5 Highlights at Crestasee
- The crystal-clear lake in the area of Flims and Trin is a popular swimming lake. Its water temperatures reach over 24 °C in the height of summer.
- In summer, there is a lifeguard, boat rental, and a restaurant by the lake.
- The mountain lake is situated at 841 m above sea level in a hollow. The forest around the lake provides extra cooling in the hot summer.
- The boat rental offers rowing boats, two-person kayaks, and stand-up paddles.
- Even in autumn, you can enjoy hot soups and other dishes at the kiosk. At this time, the lake shows a very colorful display due to reflections in the water.
- Underwater, there are rare crayfish in Crestasee. Maybe you can spot one of them along the shore, but please don’t disturb it.
Crestasee means "Lag la Cresta" in Romansh, which translates to “Lake at the ridge”. The lake is quite popular in summer, although it’s not as overcrowded as the nearby Caumasee.
What awaits you at Lake Cresta
Lake Cresta is a wonderful place to swim and relax. The five-hectare lake has a boat hire service and a lifeguard in high summer.
Lake Cresta is something like Lake Cauma's little brother. Its color is often similarly beautiful turquoise and the water temperature sometimes reaches even higher temperatures than Lake Cauma.
It is 14 m deep, 375 m long and 180 m wide.
Nature worth protecting at Lake Cresta
The water is of drinking water quality and contains very rare plant and animal species. The shore is home to the rare jackdaw crayfish. Little grebes breed in the reeds and herons also like to come here. Please do not disturb any of these protected animals, but enjoy them.
You will also find protected plants around the lake. Orchids such as the spotted orchid and the marsh orchid or the Turk's cap lily can be found on the shore, as can the rushes. There is even a small fen with protected peat mosses at Lake Cresta. The black alder is found only here in the whole of Graubünden.
Crestasee entrance fee
The entrance fee to the swimming area at Lake Cresta is CHF 7 for adults and CHF 3 for children. There is a discount for locals. "Short swimmers" who stay for a maximum of one hour also pay CHF 3. Entry to Lake Cresta is only charged during the bathing season. This is usually from May to October.
Facilities at Lake Cresta
You can hire parasols and sun loungers at the natural bathing area at Lake Cresta. At the boat rental you have the choice between:
- rowing boats
- stand-up paddles
- two-person kayaks Dogs are not allowed in the dog-free zone in the children's pool and on the jetty. They should be kept on a lead in the bathing area, but there are plenty of free areas all around where dogs can also jump into the lake.
Facilities at Lake Cresta:
- lifeguards
- Changing rooms
- Toilets
- kiosk
- boat rental
- restaurant with 4 double rooms
Crestasee kiosk and restaurant
Throughout the summer season, you can find hot snacks, hamburgers, chips and similar dishes at the kiosk next to the lake. The cozy table sets have parasols at the ready. Coffee and various cold drinks are of course also available.
In the fall, you can also eat typical Swiss dishes such as Grisons barley soup, pumpkin soup or raclette at the kiosk. A barbecue area has been set up next to the sunbathing lawn for barbecuing. There is a fire ban in the rest of the Cresta Lake area.
Above the lake there is a restaurant with 35 seats in the dining room and a large sun terrace. It also offers four double rooms for overnight stays. There is also a drinking water fountain nearby.
Felsbach Gorge at Lake Cresta
The wild and romantic Felsbach Gorge can be reached via a small path from the Crestasee restaurant. From a platform, you have a direct view of the Flembach stream as it roars through the winding gorge. It has its source in the upper Segnesboden, comes to Flims and continues through the Felsbach gorge to Trin Mulin. At the end, it flows into the Rhine Gorge.
Crestasee weather and water level
Like Lake Cauma, Lake Cresta lies in a depression in the area of the former Flims landslide. However, the lake does not have the same fluctuating water levels as Lake Cauma. It is assumed that this is another reason why the water temperature of Lake Cresta is slightly higher in summer than in Lake Cauma. Less cold water flows in from the underground water reservoir. The surrounding trees provide an additional pleasant coolness in summer.
The best activities at Lake Cresta
Lake Cresta offers some beautiful hiking trails that will take you all the way to Lake Cauma (and maybe even back). The same applies to cycling. There is a charging station for e-bikes near the restaurant above Lake Cresta.
Rowing boats, two-person kayaks and stand-up paddles can be hired at the lake in high summer.
The best hikes to Lake Cresta
We present two of the most popular hikes here. You will also find ideas for a winter hike.
Trin Mulin to Flims Waldhaus
An easy hike that takes you from the crystal-clear Lake Cresta to the turquoise-colored Lake Cauma. On the way, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Rhine Gorge from the "il Spir" viewing platform at Conn.
- Distance: 9.4 km
- Time: 2:20 hrs.
- Ascent: 437 m
- Descent: 157 m
- Difficulty: easy
- Best time: March to October
From Flims to Lake Cresta
This very easy hike takes you from the sports center in Flims (Postbus stop: "Flims Waldhaus, Camping") through the Flims forest to Lake Cresta.
- Distance: 3.4 km
- Time: 0:45 hrs.
- Ascent: 101 hm
- Descent: 100 m
- Difficulty: easy
- Best time: all year round
Winter hike from Trin Mulin to Lake Cresta
The trail starts in Trin Mulin. You first come to Lake Cresta, which is surrounded by beautiful forests. Then you walk back to Trin Mulin with a view of the beautiful Felsbach gorge. The best view of the wild Flem is from the nearby bridge.
- Distance: 4.8 km
- Time: 1:30 hrs.
- Ascent: 001 hm
- Descent: 221 m
- Difficulty: easy
- Best time: all year round
Getting to Crestasee
You can only reach the lake on foot. However, it only takes a few minutes from the parking lot or the Trin Mulin bus stop. The paths are even stroller-friendly.
Public Transport to Crestasee
From Chur, you can take the bus and arrive at the Crestasee stop in about 26 minutes. The PostAuto line no. 81 goes directly to the Trin Mulin, Crestasee stop.
By Car
From Chur, you drive via the A16 and Route 19 to Trin Mulin. After exiting at Reichenau/Flims, leave the highway and continue towards Flims. After the first tunnel, turn off to Trin Mulin. There are five parking spaces near the lake, so you can comfortably leave your car. From here, you'll walk to the lake. The hike is pleasant, and if you don't want to walk far, it's best to find a spot in parking lot (no. 5) in the woods. From there, it's about a 15-minute walk to the lake.
Crestasee is a nearly magical place well worth exploring. The stunning beauty of the lake makes it a popular destination for nature lovers and those wanting to swim. Whether you want to swim, dive, hike, or simply enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings, Crestasee has something for everyone. So grab your swimwear, hiking shoes, and camera, and head to Crestasee for an unforgettable day in Swiss nature.
