Graubünden Route
Overview
-
-
Distance 30 km
-
Ascent 950 m
Intro
Rugged and steep up through the Schinschlucht (gorge) to Tiefencastel, later nice and easy through the Alvaneuer Albulatal, where sulphur springs promise relief. High above, red trains on the curved Landwasser viaduct.
Detour / Closure
There are detours or closures along this route, for more information see https://schweizmobil.ch/en/cycling-in-switzerland/route-6/stage-2
Description
Thusis was almost completely destroyed by a fire in 1845. The Protestant parish church, built in 1506, still survives. The village has a long tradition as a marketplace because the Walser Route to Thusis was already very important for the people of the Safien Valley. Due to the heavy traffic on the main road between Thusis and Tiefencastel and the dangerous tunnel in the Schin Gorge, it is recommended that you take the train or postbus between Thusis and Tiefencastel. The Rhaetian Railway's Albula line is an attraction. With its countless bridges and loop and spiral tunnels, it is an engineering masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Soon after leaving Thusis and Sils im Domleschg, you glimpse Ehrenfels Castle below you. Its tower probably dates from the first half of the 13th century. The 164-metre Solis Viaduct, which spans the Albula River at a height of 85 metres, is a further highlight on this route. At Tiefencastel, you immerse yourself in Parc Ela, Switzerland's largest nature park. It combines three linguistic cultures: Romansh, German and Italian. The park gets its name from Piz Ela, which rises 3339 metres between the Albula Valley and Oberhalbstein. Tiefencastel lies in the confluence of the vivacious Albula and Gelgia (Julia) rivers, and the Imacastra Roman fort reminds you of its long history as a strategically important transport hub.
The stunningly beautiful stretch of forest and river between Surava and Bellaluna is peaceful but a little bumpy. Cycling by the Alvra (the Rhaeto-Romance name of the Albula) is great fun – especially along the "Water Trail", where some truly creative examples of engineering art are on show. For example, the Landwasser Viaduct at Filisur, the most photographed structure on the Rhaetian Railway: balanced on 65-meter-high pillars, the little red train makes its graceful way towards the Landwasser Tunnel. The pillars of the viaduct taper upwards, making it one of Switzerland's most elegant bridge structures.
The first industrial centre in Graubünden was also a milestone in Swiss history. At Bellaluna, smoke and fumes from charcoal kilns used to rise into the sky from an ore-smelting plant, fuelled from the abundant forests of the Albula Valley. Mining in Bellaluna was abandoned in the mid-19th century. You can't miss the ruins of the former plant, located directly on the cycle route. The last section of the cycle route feels rather antiquated and looks different than the previous stretch along the Albula. Huffing and puffing, you pedal up to the unspoilt mountain village of Bergün at the foot of the Albula Pass. You've earned your Graubünden specialities: Pizokels (pasta), Maluns (a potato dish) or Capuns (a noodle dough dish)!
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 |
Thusis
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Bergün
|
| Ascent |
950 m
|
| Descent |
260 m
|
| Distance |
30 km
|
| Distance on tarred ways |
23 km
|
| Distance on natural surface |
7 km
|
| Physical requirements |
Difficult
|
| Theme |
Along Water, Through a gorge, Through a nature conservation area
|
| More information | https://schweizmobil.ch/en/cycling-in-switzerland/... |
Quick Facts
Route number
