Flims is one of those Swiss mountain destinations that still feels like a total secret. While Flims Laax is famous as a winter ski resort, summer here reveals a completely different world: dramatic mountain peaks, deep green forests, and some of the best day hikes Switzerland has to offer. It has everything you could want from a summer trip to the Alps, but without the massive crowds.
We visited Flims Switzerland in June and instantly fell in love with it. I traveled with my partner, and we were lucky to have gorgeous summer weather the whole time—sunny days around 26–28°C, which was absolutely perfect for combining hiking with lake swims and long lunches outdoors. One of the things we loved most about Flims was how relaxed it felt compared to Switzerland’s more famous tourist spots. Even though it is incredibly scenic, it still feels beautifully under the radar internationally.
For hikers, the region is hard to beat. The network of trails ranges from the best easy hikes in Switzerland to challenging high-altitude adventures, making it ideal whether you want a short morning stroll or a full-day trek. You’ll find everything here: spectacular turquoise waters like Caumasee Flims, forest paths to scenic viewpoints, and unforgettable routes through what are easily some of the best Switzerland hikes you can experience.
If you’re planning a summer getaway and searching for the absolute best hikes in Switzerland, Flims deserves a spot on your bucket list. In this guide, I’m sharing Switzerland best hikes in the area—from easy lake walks to adventurous mountain trails.
How to get to Flims
Getting to Flims Switzerland is surprisingly easy, even without a car. We flew into Zürich Airport and traveled to Flims entirely by public transport, which was smooth, scenic, and very straightforward.
From Zürich Airport, we took the train to Chur, the main transport hub for this part of the Graubünden canton. Depending on your connection, you may have a direct train or just need to make a quick change at Zürich HB (the main city station). Either way, the journey is simple and perfectly connected. Once you arrive in Chur, you transfer directly to the famous yellow PostBus to Flims—usually PostBus Line 81 heading in the direction of Flims / Laax. The bus ride from Chur to Flims takes around 35–40 minutes, winding through beautiful mountain scenery as you climb up into the resort area.
It’s a very manageable, stress-free trip for a long weekend or a summer hiking escape, and I’d highly recommend picking up a Swiss Travel Pass to make the entire journey seamless!
We stayed at the gorgeous Schweizerhof Flims, which made the bus connection especially convenient as the local stop was just a short walk from the hotel. Overall, the total journey from Zürich Airport to Flims takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours.
Where to stay in Flims
If you’re looking for somewhere truly special in the Swiss Alps, the Schweizerhof Flims is easily one of the best places to stay in the region. This elegant 4-star hotel in Flims Waldhaus is not just a base for hiking in Flims Laax, but an experience in itself—full of history, character, and that rare feeling of stepping back in time.
The building has a long and fascinating past. Over the years, it has hosted many notable guests who came to spend their summers in the fresh alpine air, including Albert Einstein, who stayed here during his time in Switzerland. You can really feel that heritage when you walk through the hotel—it has an almost museum-like atmosphere, with Belle Époque architecture, grand common spaces, and details that reflect a different era of alpine travel. At the same time, it doesn’t feel outdated; instead, it feels like a gentle form of time travel, where history and comfort exist side by side.
What makes the stay even more memorable is the warmth of the people. The staff were genuinely friendly and welcoming throughout our visit, and we were especially touched by how personal the experience felt. The owners, Sandra and Christoph Schmidt, made us feel completely at home from the moment we arrived, adding a personal touch that you don’t often find in larger hotels.
Combined with its romantic atmosphere, fantastic new forest spa facilities, and ideal location near Caumasee Flims and the hiking trails, Schweizerhof Flims is not just accommodation—it’s part of the experience of visiting Flims. For anyone planning a trip focused on Flims hiking, pristine lakes, and alpine scenery, this is one of the most atmospheric and memorable places you can stay in Switzerland.
Top Things To do in Flims, Switzerland
The Rhine Gorge “Rheinschlucht”
Otherwise known as “The Swiss Grand Canyon,” the Rhine Gorge (locally called the Ruinaulta) is one of Switzerland’s most spectacular natural landmarks. Formed after a massive prehistoric landslide, the Rhine River carved its way through bright white limestone cliffs over thousands of years, creating a deep canyon with dramatic rock walls, dense forests, and vivid turquoise water.
The most famous viewpoint here is Il Spir, a striking viewing platform that elegantly projects out over the edge of the gorge. Standing on it offers a breathtaking, bird’s-eye panoramic view of the canyon and the river twisting far below.
The Flims hike to reach the platform is quite easy and typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on your chosen route and pace. Because of its gentle terrain and jaw-dropping rewards, it easily ranks as one of the best easy hikes in Switzerland and is a must-do loop when exploring Flims Laax. Along the way, you’ll wander through peaceful forest paths, stumble upon scenic viewpoints, and even pass a charming local restaurant where you can stop for a break. You’ll also come across a few beautiful alpine lakes—which were a massive highlight of our trip, and I’ll cover them in detail in the very next section! If you are compiling a list of the best day hikes Switzerland has to offer, this stunning route absolutely deserves a spot near the top.
