A shallow hollow south of Laax, a lake in spring and a meadow the rest of the year. Forest stands to the south, and a fen lies to the north. The area is listed in the federal inventories of fens and of amphibian breeding grounds of national significance.
- Water sits in the hollow only during the snowmelt.
- The area is protected as a breeding ground. Stay on the paths.
- Like the other lakes in the area, the hollow lies on the debris of the Flims landslide.
- It is not a swimming destination: no swimming facilities, no supervision, no kiosk, no changing room.
- The Laaxersee, which has all of that, lies in the middle of the village above it.
Information from: Verkehrsverein Trin · Latest: Flims Laax Falera
Canovasee, Domleschgfor families
natural swimming lake · nearly 200 × 100 m · 777 m · over 20 degrees in summer
car, about 30 minutes; by public transport to Paspels Dorf and 10 minutes on foot
The swimming lake of the Domleschg, between Almens and Paspels in the middle of the castle and orchard landscape. It warms to well over 20 degrees in summer. A large sunbathing lawn, two fire pits and a kiosk lie on the shore.
- Changing rooms and WC are on site.
- The kiosk sells ice cream, drinks, hot dogs, Grisons sausages and home-baked goods. Payment is cash or TWINT.
- From the Paspels Dorf bus stop it's about 10 minutes on foot, from Almens about a kilometre along the old Domleschg road.
- By public transport from us: train to Rhäzüns, then the postbus towards Thusis, getting off in Paspels. Then up towards the church, on to the schoolhouse and following the nature trail to the lake.
- By car: A13 to exit 20 right after the Isla Bella tunnel, towards Sils i.D., in Paspels turn left at the Denner and follow the signs to the schoolhouse.
- Parking is available at the Paspels schoolhouse and by the lake, for a fee. Spaces are limited; a short footpath leads to the lake.
- Dogs are only allowed on the far side of the lake; they may go into the water there too. On the near side they stay on a leash.
- Grilling is only allowed at the two fire pits — portable grills are not permitted, nor are glass bottles or gazebos.
- You may bring your own boats and stand-up paddleboards; they can also be rented at the lake.
- Swimming season from the start of May to mid-October. Outside that period an official ban applies, and swimming is not allowed.
- The lake's inflow and outflow lie underground.
- The lake lies on the Burgenweg Domleschg. An over-life-size sculpture by Robert Indermaur stands along the way up.
Information from: canovasee.com · Latest: Viamala Tourismus
Heidsee, Lenzerheidefor families
mountain lake at 1,500 m · over 20 degrees in summer · lido with playground and watersports
car, about 50 minutes; by postbus from Chur to Lenzerheide
The swimming lake of the Lenzerheide, with the lido on the left bank. A pirate ship, a suspension bridge and a climbing rock stand in the shallow water. A watersports centre next door rents out boats and boards.
- A nature reserve lies on the right bank, the lido on the left.
- The lido includes a sunbathing lawn, changing cabins, WC and showers, a fire pit with a grate, beach volleyball, table tennis, basketball and a kiosk.
- The play area is fenced off from the road and reachable with a pushchair; it includes a raft, a play stream and at least eight pieces of play equipment.
- The kiosk sells ice cream, drinks, coffee, sandwiches, salads and sausages for grilling yourself. In fine weather the fire pit is already lit.
- The watersports centre rents out pedalos, rowing boats, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks, and gives courses in windsurfing, sailing and wingfoiling.
- It runs from Whitsun to mid-October. The wind blows at three Beaufort on average, thermal.
- Sun loungers can be rented.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash around the Heidsee. They may not go into the lake.
- A wheelchair-accessible 3.3-kilometre loop runs around the lake.
- A free sports bus runs locally; there is parking at several spots in the village.
Information from: Ferienregion Lenzerheide
Schwimmbad Fontanivas, Ilanzfor families
50 m pool with four lanes · diving pool, 48 m slide · around 24 degrees
train from Trin Station to Ilanz, then about 600 metres on foot
The only outdoor pool in the Surselva, at the forest edge by the Ilanz sports facilities. Besides the 50-metre pool there's a non-swimmer area, a children's paddling pool and a 48-metre slide. A solar system and a wood-chip heating plant keep the water at around 24 degrees.
- Diving boards at one and three metres, with their own diving pool.
- A beach volleyball court, a playground and table tennis are included.
- A kiosk and restaurant stand on site, overlooking the park-like grounds.
- Changing rooms and showers lie beneath the sawtooth roofs; six striped changing huts stand along the way to the kiosk.
- The facility lies on Via Fontanivas 3; parking is right by the pool.
- Built in 1969, fully renovated in 1996/97. The renovation won a commendation from the solar prize jury in 1997.
- A shortened schedule runs in bad weather.
- The season runs from mid-May to mid-September.
