Trans Grischun – multi-day gravel bike tour

The start of this multi-day bikepacking tour is the Oberalp Pass – very close to the source of the Rhine. From here, the route takes you through picture-book villages and landscapes of the Surselva to Chur. The section between the capital of Graubünden and Lavin in the Lower Engadine can be mastered patgific (comfortably) on the Rhaetian Railway. From Lavin, the route leads to Scuol and from there to the wild Val S-charl and to the Costainas Pass. From the roof of the Trans Grischun it is almost all downhill to Sta. Maria in Val Müstair. As different as the landscape and regions of this tour are, one thing remains the same: namely, the Rhaeto-Romanic language, albeit in different idioms (dialects).

5 highlights of the Trans Grischun:

• Oberalp Pass: It is on this pass – in the far west of Graubünden and near the source of the Rhine – that the Trans Grischun starts.
• Alp Stavonas: The section between Wali and Alp Stavonas is one of the most beautiful sections of the second stage.
• Rhine Gorge: A spectacular panoramic road winds its way along this natural monument – also known as the "Swiss Grand Canyon". The rock faces tower up 300 meters high. Tip: A photo stop at the Spitg viewing platform shortly after Versam is worthwhile.
• Val S-charl: Along the rough gravel bed of the rushing Clemgia stream, the gravel road leads to the highest pine forest in Europe, the God da Tamangur. Pure nature and gravel fun.
• Pass da Costainas: With its 2250 m above sea level. M. it forms the roof of the Trans Grischun. It is also one of the highlights of this tour in terms of landscape and driving technique.

Flexible planning: The Trans Grischun runs through inhabited areas at regular intervals, so that you can always find overnight accommodation and adapt the stages to your needs. And if you run out of grains, you can hop on the Rhaetian Railway or the post bus anywhere along the route.

Section 1: Oberalp Pass–Obersaxen (55 km, 1,760 m elevation gain)

The first stage of the multi-day Trans Grischun starts in the far east of Graubünden. Specifically: on the Oberalp Pass. In constant ups and downs, the route leads through the Surselva to the high plateau of Obersaxen.

The start of this gravel bike tour is the Oberalp Pass, which is located near the source of the Anterior Rhine. The well-known river is also a companion of the first section of the trail. The route first leads you from the top of the pass over the asphalt road. After a short while, you turn into the old pass road, where you feel the first gravel under the tires of your gravel bike. The trail soon tapers to a flowing singletrack. In Selva, turn off the main road and take the Graubünden Bike Route 90 to Sedrun. Here it is worth taking a short detour to the village to fortify yourself in "La Conditoria" with the smallest nut cake in the world. Via Surrein you reach the Uaul Cavorgia and on to the quaint mountain village of Mumpé Medel. From here you can enjoy a beautiful view down to Disentis. The imposing Benedictine monastery has shaped the village since the 13th century.

From Disentis, follow the official Rhine Cycle Route No. 2 before the route of the Trans Grischun leads up to the plateau of Obersaxen. The area was settled by the Walsers and is therefore a Swiss-German language island in the middle of the Surselva, where Romansh is spoken. Shortly after Friggahüs, you can let the first stage roll out patgific (leisurely) to Obersaxen Meierhof and enjoy the impressive view of the Surselva.

Section 2: Trans Grischun: Obersaxen–Castrisch (40 km, 1,200 m elevation gain)

One of the highlights of the second stage is the crossing from Obersaxen into the Val Lumnezia. The gentle hilly landscape with numerous stables burned by the sun is almost kitschy. And finally, a serpentine descent of the very best awaits you.

