During winter, the Flims Laax Falera area offers a wealth of activities. Skiing and snowboarding are what the region is most famous for. But we mustn’t forget those who don’t need adrenaline rushes on the slopes, who want to slow down and enjoy the silence of nature. There are dozens of kilometers of winter hiking trails for this purpose. During my weekend stay at the Hotel Schweizerhof Flims, I chose perhaps the most famous one. To the well-known turquoise lake Caumasee and the Il Spir viewpoint. Since we were here a few years ago in the fall (actually in almost summer weather), I was curious to see how the place would affect me in winter. I decided to extend the route a little further to another lake that remains somewhat in the shadow of the more famous Caumasee: Crestasee.
Starting point Flims, Waldhaus
Flims is easily accessible by public transport. Take the train to Chur, then continue by PostAuto bus line 81 directly to Flims, to the Flims Waldhaus, Caumasee stop. Connections run regularly and the journey takes about 40 minutes. If you are arriving by car, there are several paid parking lots in Flims, the closest to Caumasee being Parkplatz Flims Waldhaus and the nearby parking lot on Rudi Dado Street.
The starting point for this winter walk is the Flims Waldhaus, Caumasee bus stop or the Schweizerhof Flims hotel, as was the case for me.
Caumasee – a turquoise gem even in winter
The route leads through the Flimserwald forest, along the Conn-Bächli stream. Follow the pink signposts for winter hiking. Caumasee (Lag la Cauma) shines with its typical turquoise color even in winter – although it is clear that it has less water at this time of year than in summer.
Unlike in summer, you don’t have to pay any entrance fee to access the beach in winter, and anyone who wants to can walk around the entire lake. I went to its eastern shore and got a completely different perspective.
I continued through the forest – past this wooden well. Here, I felt a little homesick, because there is a picture of this very spot in my guidebook, “Die 44 schönsten Familienwanderungen” (The 44 Most Beautiful Family Hikes). A large part of the route follows the Kulinarik Trail Wald und Winter, where you can learn about the traditions of Graubünden cuisine in a playful way, and along the way you will come across these interesting “menus.”
Conn – Il Spir
From the Conn restaurant, it is only a few minutes’ walk to the Il Spir viewing platform, which offers a breathtaking view of the Rhine Gorge (Ruinaulta). This gorge is not called the “Swiss Grand Canyon” for nothing. Deep below you, the Rhine winds its way through a wild landscape of sharp, snow-white limestone rocks. Last summer, we discovered the gorge from a different perspective – right down in the valley on a hike from Valendas to Versam.
After climbing up to the viewing platform, I returned a short distance back to the signpost and then continued along the route towards Crestasee. The path was mostly through the forest.
Crestasee
Lake Crestasee (Lac da Cresta) differs significantly from its more famous neighbor – primarily in the deep green color of its water. It is calmer, less visited, and in winter it has an almost meditative effect. If you’re interested, according to the sign at the buffet, the water was 12 degrees that day.
Then I had three kilometers left back to the hotel. If any of you would like to recharge your batteries during the hike, there is a restaurant not far from the lake with a terrace overlooking the lake. At the signpost, follow the direction to Flims, Waldhaus.
Relax after a hike at Schweizerhof Flims
After returning to the hotel, the best part of the day began: relaxation in the form of a swimming pool, sauna, and massage.
Summary
- The route is 11 kilometers long
- With a stroller, you can easily reach both Caumasee and the Il Spir viewpoint.
