Rheinschlucht Bike
Overview
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Distance 47 km
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Ascent 1450 m
Intro
The Rhine Gorge in Graubünden is one of the most majestic and diverse landscapes in the Alps. The wild gorge combines roaring rapids with steep white cliffs and expansive woodlands. On this round tour circle this spectacle of nature on forest paths and single trails.
Description
This circular route starts in Laax. Shaded woodland paths lead you past the popular Caumasee lake, whose emerald-green scenery draws in swathes of tourists all year round, but especially in summer. The lake is fed by underground hot springs, which keep the water wonderfully warm. Now it’s time to follow the forest path away from the hustle and bustle. As you continue on your way, the wide trails give you brief glimpses over the foothills of the Heinzenberg and the chain of mountains between Feldis and Lenzerheide. At Conn, it’s worth taking a detour to the “Il Spir” viewing platform. This triangular platform offers unrivalled views down into the Rhine Gorge below.
At Trin, you’ll dip into the quintessential cultural landscape of the Surselva region. Orchards border alpine meadows, with traditional log cabins scattered in between. The whitewashed chapel above the village is unmistakeable.
Above the Vorderrhein, you head on to Tamins. Located at the point where the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein rivers converge, this town played an important role in early Grisons history. In the 14th century, when long-distance travel across the canton’s alpine passes began to increase, two bridges and a customs house were built here. These bridges were the only places to cross the river on this vital north-south axis.
In Bonaduz, you’ll reach the gateway to the Rhine Gorge – and the most spectacular part of the route. The views of the Rhine Gorge, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland, are truly breathtaking. Created by a landslide more than 10,000 years ago, the gorge stretches on for some 14 kilometres. Following its original riverbed, the Vorderrhein winds along until it reaches a 350-metre-high white chalk cliff. Rare birds such as the common sandpiper and little ringed plover breed on the pebbly banks of the river. Its flood plains are also home to several varieties of orchid.
At the ravine in Versam, you’ll come across wild, eroded landscapes. Built between 1880 and 81, the laboriously constructed road here is one of Switzerland’s most important transport connections. From this historic road, you can look out over vertical cliffs, steep ravines, bridges, tunnels and winding roads flanked by walls. The route rises one last time at Valendas and ends on the sunny high plateau of the Rhine Gorge, back at the starting point in Laax.
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 |
Laax, Staderas
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Laax, Staderas
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| Ascent |
1450 m
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| Descent |
1450 m
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| Distance |
47 km
|
| Distance on tarred ways |
15 km
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| Distance on natural surface |
27 km
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| Singletrail (part of natural surface) |
5 km
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| Technical requirements |
Difficult
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| Physical requirements |
Difficult
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| Signalization |
Signalisation in one direction
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| More information | https://schweizmobil.ch/en/mountainbiking-in-switz... |
Quick Facts
Route number
