Crestasee

Crestasee is a small swimming lake in Flims, in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, set on the border between the municipalities of Flims and Trin. Its Romansh name is Lag la Cresta. Forest surrounds the dark green water, and in summer it is one of the favourite bathing spots of the Flims Laax region.

How did the lake form?

The area sits on the debris left by the huge Flims Rockslide, dated to roughly 10,000 years ago. Water here travels partly underground and surfaces to feed several forest lakes above the Rhine gorge, Crestasee among them. Do not confuse it with nearby Caumasee, whose water is turquoise; Crestasee stands out for its deeper green tone.

What can you do there?

• Swim and sunbathe. The lake is natural, and in hot weather the water passes 24 °C. The bathing season runs roughly from mid-May to mid-September, with a lifeguard on duty.
• Eat in a historic house. On the northern shore a building served as a guest house from 1892. Today it is a restaurant that has kept its original character, and a kiosk operates by the beach in season.
• Visit the Felsbach gorge. The Felsbachschlucht begins near the northern end of the lake and combines well with a swim.
• Come in winter. The path to the lake is also a marked winter walking route, though swimming is off the menu.

How do you get to Crestasee?

No road reaches the lake, so the last stretch is on foot. From the centre of Flims Dorf, an easy path of about 3.3 km takes around 45 minutes. By bus, get off at Trin-Mulin Crestasee or Felsbach Crestasee, both a short walk from the water.

If you want a longer outing, a loop leads past Caumasee, the village of Conn and the Il Spir viewing platform. It covers about 8.6 km in around 2 hours 20 minutes, and Lag la Cresta comes up after roughly two hours.

When should you visit, and what does it cost?

July and August give the warmest water. Outside bathing season the trails to the lake are still worth walking, and the area is quieter. The restaurant is open from March to mid-December and closes on Mondays in spring and autumn. Entry is charged in season; in 2026 an adult ticket cost CHF 7 and a reduced one CHF 5. Check current hours before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Crestasee?

Yes. It works as a natural bathing lake, with the season lasting from mid-May to mid-September.

Can you drive to the lake?

No. Cars cannot reach it. Park in Flims or take the bus, then walk the final stretch.

How is Crestasee different from Caumasee?

They are two separate lakes near Flims. Caumasee is famous for its turquoise water, while Crestasee is smaller and a darker green.

Is there food at the lake?

Yes. A restaurant in the former guest house stands by the shore, and a kiosk opens in season.