Ruinaulta Gorge and Flims in Autumn

This is where your journey begins. From Ulm Central Station, you'll head off in a relaxed manner towards Switzerland by train.

A central hotel right by Chur station, ideal for the first two nights and for picking up the hire car. From here you can reach the charming old town of Chur in just a few minutes on foot. Quiet rooms and a great base for the Rhaetian Railway.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Chur is considered Switzerland's oldest town and delights with car-free lanes, colourful façades and its late-Gothic cathedral. A leisurely stroll takes you past fountains, cafés and small shops. Perfect for settling in gently and getting a first taste of autumn.

The imposing cathedral above the old town is one of the most significant church buildings in Graubünden. Inside, you'll find a surprising late-Gothic high altar and an impressive crypt. From the courtyard, you get a lovely view over the rooftops of Chur.

Right in the middle of the Ruinaulta Gorge lies the remote Versam-Safien station, accessible only by train or on foot. From here, a lovely riverside path follows the turquoise Vorderrhein through the steep rock walls. The journey there is one of the most spectacular rail routes in the Alps.

The walking trail along the Vorderrhein leads through the heart of the Ruinaulta, formed by a massive prehistoric landslide. The turquoise water glows between bizarre white rock towers, framed in October by autumn-coloured slopes. A well-marked, largely flat path with no major climbs.

Ilanz is considered the first town on the Rhine and forms the western gateway to the Ruinaulta Gorge. The small old town with its painted houses invites you to stop for a rest and some lunch. From here, the train runs comfortably back towards Chur or Flims.

A traditional hotel in Flims Waldhaus with spacious rooms and parking right at the property. From here, you can reach the mountain lakes and viewpoints within just a few minutes by car. An ideal base for the walking days ahead.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Caumasee glows emerald-green to turquoise depending on the light and lies nestled in a forest above Flims. A circular path takes about an hour to walk around the lake, especially atmospheric in October with the coloured leaves. A small funicular takes you comfortably down to the shore.

The Il Spir platform near Conn juts out freely over the Ruinaulta Gorge, offering arguably the finest view of the gorge from above. Far below, the turquoise Vorderrhein winds through the white rocks, and every so often the red train of the Rhaetian Railway passes by. The path there from Flims is well signposted and suitable for families.

Crestasee lies hidden in the so-called Zauberwald between Flims and Trin and is fed by underground springs. Its clear, turquoise water and moss-covered rocks really do seem straight out of a fairy tale. A peaceful spot for a break away from the better-known lakes.

Near Reichenau, the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein merge to form the actual Rhine, a lovely final stop by the turquoise water. A short walk along the bank rounds off the trip before heading back to Chur. From here, the Vorderrhein has already completed its long journey through the gorge.

Chur station is the starting point for the journey home to Ulm. This is also where you'll return the hire car. Direct connections towards Lake Constance and Germany depart from here.