Caumasee: One of Switzerland's Most Beautiful Lakes (And How to Actually Get There)

There are places in Switzerland that look too good to be real — like someone turned the saturation up and forgot to turn it back down. Caumasee is one of them. Tucked into the forests above Flims in the canton of Graubünden, this alpine lake has a turquoise colour so vivid it stops you in your tracks the first time you see it.

I visited on a Sunday in late July, and here's everything you need to know before you go.

Getting There

The nearest town is Flims Waldhaus, and if you're driving, your target parking address is Rudi Dadens 3, 7018 Flims — this is the main lot closest to the lake entrance. Parking costs around CHF 6 for the day, payable by coin or the ParkingPay app. One important tip: arrive early. On warm summer weekends the lot fills up fast, and by mid-morning your options get limited.

From the parking area it's roughly a 20-minute walk down through the forest to the lake. The path is well-signed and easy to follow. At one point you'll reach a fork — you can either continue on foot or hop on the Caumasee funicular, a small self-operated lift that carries you the rest of the way down. The funicular is free to use and runs continuously, so there's rarely a long wait. Either way, I'd recommend walking at least one direction — the forest path is genuinely lovely.

If you're coming by public transport, take the train to Chur and then the PostAuto bus (line 81) to Flims Waldhaus, Caumasee — the stop puts you right at the start of the walk.

What to Expect at the Lake

The first thing that hits you is the colour. The water is an almost unreal turquoise — the kind you see in travel photos and assume has been edited. It hasn't. The shade comes from the lake's glacial origins and the way light filters through its unusually clear water.

The lake itself is much larger than you'd expect. There are multiple areas to sit along the shoreline, plenty of entry points into the water, and enough space that it never feels claustrophobic even on a busy summer day. The vibe is relaxed — think public lido, but set inside a forest surrounded by mountains. Families, couples, groups of friends, everyone finds their spot.

The water temperature in summer reaches around 20°C, which is comfortable enough for a proper swim without the sharp cold of higher alpine lakes. I went in on a warm July afternoon and it was perfect.

A designated swimming area (Badi) has changing rooms and the best access to the water — entry costs around CHF 18 for adults. You can also sit by the lake freely without paying if you're just after the view, and there's a lakeside café and restaurant on site.

A Few Practical Things Worth Knowing

• Tickets for the swimming area are limited in peak season — it's worth pre-booking online if you're visiting on a hot weekend day
• Arrive before 10am if you want to guarantee parking in the main lot
• The funicular operates May to October — outside those months you'll be walking both ways
• Entry is free from September to May, though swimming will obviously be less appealing in colder months
• Dogs aren't permitted at the lake itself, but the surrounding forest trails are fair game for a walk with your dog before or after.

When to Go

Late June through August is peak swimming season, and for good reason — the water is warm, the sun is high, and the whole place comes alive. That said, the lake is worth visiting in any season. In spring the forest around it is vivid green and the crowds are minimal. In autumn the surrounding trees turn golden. Even in winter, the walk to a snow-dusted frozen lake has its own kind of magic.

Location: Flims Waldhaus, Canton of Graubünden Parking: Rudi Dadens 3, 7018 Flims (CHF 6/day) Swimming entry: ~CHF 18 adults / CHF 9 children (June–August) Free entry: September to May Funicular: Free, operates May–October By public transport: Train to Chur, then PostAuto bus 81 to Flims Waldhaus Caumasee