For 10,000 years, the river Rhine has carved its way through limestone to create a Swiss Grand Canyon, the Rhine Canyon Ruinaulta. The Rhine has been a waterway for trade to reach inland since the Holy Roman Empire, and its banks are littered with castles and fortifications.

The canyon is hundreds of metres deep, and the Rhine is towered by steep limestone cliffs with their imposing rock formations along its (officially) 1,232 kilometre length. To truly experience this Alpine area, a hike through or along the canyon is essential.

Hiking here is easily accessible – many are pram-suitable – and every trail takes into beautiful forests and mountains. Hiking trails follow the bends of the river and there are viewing platforms throughout the region offering unique and breathtaking views of the stunning scenery, although it’s worth noting that not all are open year-round. It’s easy to hike to the bottom of the gorge for an unrivalled view up to appreciate the beauty of this natural phenomenon, and the unrelenting erosive power of water.

If adrenaline is your drug of choice, the diversity of water sports available will meet and exceed your need. Choose from the thrilling experience of river rafting, or canoeing or kayaking the waters of the gorge. Or perhaps you’d prefer to choose from the variety of elevation profiles and ground conditions for a cross-country adventure. If you prefer a gentler ride, you can hire a TREK electric bike, which can be charged for free at charging stations that have been installed across this Alpine region.

If you prefer to view the scenery in comfort, it is possible to take the Rhaetian Railway. The slowest express train in the world, the Glacier Express, offers a feast for the palate to complement the feast for the eyes, and an audio guide will ensure you miss nothing of the journey. Routes taking in Trin station will allow you to explore the Punt Ruinaulta suspension bridge, one of three that connect the left and right banks of the Rhine.Rhine

Tickets, and lunch, can be booked online.

Top Tip

Explore the Rhine gorge with the Ruinaulta ticket, which allows you to use public transport in and around Ruinaulta for a full day. Tickets are available from guest information centres at Flims, Laaz and Falera, and could be just what you need for your return journey.

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