Rhine Gorge/Ruinaulta: Ilanz - Reichenau

Open

Medium

21.2 km

4:15 h

237 mhd

334 mhd

Rheinschlucht Wanderung (Ilanz-Reichenau)

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Important note: On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the hiking trail through the Rhine Gorge from Ilanz to Chrummwag is closed from 08:00 to 14:30 due to the Transruinaulta event.

The Grand Canyon of Switzerland, the Rhine Gorge, offers unforgettable fauna and flora. The historic landslide is especially evident on the hike from Ilanz to Reichenau. The hike can be shortened arbitrarily by using the Rhaetian Railway.

Overview
Details
Description
Directions
Directions
Waypoints

Plan this tour

Technique

Fitness

Highest Point 712 m

Lowest Point 587 m

Best Season

Jan

Feb

Mär

Apr

Mai

Jun

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Aug

Sep

Okt

Nov

Dez

Start

Ilanz station

Destination

Reichenau-Tamins station

Coordinates

46.775249, 9.206895

Details

Description

From Ilanz, the path follows the Vorderrhein through a nationally important floodplain into the heart of the gorge to Versam Station. The Rhine Gorge is characterized by sandstone walls up to 300 meters high. The "Swiss Grand Canyon" offers unforgettable fauna and flora. Since there is no continuous hiking path between Versam Station and Trin Station, this section must be covered by the Rhaetian Railway. From Trin Station, the path continues on foot. Along the riverbank, the trail leads to Reichenau, where the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein converge. In and out with the Rhine Gorge Ticket: With the Rhine Gorge Ticket, you can travel all day as often as you like by train and post bus through the Rhine Gorge.

Note: The section between Versam Station and Trin Station is not accessible due to terrain and must therefore be covered by the Rhaetian Railway.

The guest information is located at the RhB counter in Ilanz

Opening hours RhB counter

Telephone information (not RhB): +41 81 920 11 05

E-mail: ilanz@surselva.info

Internet: www.surselva.info

Hidden Gem

Along the path you will find numerous rest areas and fire pits. Please use firewood sparingly.

There are dining options at the stations in Valendas, Versam, and Trin.

Safety Note

Note: Between Versam Station and Trin Station, there is no riverside hiking path and the area must not be entered due to nature conservation. This section must therefore be covered by the Rhaetian Railway.

For those in good shape, a hiking path leads from Versam Station via Pintrun and Trin Digg to Trin Station in about 3 hours. The hiking time from Ilanz to Reichenau then takes over 7 hours.

The hiking trail between Trin Station and Reichenau is closed in the winter season due to wildlife rest and rockfall danger. Please observe the closure on the map function.

In uncertain weather conditions, the route should not be started. Weather changes are common in the mountains. If a rain front or similar builds up during the hike, you should turn back in good time.

Equipment

Good hiking shoes with good soles or trekking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing (rain jacket/sun protection), drinks, possibly food, possibly hiking poles.

Directions

Ilanz (station) - Castrisch - Valendas Station - Versam Station - train journey - Trin Station - Reichenau-Tamins (station)

Directions

Public Transport

From Chur, Ilanz station is easily reachable by an idyllic ride through the Rhine Gorge. The hike can be shortened arbitrarily by using the Rhaetian Railway. Exact connections can be found on the SBB website: www.sbb.ch

Travel Information

Ilanz is accessible via Route 19 from both Chur and Disentis/Mustér.

Parking

There is a large paid parking lot directly at Ilanz station. Another smaller parking lot is available at Castrisch station (also paid).

Waypoints

Bridge Surselva

Brücke, Schluein-Castrisch

Between Castrisch and Schluein there has been a pedestrian bridge over the Rhine since the beginning of 2017.

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Coffee Shop Surselva

Café Zwischenstation und Handwerk

Cosy little pub in the Valendas - Sagogn station building.

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Rhine Gorge/Ruinaulta: Ilanz - Reichenau (oua_27537870_image)

Viewpoint Surselva

Aussichtsplattform Alix in Valendas

Important note: On Saturday, 18 October 2025, the hiking trail through the Rhine Gorge from Ilanz to Chrummwag will be closed from 08.00 to 14.30 due to the Transruinaulta.

The Alix observation deck is located in Valendas. From the platform, visitors can enjoy an impressive view of the confluence of the Carrera stream. The viewing platform is accessible via the hiking trail from Valenda's village.

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Coffee Shop Surselva

Cafe zur Einkehr

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Sports Facility Surselva

Kanuschule Versam GmbH

The Versam Canoe School has been at home in the Rhine Gorge for 30 years. The river and its unique landscape fascinate the experienced team every day. Join us on a raft or learn to canoe – and let yourself be infected by the passion.

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Canyon Surselva

Rhine gorge

The Ruinaulta in Graubünden is one of the most magnificent and diverse landscapes in the Alps. The natural monument with a raging river, white cliffs and vast forests is also known as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland.

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Rhine Gorge/Ruinaulta: Ilanz - Reichenau (oua_27537609_image)

Viewpoint Chur

Aussichtsplattform Wackenau

Important note: On Saturday, 18 October 2025, the hiking trail through the Rhine Gorge from Ilanz to Chrummwag will be closed from 08.00 to 14.30 due to the Transruinaulta.

At the end of the massive Rhine Gorge you will find the Wackenau viewing platform. It is named after the ruins above it. It can be reached via Trin Station or Bonaduz. The observation deck is accessible from May to October.

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