Alpine Bike
Overview
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Distance 49 km
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Ascent 1900 m
Intro
Biking in the tracks of the Walser settlers: easy start through mystic Safiental, steep ascent on the «Polenweg» to the Tomülpass, a biking highlight, great descent to Vals. And to finish, a peaceful pedal in the remote Val Lumnezia.
Detour / Closure
There are detours or closures along this route, for more information see https://schweizmobil.ch/en/mountainbiking-in-switzerland/route-1/stage-7
Description
This long stage begins in Safien Platz in the remote Safien Valley. The Walser people migrated here from Upper Valais from the 12th century. Large meadows were needed at this altitude to ensure the cattle had enough food. The families' farms were therefore often spread far apart, as can still be seen clearly today.
You start climbing as you travel along the main road to Thalkirch and continue towards Turra. Below Piz Beverin, with a view of the mountain chain behind, you have your first glimpse of the Beverin Nature Park. It gets steeper after Turra. There are around 700 metres of elevation to be covered up to the Tomül Pass. The trail up and onwards to Alp Tomül is known as the “Polenweg” because it was built by Polish internees in the 1940s. It's worth taking another look back at the mountain scenery just before the pass.
Then the descent starts. It's in a class of its own: On the way to Alp Tomül, you'll encounter large, angular water channels. For pros, it's time to bunny hop; for everyone else, it's time to take it slow. Otherwise, rim strikes are guaranteed, which means changing a tyre or, in the worst case, having to push your bike to Vals. One benefit of the long ride is that you can see the small frogs hopping around. The alp is followed by the magnificent Riedboda, a moorland traversed by watercourses. It's the perfect place to take a break.
The bike trail soon gives way to a gravel road, which takes you down to Vals. The village is traversed by the Valser Rhine and is one of the largest municipalities in Switzerland, covering 176 square kilometres. While wood and quartzite give the village its unique look, it's best known for the thermal spring. Therme Vals opened in 1996. The listed square structure was built using 60,000 slabs of Vals quartzite.
Unfortunately, you don't have time to bathe. You still have around 25 kilometres and 800 metres of elevation to cover to Lumbrein. You can let go on the main road to Surcasti. After crossing the bridge, you start the next climb into Val Lumnezia, which is also known as the “valley of light”. Stretches of woodland, small hamlets and a swaying suspension bridge ensure variety. On the other side of the valley, the final ascent to the destination for this stage awaits: the sunny terrace in Lumbrein.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Safien Platz
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Lumbrein
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| Direction |
One way
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| Ascent |
1900 m
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| Descent |
1800 m
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| Distance |
49 km
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| Distance on tarred ways |
31 km
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| Distance on natural surface |
14 km
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| Singletrail (part of natural surface) |
4 km
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| Technical requirements |
Difficult
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| Physical requirements |
Difficult
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| Theme |
With panoramic view, Through a nature conservation area, Over a pass
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| More information | https://schweizmobil.ch/en/mountainbiking-in-switz... |
Quick Facts
Route number
