Caumasee Switzerland Hike: Il Spir & Crestasee Trail Guide

Stefan
Mar 21, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Jan 14

Switzerland's landscapes offer a variety of hiking experiences, but the trail connecting Caumasee, Il Spir, and Crestasee is my personal favorite for a perfect summer day.

Feature	Details
Starting Point	Flims Waldhaus or Laax
Distance	~10 km (loop)
Duration	3-4 hours
Elevation Gain	~260m
Difficulty	Easy to moderate
Best Time to Visit	May–October (for swimming); Year-round (for hiking)
Family-Friendly?	Yes, with gentle paths & funicular option

Best Seasons to Visit

Season	What to Expect
Spring	Fewer crowds, lush green landscapes
Summer	Best for swimming, lively cafés
Autumn	Stunning fall foliage, fewer tourists
Winter	Scenic snow-covered landscapes, winter hiking trails

This hike presents an opportunity to experience the Swiss outdoors, suitable for families and accessible to most. It is pram and kids friendly with little water stations to fill your water bottle everywhere.

Getting Started: Parking & Arrival

The path is well-maintained with clear signage.

By Car: Park at the "Parkhaus Flims Waldhaus". It is the closest option to the trail start.
By Bus: Take the Postbus to "Flims Waldhaus, Caumasee".

Caumasee: A Peaceful Start to the Hike

From the bus stop or parking area (point A on the map), follow the Caumasee Trail towards the lake. Along the way, you'll see a sign offering two directions—one leading downhill and one staying higher up. I recommend staying on the upper path first to reach the lift station—this is where you get that famous "Instagram photo" of the turquoise lake from above.

You can take the funicular lift down (it's free) or walk the path.

The Swimming Area (Badi): Entry to the fenced swimming area is around 19 CHF in summer. This includes access to the changing rooms and the best lawn.
Free Option: You don't need to pay to enjoy the lake. The trail around the fenced area is free, and there are spots outside the Badi where you can dip your toes in or take photos.

Summer Tip: The water is around 19-24°C in summer. If you pay for entry, swim out to the small wooded island in the middle—it's magical.

Viewpoint Il Spir:

Reclining on a scenic bench before Il Spir, with a breathtaking view of the lush forest and distant mountains.

Continuing from Caumasee, the trail to Il Spir takes hikers through mostly forested areas, culminating at a remarkable viewpoint above the Ruinaulta, often referred to as the Swiss Grand Canyon. The Il Spir platform, designed by Corinna Menn and opened in 2006, offers breathtaking views of the gorge and the Vorderrhein river below. Its design mimics the shape of the common swift, a bird frequently spotted in the area. This viewpoint not only allows visitors to gaze upon the young gorge, carved by the Rhine through debris from the Flims Rockslide in just 10,000 years but also offers a unique perspective on a landscape that is continuously evolving. The Flims Rockslide, the largest visible rockslide on earth, dramatically altered the landscape, creating the conditions for this stunning natural wonder.

Crestasee: Concluding the Caumasee Hike

Visitors enjoy a sunny day at Crestasee, swimming and relaxing by the serene lake surrounded by lush forests.

After visiting Il Spir, the trail continues to Crestasee, marking the final stretch of this picturesque hike. Set in a peaceful location, Crestasee is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters that mirror the nearby mountains and forests, making it a popular spot for photographers. Beyond its scenic beauty, the lake is also ecologically significant, home to a variety of rare and endangered plants and animals.

Entry costs 7 CHF for adults and 3 CHF for children. There’s a small restaurant with a kiosk that also sells sausages you can grill yourself. A bit further up the hill, you'll find a full-service restaurant.

The hike concludes with a return to Flims, rounding off a day spent in nature. If you need more information about the lake, bathing facilities, opening hours, and prices, please visit the website of the Flims township.

From Crestasee, you get this awesome view of Flims—a cute hillside village surrounded by stunning mountains and vibrant greenery, all under a bright blue sky.

Some other great hikes on your way from Zurich include the trails around Amden, leading to the viewpoint Chaps and the Seerenbach Falls.

FAQ: What Travelers Ask

Can you swim in Caumasee and Crestasee?
Yes! Caumasee has a designated swimming area with paid entry, while Crestasee has a paid public beach.
Is this hike kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The trail is well-maintained, with short sections between stops.
Are there restaurants or cafés?
- Caumasee: Lakefront café (open in summer).
- Crestasee: Small bistro serving local specialties.
Is the Il Spir viewpoint worth it?
Yes! Panoramic views of the Swiss Grand Canyon make it a highlight.