Information from: Gemeinde Ilanz/Glion · Latest: Surselva Tourismus
Freibad Sand, Chur
50 m pool · in the middle of the old town below the cathedral · non-swimmer area, bistro
postbus to Chur, from the station bus 9 to «Turnhalle Sand»
The city's oldest pool, built in 1922 and lying in the shadow of the cathedral. Besides the 50-metre pool there's a separate non-swimmer area. From the bistro on the sun terrace you look out over vineyards, church towers and forest.
- A sunbathing lawn and wooden deck for lying out; sun loungers and lockers can be rented.
- The pool is known for its fresh water.
- From Chur station, bus no. 9 towards Meiersboden takes four minutes to the «Turnhalle Sand» stop.
- There is only limited paid parking; the operator recommends coming on foot or by public transport.
- The pool lies at St. Luzistrasse 7, by the river and below the cathedral.
- The bistro is open in fine weather.
- Season May to early September.
Information from: sportanlagenchur.ch · Latest: Chur Tourismus
Freibad Obere Au, Churfor families
50 m across 8 lanes · slides · multi-level paddling pool · barbecue areas and playground
postbus to Chur, from the station bus 2 to «Obere Au»
The big outdoor pool on the Rhine at the foot of the Calanda. The 50-metre pool has been recognised as a category-A Olympic pool since 2021; alongside it lie a teaching pool with a slide and tube slide, and a multi-level paddling pool with a stream, fountain and waterfall.
- A wide sunbathing lawn with shade trees and a view of Chur's mountain panorama.
- A pirate playground, table tennis and a field for group fitness are included.
- A covered barbecue area with seating stands ready; grilling is self-service.
- A restaurant, a snack bar and a food truck are on site. Sun loungers and parasols can be rented.
- From Chur station, bus no. 2 takes nine minutes to the «Obere Au» stop.
- By car: motorway exit Chur Süd, then follow «P&R Obere Au». The car park is managed — register your number plate at the pay station or in the app, and again behind the turnstile for the day permit.
- The facility lies on national cycle route 2. 340 bike parking spaces stand in front of the pool, 260 of them covered, plus charging stations and a repair station with a pump and tools.
- The entry wristband also covers the indoor pool in the same building.
- Groups of 15 or more should register 48 hours ahead.
- Season May to early September.
Information from: sportanlagenchur.ch · Latest: Chur Tourismus
On the Vorderrhein
Rafting through the Rhine Gorge
from age 10 · May to October
meeting point Ilanz station — by Rhaetian Railway from Trin Station
Guided boats from Ilanz or Versam through the Ruinaulta — the exit point at Reichenau lies practically on our doorstep. Providers are Swissraft in Ilanz and the Kanuschule Versam.
- 20 kilometres from Ilanz to Reichenau, whitewater grades II to III+.
- As a half-day or as a day tour with a lunch stop along the way.
- The calmer stretch from Versam is possible from age 8 with some providers.
- For the upper gorge the Kanuschule Versam requires age 14, for the lower gorge 10.
- Equipment and instruction are included with every provider.
- The way there: by Rhaetian Railway from Trin Station to Ilanz, then on foot to the meeting point at the station.
- The way back: you get out of the boat at Reichenau, one train stop below us — from there the train takes you to Trin in a few minutes.
- Those coming by car leave it in Reichenau at the exit point and take the train up to Ilanz.
- Luggage is brought to the exit point during the trip.
- Wetsuit, wetsuit jacket, shoes, life jacket, helmet and paddle are provided by the operators.
- Bring: swimwear, a towel and old trainers. In cool weather, synthetic sports underwear keeps you warm — cotton doesn't.
- In Reichenau, changing facilities, a hot shower and a snack await at the end.
- The trip is not possible during pregnancy.
Cold water, on purpose. I'm not saying anything. I'm just thinking it loudly.— the Murmeli
Straight there: Swissraft · Kanuschule Versam
Information from: swissraft.ch · Latest: Surselva Tourismus
Funyak auf dem Vorderrhein
day tour: 10 km · about 8 hours · from age 14
the canoe school's base by Versam station, 100 metres from the station
With a guide in small groups through gentle whitewater — your own boat, no prior experience needed.
- In the morning you practise paddling technique on calm water.
- In the afternoon it's from Versam through the gorge to Reichenau.
- You return by Rhaetian Railway, the rolled-up boats in the luggage car.
- You get there on the same railway: from Trin Station towards Ilanz to Versam-Safien, then 100 metres on foot.
- There is a public car park for those coming by car; it's often full on weekends.
- Minimum age 14, counted by birth year. Swimming ability and normal health are assumed.
- Not possible during pregnancy, and no alcohol before or during the trip.
- Included: the complete whitewater equipment, the canoe guide, the return train ride, changing rooms, WC and lockers.
- Bring: swim shorts or a swimsuit, old trainers, socks. Those who feel the cold quickly should add functional underwear.
- Lunch break at the base in the middle of the gorge: barbecue from the fire, or grill it yourself — a grill and firewood are provided.
- Season April to October.
