Stage 1 Road cycling Route Source Region Rhine: Chur – Splügen

Your journey starts in Chur (593m above sea level) and following the Rhine along the bike path, you’ll get to Reichenau. This is where the Posterior and Anterior Rhine come together, the two rivers that that we’re most interested in on this tour. On side roads, you’ll follow the road through the rolling hills of the Domleschg fruit and castle country. At Rothenbrunnen you’ll see the imposing Porta Raetica fortification whilst still on your bike. In Paspels, you’ll be able to admire the works of art by the well-known artist Robert Indermaur and the Schauenstein castle in Fürstenau will tempt you to take a first break. After passing through the historic trading town of Thusis (680m above sea level), the road ascends steadily. The Viamala-Schlucht (gorge) natural monument will have you in awe and you’ll soon forget all about the tough journey. The road runs spectacularly through the Viamala and a look into the gorge is certainly worthwhile. The route continues through the valley of the Posterior Rhine, passing the villages of Schamserberg until the valley narrows towards the Rofflaschlucht (gorge). The Roffla promises great insights into a wild ravine. The path ascends steadily but not steeply. Through the valley floor of the Rheinwald, you’ll reach Splügen (1,475m above sea level), the oldest pass village of Graubünden.

Stages

Overall route: Chur – Chur

Stage 1: Chur – Splügen

Stage 2: Splügen – Biasca

Stage 3: Biasca – Disentis

Stage 4: Disentis – Ilanz

Stage 5: Ilanz – Chur