2018 - Viamala Schlucht
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Viamala Gorge

4.6
·3k reviews·Thusis, Switzerland

Dramatic Swiss gorge carved by river and glaciers, featuring towering cliffs, ancient trails, and modern bridges.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring to Autumn mornings

Fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures

CrowdLow
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2018 - Viamala Schlucht

Viamala Gorge

Best Time

Spring to Autumn mornings

Fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Dramatic Swiss gorge carved by river and glaciers, featuring towering cliffs, ancient trails, and modern bridges.

4.6
(3k reviews)

"An enchanting natural haven, captivating with sheer beauty and serenity."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The 359 steps and trails require sturdy footwear. :athletic_shoe:

Pack Layers

The gorge can be cool even on warm days. ☁️

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.6 · 2,755 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Gorge Floor Trail

The Gorge Floor Trail

Bottom of the gorge

Descend 359 steps into the heart of the gorge, surrounded by towering, polished cliffs.

Viamala Gorge Bridge

Viamala Gorge Bridge

Above the gorge

Admire the blend of ancient stone and modern engineering on this iconic bridge.

ViaLuna Light Spectacle

ViaLuna Light Spectacle

Throughout the gorge

Experience the gorge transformed into a magical oasis of light after dark.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Viamala Gorge

Visit during the warmer months for accessible hiking trails. Consider weekdays to avoid crowds, especially if you're seeking a peaceful experience. The gorge can be cool even on hot days, so pack layers.

Tickets & Access

Entry requires a ticket, which also grants access to restrooms. Some visitors mention a friendly ticket seller and a pleasant cafe experience. Check for guided walk availability.

Best Times

When
Spring to Autumn mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend visitor rush
Crowd
Medium
When
Evening (ViaLuna)
Why
Magical light experience
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Want the tips for visiting this gorge? Comment GORGE below and I’ll send you a mini guide to Viamala Gorge straight to your inbox! Gorge #2 in the series takes us deep into Graubünden, where water and time have carved a narrow path through towering stone. Once feared by travellers, the Viamala Gorge is now one of Switzerland’s most dramatic short walks. with walkways that hug the cliffs and th...
swiss.adventures
521 likes • 26.2K views

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The 359 steps and trails require sturdy footwear. :athletic_shoe:

Pack Layers

The gorge can be cool even on warm days. ☁️

📍Viamala (Thusis 🇨🇭) Visiting the Viamala Gorge with treasure hunts for kids 🤗 #myswitzerland #graubuenden #activitiesforkids #viamala #viaspluga #gorge #viamalaschlucht #thusis🇨🇭
linda_m_b
20 likes • 903 views
Viamala Gorge was shaped over thousands of years by glaciers and the Hinterrhein River. Its name comes from Romansh and means “evil road,” because the narrow path was once risky and difficult to cross. Still, it was the fastest way to reach the Splügen and San Bernardino passes through the Alps. Since 1903, stairs and a tunnel have made it easier to explore the gorge. Writers and philosophers lik...
the_freedom_to_explore
39 likes • 1.1K views

Check Guided Walk Options

Enhance your visit with local insights. 🚶

Kid-Friendly Treasure Hunts

Engage children with fun activities. :child:

Lust auf einen Adrenalinkick? 💥 @itsmaryf hat für uns Canyoning mit @swissriveradventures in der Viamala-Schlucht getestet. Ihr Fazit: Video anschauen 😉. Fancy an adrenaline kick? 💥 @itsmaryf tested canyoning in the Viamala Gorge for us. Her conclusion: watch the video 😉. #graubünden #viamala #canyoning #adventure
graubuenden
1.8K likes • 134.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The 359 steps and trails require sturdy footwear. :athletic_shoe:

Pack Layers

The gorge can be cool even on warm days. ☁️

Check Guided Walk Options

Enhance your visit with local insights. 🚶

Kid-Friendly Treasure Hunts

Engage children with fun activities. :child:

Enjoy Coffee with a View

The cafe offers great coffee and panoramic views. ☕

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Viamala Gorge for its breathtaking natural beauty, well-maintained trails, and unique geological formations. Many highlight the impressive descent into the gorge and the blend of ancient and modern architecture. The cafe and friendly staff also receive positive mentions, making it a well-rounded experience for families and nature lovers alike.

"Worth a visit if you're passing drive around the area. The place is Very well organized. It's clean and you'll find some information on the side along the walk path to get to the gorges. The ticket entry was 8 CHF/person. You could use the toilet for free from the ticket purchased. I have to mentioned here that the man who sells us the ticket was friendly - we can't help but took our time there in the cafe to have good coffee made from him. This place is certainly good for family."

Ya Tam

"A short visit to this gorge. I also hiked to the nearby Pùnt da Suransuns from here. Ask the visitors center for a map."

Kent Wang

"The best place to have a coffee and see the beauty of nature. Places like this make the soul sing."

Angelika Poljakova

What People Like

Stunning natural beauty
Impressive gorge descent
Well-organized facilities

What People Dislike

Stairs can be challenging

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Viamala Gorge is located near Thusis in Graubünden, Switzerland. You can drive and park near the entrance, where you'll purchase tickets. Public transport options are also available to Thusis, followed by a short journey to the gorge. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available directly in front of the gorge entrance. Instagram

Yes, you can reach Thusis by public transport and then make your way to the gorge. Reddit

The most common access involves purchasing a ticket and then descending the stairs into the gorge. Instagram

While the main trails involve stairs, there are viewpoints accessible without extensive climbing. Check for specific accessibility information if needed.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entry fee is typically around 8 CHF per person, which includes access to restrooms. Reddit

Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the gorge. Reddit

Information on discounts is not widely available, but it's always worth inquiring at the ticket office. Reddit

The gorge is generally accessible during daylight hours, with specific times for events like ViaLuna. It's best to check the official website for current hours. Instagram

Yes, dogs are welcome and enter for free. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can walk the gorge floor trail, admire the bridges, enjoy the cafe, and participate in guided walks or canyoning. Instagram+1

A short visit can be as little as an hour, but you could easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the trails and enjoying the cafe. Reddit

The main trail involves descending and ascending 359 steps, which can be strenuous for some. Instagram

ViaLuna is a special evening event where the gorge is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. Instagram

Yes, guided walks are often available, offering deeper insights into the gorge's history and nature. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The viewpoints from the bridges, the gorge floor with its towering cliffs, and the interplay of light on the water are all stunning. Instagram

Absolutely! The dramatic landscapes, unique rock formations, and the river provide endless photographic opportunities. Instagram

Morning light can be beautiful, but the gorge's unique atmosphere also lends itself to dramatic shots during the ViaLuna event. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the gorge, while a telephoto can be useful for details. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions. Instagram

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