Information from: kanuschule.ch · Latest: Surselva Tourismus
Fishing on the Vorderrhein
licence waters · licence online through the canton
the Rhine lies one train stop below the site
Grisons is a licence canton; day and week licences are available online or at the canton's sales points.
- The canton sells licences through the online shop of the Office for Hunting and Fishing; regional sales points are also available.
- You reach the water from Trin Station: the Rhaetian Railway stops down by the river, in the middle of the gorge.
- A separate licence applies at the Laaxersee. Day and week licences are available at the Laax guest information office or online, along with the municipal and cantonal rules.
- The cantonal licence does not apply at the Crestasee. Fishing and diving there are prohibited without the natural pool's permission.
- Fishing is entirely forbidden at the Canovasee in the Domleschg.
- Those switching bodies of water should rinse and dry their equipment — otherwise non-native species travel along.
I've got patience enough. But sitting by the water for hours? No.— the Murmeli
Straight there: Patente beim Kanton · Patent Laaxersee · Genehmigung Crestasee
Information from: Kanton Graubünden
More providers on the river (3)
Swiss River Adventures
rafting · from age 10 · half-day, day tour with BBQ in Versam, overnight tour
meeting point Ilanz station, exit at Reichenau — one train stop below the site
The operator covers the whole stretch from Ilanz through the Rhine Gorge to Reichenau. The first half is brisk whitewater, the second calmer. On the day tour there's a barbecue halfway, on the bank at Versam.
- Minimum age 10 on the day of the tour.
- On the overnight tour you camp on the riverbank below Versam. The guides cook over the fire in the evening and prepare breakfast in the morning.
- Besides the half-day, there are family tours, a culinary day tour, and boats for exclusive use.
- The operator also offers canoe, kayak and canyoning tours.
- The office is in Ilanz.
- The meeting point is Ilanz station; from there it's on foot to the base, where the whitewater gear is waiting.
- Those arriving by car park in Reichenau at the exit point and take the train up to Ilanz.
- Equipment, instruction, luggage transport to the exit point and a drink afterwards are included.
- Bring: swimwear, a towel, a bag; plus sun protection and a strap for glasses. In cool weather, synthetic sports underwear, no cotton.
- The family tour lasts three to three and a half hours, about two of them on the water.
- Not suitable during pregnancy.
Information from: swissriveradventures.ch · Latest: Surselva Tourismus
wasserchRAFTfor families
rafting · 20 km Ilanz–Reichenau · family tour from Versam already from age 8
meeting point Ilanz station
A small operator from Ilanz that covers the same 20 kilometres through the Ruinaulta. Besides the half-day, day tour and overnight trip, there's a family tour in July and August on the calmer second stretch from Versam. Children may join there from age 8.
- A minimum age of 10 applies to the whole stretch, 8 for the family tour from Versam.
- Children and teenagers up to 18 travel accompanied by at least one parent.
- Wetsuit, helmet, paddle, life jacket, transport of the equipment, a snack and the guides are included.
- The half-day lasts about three and a half hours, the day tour about six.
- The overnight tour starts in the afternoon in Ilanz and ends at midday the next day in Reichenau.
- For the night by the river, bring a sleeping bag, mat, headlamp, warm clothes and a rain jacket; tarps, ropes and kitchen gear are provided by the operator. There are no tents.
- You get out of the boat in Reichenau — a hot shower and a snack await there, and the train takes you to Trin in a few minutes.
- A tour runs from four participants upward.
- The trip is not possible during pregnancy.
- The guides are SOA-certified, and the operator is certified to ISO 21101.
Information from: wasserchraft.ch · Latest: Surselva Tourismus
Kanuschule The Joy of Whitewater
courses in kayak, canoe and packraft · nearly all year
Versam station, about 100 metres from the Vorderrhein and the station
A paddling school: here you learn to paddle yourself, from flat water up to grade four. Teaching covers kayak, open canoe and packraft. Eskimo roll courses and rescue and safety courses are also offered.
- The school is based in Versam in the middle of the Ruinaulta, about 100 metres from the river and the station.
- The stretch from Versam to Reichenau has whitewater grades I to II, the one from Ilanz to Versam II to III.
- Because the Vorderrhein reliably carries water, teaching runs practically all year.
- Besides the courses there are guided whitewater trips, from half a day to a multi-week journey.
- You get there by Rhaetian Railway from Trin Station to Versam-Safien; from there it's 100 metres on foot.
- By car via the A13, exit Bonaduz, towards Ilanz. In Versam, at the end of the village turn right towards the station, then about three more kilometres to the orange house.
- The group travels to the put-in by train with the boats along — so the way back is arranged too.
- Equipment, a changing area and a place for clothes are available, as are coffee and tea. The «Café zur Einkehr» lies 20 metres opposite.
Information from: joyofwhitewater.ch · Latest: Surselva Tourismus
The ways to the lakes and what else lies nearby you'll find under The area.
More of this: Hiking · Cycling · Excursions and rainy days · In the village · Food and shopping
Whether there's space after your swim, see Is there space?