The sun is shining, a light breeze is blowing and countless butterflies flutter in the air. Welcome to Val S-charl, south of Scuol on the edge of the Swiss National Park. The e-bike motor hums quietly, in keeping with the soft gurgle of the stream. Now and again you are taken unawares by the defiant whistling of marmots. It is otherwise very peaceful and quiet in the valley. Until a bear ambles through the undergrowt like it did last summer. Bears used to inhabit the whole of Switzerland. They died out first in Mittelland, then in the Pre-Alps and the Jura. In 1900, they were only to be found in the Lower Engadin and in Val Müstair. Until Switzerland’s last remaining bear was hunted down right here in Val S-charl around 110 years ago. These days, they pay the Lower Engadin a visit every now and again, but these shy animals are very rarely spotted. Which isn’t a problem as the region has other aces up its sleeve.

Such as the highest stone pine forest in Europe – God da Tamangur – or the wild horses just below. They graze freely on this hillside, with its magnificent view down the valley and up to the gnarled 700-year-old stone pines. Romansch speakers view the stone pine forest as a symbol of tenacity, the will to survive and strength. It has been protected since 2007. For this reason, the route now takes you along the right side of the valley and up a gentle incline to the green Alp Astra and its cows. From there, you join a flowing single trail that takes you to the Pass da Costainas.

At 2,251m, the Pass da Costainas marks the highest point of the first stage of the route. Good thing that you need just a daypack for this four-day round trip. The rest of your luggage is transported conveniently from one bike hotel to the next. This lets you get even more enjoyment out of your tour. The route finally takes you along a single trail and later onto the forest road that wends its way all the way down to Val Müstair. Time to recharge your e-bike’s batteries – and your own.

From Müstair, the trail leads you up a steep incline that is tough even for e-bikers, through the wildly romantic Val Vau. This might be hard to believe, but see your natural surroundings get more and more spectacular the higher you climb. Peddle past spraying waterfalls and lowing cows up to the enchanting Döss Radond plateau – a pleasure for all your senses.

If you want to travel on from here through the untouched and beautiful Val Mora to Italy, then don't forget to kiss the rock formation of Mumma Veglia – an ancient patron saint who has forever been watching over and bringing luck to the inhabitants of Val Müstair. The only condition: to kiss the stone the first time you peddle by each new year.