On this stage, things get off to a sharp start. Around 700 metres of altitude difference in one go are served for breakfast from Obersaxen Meierhof. The road goes up via Miraniga to Wali. The following section of the route to Alp Stavonas is a dream. On a dirt road you reach the highest point of the day – Alp Nova at 2079 m above sea level. M. You've long since left the tree line behind and up here the clocks seem to tick a little slower. Perfect for a break in the saddle. The route continues patgific (leisurely) to Alp Sezner. On the descent to Vignogn you can enjoy a unique view of the Val Lumnezia. Tip on hot days: Take a break at the Davos Munts bathing lake, cool your muscles and eat in the restaurant. Via Vella, the journey continues through the valley to Morissen, where the second-to-last climb of the day awaits. Via the small chapel Sogn Carli you reach the mountain inn Bündner Rigi. Also in the artist's café at 1618 m above sea level. M. is worth a break. The terrace surprises you with an enchanting view of the Surselva and Rhine Gorge. For all those who love switchbacks, the highlight of the day follows with the winding descent to Luven. Afterwards you drive into Ilanz, the first town on the Rhine, and at the end you roll comfortably to the stage finish in Castrisch.

Section 3: Castrisch–Scuol (66 km, 1,400 m elevation gain)

Today is a long day ahead – including a transfer with the Rhaetian Railway. So it's always worth getting up early. The highlights? A small Maiensässbeizli with a great view, a spectacular road through the Rhine Gorge and typical Lower Engadine villages.

The stage starts in the tranquil village of Castrisch. You first follow the official Rhine Cycle Route No. 3. The road climbs only slightly – perfect for breaking in your legs. In Valendas, you can fill your water bottle with fresh mountain spring water – from the largest wooden fountain in Europe. Shortly after Carrera, turn off onto the road to Brno and continue up to Imschlacht. The road and views are amazing. Tip: In the Maiensässbeizli you can fortify yourself with a portion of mountain cheese, salsiz or a nut cake. We continue down into the Safiental. Then comes another highlight: the spectacular panoramic road along the Rhine Gorge. The rock faces of the "Swiss Grand Canyon" tower up 300 metres high. From Bonaduz you roll on side paths to Chur. The section between the capital of Graubünden and Lavin in the Lower Engadine can be bridged patgific (comfortably) on the Rhaetian Railway.

From the Lower Engadine village of Lavin, your muscle power is in demand again. The route to the stage destination takes you on a fine gravel path via Guarda to Scuol. Below you flows the light turquoise Inn. In the Lower Engadine, the landscape is completely different. The sunburnt stables of the Surselva have given way to houses with colorful paintings. The art of "sgraffito", the traditional stucco technique of the region, is mastered by only a few people in the valley. And in Scuol, not only mountain spring water flows, but even mineral water from the wells. Just gschpunna.

Section 4: Scuol–Sta. Maria (40 km, 1,100 m ascent)

On the last stage of the Trans Grischun it gets wild, rough and technical. The highlight is the route through Val S-charl and up to the Pass da Costainas, the transition from the Lower Engadine to Val Müstair.

After starting in Scuol, follow the mountain bike route no. 1. The climb to the mountain village of S-charl starts in the forest with some steep ramps. Here the ground is still asphalted and the altitude meters melt away quickly. Shortly afterwards, the forest thins out near Sasstaglia, asphalt is replaced by gravel and the view opens up into the valley. At the bottom right of the scree gorge flows the river Clemgia. Nature is getting wilder. Not surprising, because you are close to the Swiss National Park. Nestled between high mountain peaks, the route climbs leisurely, in between with short, steep ramps to S-charl at 1808 m above sea level. M. Here we recommend a short breather: fill your water bottle and recharge your batteries in the restaurant if necessary. Then the final ascent to the roof of the Trans Grischun begins – to the Pass da Costainas at 2250 m above sea level. M. Shortly after S-charl you will see the God da Tamangur on the left side of the valley. It is the highest, contiguous pine forest in Europe. Nature and gravel biking experience at its finest.

At Alp Astras, fresh alpine products and the cosy atmosphere invite you to take a short break before the most challenging part of the tour follows: a single trail up to the top of the Pass da Costainas. This is easy to ride with a little concentration, balance and technique. Once at the top, you can enjoy a unique view from one valley to the next. From here it's almost all downhill. The first passage on a rough and steep gravel path may become a short pushing passage for less experienced hikers. On bumpy paths and easy trails, it goes up to the height of Alp Champatsch. From here, the tour leads along forest roads and an asphalt road down to Lü, Tschierv and on forest paths comfortably through the valley to Sta. Maria.