The Rhine Gorge, known locally as Ruinaulta, is a roughly 13-kilometre canyon that winds between Ilanz and Reichenau in Graubünden, Switzerland, framed by white limestone cliffs up to 350 metres high — earning it the nickname the 'Swiss Grand Canyon'. It was carved by the Rhine through the debris of the Flims rockslide, the largest in the Alps, about 9,500 years ago; 'Ruinaulta' means 'high pile of rubble' in Romansh. As of 2026 it remains an open, year-round natural attraction with no entrance gate or fee, best experienced aboard the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) — the only continuous route through the gorge — or on foot along the riverbank trails.
The Il Spir observation deck near Conn (Flims), a near-levitating steel platform with a vertical view down onto the winding Rhine and white cliffs
The Rhaetian Railway (RhB) line, the only continuous route through the gorge, threading bridges and tunnels — with open-top panorama (dome) cars on weekends
The Glacier Express, which passes through the gorge on its Chur–St. Moritz section
The Valendas-to-Versam riverside hike (about 1.5 hours) through floodplain forest and past white pebble beaches
Seven viewing platforms (Il Spir, Islabord, Spitg and more) plus rafting and kayaking on the young Rhine
Good to know
RulesFrom 1 April to 15 July there is a strict bird-breeding protection period; entering certain riverbank protection zones is banned. Stay on marked trails and respect all posted protection notices.
SeasonLate spring to autumn is best for hiking. In winter some riverbank trails may be closed or unmaintained, and the weekend open-top panorama car runs seasonally — check current operation before you go.
SafetyMost routes are mountain hiking trails, so sturdy grippy footwear is essential. Sections run near cliffs and the river, weather changes fast, and rockfall or high water after heavy rain can close paths — check the day's trail conditions and forecast.
RulesThis is a protected natural area: keep to designated trails, don't disturb wildlife, avoid drone flying and littering, close pasture gates behind you, and keep your distance from grazing livestock.
CautionTourist scams are rare in Switzerland, but always buy tickets from official RhB/SBB counters or apps. Compare whether the all-day 'Rhine Gorge ticket' beats a Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card, and note that the small Ruinaulta bus must be reserved in advance.
MannersOn Swiss trails it's customary to exchange a brief greeting when passing, keep noise down in nature, and carry out all your rubbish.
Practical info
Access is by Rhaetian Railway (RhB): the gateway stations are Versam-Safien, Valendas-Sagogn, Trin, Reichenau-Tamins and Ilanz, with Chur to Versam-Safien taking about 20 minutes. The gorge itself is open year-round with no admission fee; the all-day, hop-on-hop-off 'Rhine Gorge ticket' covers train and PostBus travel around it — always confirm current fares and timetables with RhB/SBB.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
