
A memorable road trip to Lai da Vons
Switzerland, europe
11 km
1,991 m
moderate
Year-round
# Lai da Vons: Alpine Beauty in the Swiss Mountains
Hidden away in the Beverin Nature Park sits Lai da Vons, a stunning high-altitude lake perched at 1,991m (6,532ft) where the Rheinwald forest meets Val Schons in Graubünden's Hinterrhein district. It's the kind of place that makes you understand why people fall in love with the Swiss Alps.
Getting there is an adventure in itself. The route follows Gütersträsschen, a charming little mountain road that's mostly paved until those final, grittier sections. Fair warning: it's narrow and seriously steep in places—we're talking grades up to 12%—so take your time and enjoy the ride.
Coming from Andeer? Buckle up for an 11km climb that'll gain you 1,095 meters of elevation (averaging a solid 10% grade). If you're starting from Sufers instead, it's a slightly shorter but equally intense 6.3km push with 657 meters of elevation gain at an average of 10.4%. Either way, your legs and your brakes will feel it.
But here's the payoff: once you reach that serene alpine lake, you're rewarded with absolutely breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the Sufers reservoir and all the way to the Rheinwald. It's one of those moments where the effort completely disappears and you're just left thinking, "Wow, this was totally worth it."
Where is it?
A memorable road trip to Lai da Vons is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.6400, 8.0159
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,991 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.6400, 8.0159
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