Mountain lakes and idyllic nature: 5 swimming spots around Brigels
The best places for summer refreshment in the Surselva region
As soon as the midday sun hangs high over the Brigels high plateau in summer, the water beckons you to cool off: turquoise-blue forest lakes, high-Alpine reservoirs, and the mysterious expanse of the Vorderrhein river. From Hotel La Val, you can easily reach our five favourite spots.
1. Lake Brigels
This naturally maintained swimming lake is some fifteen minutes’ walk from the hotel. Solar panels heat the water to a comfortable twenty to twenty-two degrees. A spacious sunbathing lawn with a barbecue area makes this a popular place for all ages. In the late afternoon, the Alpine light casts golden shimmers on the surface of the water.
2. Lake Cauma near Flims
This famous forest lake glistens in a shade of turquoise usually associated with hidden Mediterranean bays. Wooden jetties lead out into the water, and rowing boats invite you to glide peacefully along the shady forested shore.
3. Lake Panixer, above Pigniu
This high-Alpine reservoir lies at around 1,789 metres above sea level, surrounded by ridges and eternal snowfields. A scenic climb rewards summer hikers with the kind of clear, far-reaching views you always hope for but rarely find.
4. Davos Munts swimming lake in Val Lumnezia
A ten-minute walk above Vattiz, at 1,300 metres above sea level, a placid mountain lake and a sunny meadow come into view. An ideal outing for anyone who enjoys peaceful picnics by the water.
5. The Rhine gorge, the Swiss Grand Canyon
Between Ilanz and Reichenau, the Vorderrhein river winds its way through pale limestone cliffs. A canoe trip reveals the Surselva region’s aquatic world at its most spectacular and opens up a new side of the landscape that can only be fully appreciated from the river.
How does that sound? Fancy a crystal-clear summer in the Surselva region? After a day by the water, the Mountain Spa at Hotel La Val awaits you with warm stones and an aperitif on the panoramic terrace. There’s no better way to round off a relaxing day’s holiday.
