Rhine Gorge: Ilanz to Versam into the heart of the gorge
Rhine Gorge: Ilanz to Versam into the heart of the gorge
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hikers
Rhine Gorge: Ilanz to Versam into the heart of the gorge
03:26
11.5km
160m
Hiking
This hike leads through one of Switzerland's most spectacular natural wonders: the Rhine Gorge – also known as the "Swiss Grand Canyon." Starting in Ilanz, you'll follow the Vorderrhein through a fascinating floodplain landscape. Caution: Between April 1 and July 15, entry to designated protected areas is prohibited to avoid disturbing endangered ground-nesting birds such as the Little Ringed Plover and the Common Sandpiper.
Along the trail, magnificent views await you into the depths of the gorge, across the turquoise-shimmering meander of the Rhine, and across to the spectacular Rhaetian Railway line. Heather pine forests thrive on the sunny slopes, home to an astonishing diversity of species. Leading the way are the orchids, such as the protected lady's slipper, which blooms in early summer.
Shortly before the destination at Versam-Safien station, the gorge opens up again in all its might: the sandstone walls rise up to 300 meters high – a monumental conclusion to your hike through the Rhine Gorge.
Last updated: June 16, 2025
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
1.96 km
Ruinaulta (Rhine Gorge)
Highlight • Gorge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
9.20 km
View of the Rhine Gorge
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
10.8 km
View of the railroad line
Highlight • Viewpoint
The Rhaetian Railway line runs almost the entire length of the gorge. It's a breathtaking sight to see the carriages zipping through the tight curves!
Translated by Google •
Tip by
11.5 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
5.24 km
4.27 km
1.59 km
277 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
6.84 km
1.59 km
986 m
906 m
839 m
289 m
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Elevation
Highest point (740 m)
Lowest point (650 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Wednesday 27 May
28°C
11°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
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Trail Reviews
Beautiful hike along the Rhine from Ilanz to Versam. Always great views of the imposing Rhine Gorge. Cozy barbecue areas and opportunities to rest on various sandbanks. Highly recommended 😀👍
The weather was so inconsistent that we even took the umbrella ☔️ with us. 😄 The path was easy to walk on. In the end, only the shoes and pants were pretty muddy.
We set off early in the hot weather. The route mostly follows the Rhine, but the trees mean you can't see much.
Hoi Harald, do you recognize our entry point? Under the railway line, between the bushes ...
Comments
May 16, 2025
This hike leads through one of Switzerland's most spectacular natural wonders: the Rhine Gorge – also known as the "Swiss Grand Canyon." Starting in Ilanz, you'll follow the Vorderrhein through a fascinating floodplain landscape. Caution: Between April 1 and July 15, entry to designated protected areas
Translated by Google •
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