Lai da Rims

Lai da Rims is the largest lake in Val Müstair, in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. It sits at 2,396 m above sea level and covers roughly 17 hectares. In Romansh, "lai" simply means lake. The name is modest, but the geography is not: this is the largest lake in the Rom river basin and the biggest in the Swiss part of the Adige catchment.

Where is Lai da Rims?

The lake lies high above the valley floor of Val Müstair, in the far south-east of Graubünden near the Italian border, at about 46.565° N, 10.388° E. From the shore you look out over Val Müstair and the neighbouring Val Mora, and Piz Turettas is named among the peaks in the view. Hiking sites describe the water as crystal clear and the setting as one of the finest mountain lake scenes in the Alps.

How do you get to Lai da Rims?

There is no road to the lake, so you walk. The popular circular route begins at the PostBus stop in Santa Maria Val Müstair. A forest road leads toward Val Vau and Tschuccai, then an alpine road passes Alp Praveder and keeps climbing. The loop variant over Piz Praveder (2,763 m) ends at the PostBus stop in Valchava, so you do not have to return to your starting point.

Figures from one mountain-hiking portal: about 21.4 km, 1,568 m of ascent and roughly 8.5 hours of walking. The route is graded T2, a medium level, and it calls for good fitness and proper footwear. A shorter tour also exists, running from Prà da Vau via Lai da Rims and Alp Sot back to Prà da Vau, described by the official Graubünden tourism site.

What will you see on the way?

The walk crosses forest, alpine pastures and high-mountain terrain. The reward is the shoreline itself at almost 2,400 m, with views into two valleys. Val Müstair is part of the Biosfera Val Müstair biosphere reserve, so stay on marked paths and carry out your litter.

When should you go?

The route runs well above 2,000 m, so check the forecast before you set off. Graubünden's tourism site explicitly reminds hikers to assess conditions at the start. Plan a full day, carry water and warm layers, since mountain weather changes quickly, and check the PostBus timetable in advance so you can catch the last bus from Valchava.

What else can you combine with the hike?

Valchava lies on trail 801, "A la riva dal Rom", which runs from the source of the Rom stream in Süsom-Tschierv to Müstair. That walk is around 14 km, takes about 3.5 hours and has only 110 m of ascent. Between Fuldera Furom and Valchava, some sections can be demanding for people uneasy with heights. You can spend one day at the lake and another on a gentle walk along the stream.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Lai da Rims?

The surface area is about 17 ha, and the water level lies at 2,396 m above sea level.

What does the name Lai da Rims mean?

"Lai" is the Romansh word for lake. The name refers to the water body in Val Müstair, an area where Romansh is still spoken.

Can I drive to the lake?

No. Access is on foot. The easiest approach is to start at the PostBus stop in Santa Maria Val Müstair and return by bus from Valchava.

How long is the hike and how hard is it?

The full loop is about 21.4 km with 1,568 m of ascent and takes around 8.5 hours. It is rated T2 (medium), which suits walkers with basic mountain experience.