The Rhine canyon, that Swiss Grand Canyon between Ilanz and Reichenau, close to Castrisch

Approximately 15 000 years ago, occurred the probably biggest landslide of the Alps, called FLIMSER LANDSLIDE. Glaciers and the front Rhine have created in millions of years from this crumbling rocks the more than 600 m deep RUINAULTA. It's one of the most beautiful rafting route of Switzerland. Silent water changes with rapids. Guided raft trips offers undreamt experiences.

 

But also lovers of nature will find rare flora and fauna. Gigantic walls of limestone, from the erosion molded to bizzare figures, fascinates the observer and makes clear, how small the human being is.
In the year 1903, the first train drove to Ilanz. The route is still a railway experience. Quite specifically in the summer with a trip with the outdoor panorama car. At some of the old railway stations, so also in Castrisch, most of the trains only stops on desire of the traveler. Several times a year spits a nostalgic steam loco through the Ruinaulta.

People searching for silence and recuperation the idyllic sand and grit benches are perfect. Reading, painting or simply relaxing, bathe in summer or enjoying the bone-chilling cold in winter at the Rhine under the blue heaven. Also natives are doing this.

Here the view to Conn, a look-out point on the left side of the Rhine near Flims, which shows the beauty of this landscape. No wonder, that the Rhine-canyon was already put 1977 as one of the first landscapes under national protection, still before the Schaffhauser Rhine waterfall and the Matterhorn. Photos and informations: Terra Grischuna magazine for nature, culture and leisure time. More of it in magazine 5/2002, info@terra-grischuna.ch

 

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