Visit The Lakes
When you’re in Flims Switzerland, visiting the lakes is an absolute must. Both are incredibly easy to reach and offer a perfect way to experience the spectacular natural beauty of the region.
Caumasee, often called the “jewel of Flims,” is a stunning alpine lake famous for its bright turquoise water. It is spring-fed and contains natural minerals that give the water a fresh, rejuvenating feel. In summer, Caumasee Flims is a popular place for swimming, paddleboarding, and relaxing in the sun. There are fantastic facilities here, including a restaurant, sunbathing areas, and a small island you can swim out to. While entry to the beach area is paid during the summer season, it’s well worth it for a few hours of relaxation in such a unique setting.
The second lake is Crestasee, which is smaller, quieter, and hidden deep in the forest. It offers a incredibly peaceful atmosphere with crystal-clear water and beautiful mountain views, making it ideal for swimming or simply relaxing by the shore. We haven’t visited it yet, but if you have let us know in the comments how it is!
Together, these two lakes make the Flims Laax region an unforgettable destination for anyone who loves nature, swimming, and scenic views. Whether you are looking for the best easy hikes in Switzerland or just want a relaxing afternoon by the water, these spots are impossible to beat.
Segnesboden
Above Flims lies Segnesboden, a vast alpine plateau shaped by ancient glaciers and part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Tectonic Arena Sardona—often described as the place where the Alps make history. This is truly one of the best places in Switzerland to clearly see how mountains were formed, with dramatic rock layers and ancient thrust formations visible across the entire landscape.
The area is easily reached from the valley by the innovative new FlemXpress cable car, making the journey itself an exciting part of the experience as you rise quickly from the forest up into high alpine terrain. The moment you step off at the top, you’re immediately rewarded with wide-open views over the marshy river plains of Segnesboden, the surrounding jagged peaks, and the iconic Tschingelhörner mountains framing the horizon.
As a great practical bonus, if you hold a Swiss Travel Pass, you don’t need to purchase individual tickets for the cable car journey up to the mountain stations.
It’s an incredible hub for Flims hiking, with trails crossing the unique plateau and spectacular viewpoints everywhere you turn. The combination of easy mountain access, geological significance, and jaw-dropping panoramas makes it an unforgettable stop. We’ve experienced some of the absolute best Switzerland hikes! Spending a day exploring this dramatic high-altitude landscape is an absolute must.
Crossing seven bridges
The “Seven Bridges” hike (Trutg dil Flem) starts in the high alpine mountains above Flims, usually reached by taking the cable car up to the dramatic glacial plateau of Segnesboden. From this breathtaking starting point, you begin your descent following the rushing river Flem as it carves its way down toward the valley.
The trail leads you downhill through changing scenery, passing roaring waterfalls, deep gorges, and shaded woodlands while crossing seven uniquely designed bridges along the way. Starting high up at Segnesboden makes the experience especially memorable, allowing you to enjoy wide-open panoramic views before heading down into the forest. If you are looking for one of the absolute best day hikes Switzerland has to offer, this riverside route is a must-do.
Senda dil Dragun
Senda dil Dragun is a great family-friendly attraction in the Flims–Laax region and one of the most unique forest experiences in Switzerland. It is the longest treetop walkway in the world, stretching for about 1.5 km through the forest between Laax Murschetg and Laax village. The path is fully accessible and allows you to walk high above the ground at tree level, making it an easy and fun experience for both children and adults.
Along the route, there are interactive stops, viewing platforms, and playful installations that explain the forest, wildlife, and local history in an engaging way. It feels more like an adventure trail than a simple walk, with slides, towers, and learning stations along the way. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to visit it during our trip—three days in Flims was definitely not enough! It’s something we’ll have to save for next time.
Pinut Via Ferrata
Otherwise known as “The Historic Pinut,” the Pinut Via Ferrata is one of the most exciting and historic climbing adventures you can experience in the Flims Laax region. First opened way back in 1793, it is officially the oldest surviving via ferrata in Switzerland. Completely renovated to modern safety standards, it offers a truly thrilling blend of vertical exposure, rugged history, and jaw-dropping alpine views.
The route safely guides you up three towering limestone cliff faces using a series of 27 fixed iron ladders, stairs, and secure steel cables. While the sheer vertical height feels incredibly airy and exciting, the climb itself is not overly technical. It requires a good head for heights and sure footing, making it the perfect choice for adventurous beginners or intermediate hikers looking to level up their trip.
Your journey begins with a short walk from the nearby village of Fidaz to the base of the rock wall. Once you top out on the grassy alpine meadows at the summit, you can descend back down via the scenic Bargis valley. Since the route itself is free to climb if you bring your own gear, it easily stands out as one of the best hikes in Switzerland for thrill-seekers. If you need to catch the local PostBus connecting Flims to the trailheads at Fidaz or Bargis, remember that your Swiss Travel Pass will cover those rides entirely!
Looking for more Swiss inspiration? Check out my guide to a perfect Geneva city trip, or discover Lucerne & Vitznau for another incredibly romantic getaway surrounded by stunning nature!
