Geological E-Bike tour: over the Kunkelspass around Calanda

This geologically highly interesting circular tour starts in Bad Ragaz. After the village center, turn onto the old, picturesque road towards Valens, where the first 4.5 kilometers are just over 300 steep metres in altitude. A panoramic stop on the Tamina Bridge, which opened in 2017, is a must. With a span of 260 meters, it is the largest arch bridge in Switzerland. From Pfäfers, follow the gently ascending main road into the Tamina Valley. The next stop is worthwhile at the Windegg viewpoint before Vadura. Here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Glarus Thrust and the Wildseehörner. World Heritage information boards, viewpoints and cool loungers invite you to linger... but you'll probably want to keep going.

At the 16th kilometer you reach Vättis, where the 'BergeBeben!' exhibition shows the connection between earthquakes and mountain formation in the Tectonic Arena Sardona... very impressive thanks to the live transmission of seismic recordings! Over the next few kilometers along the valley floor of the bubbling Görbsbach stream, you can enjoy the view of the rugged limestone formations of the Haldensteiner (2,805 m) and Felsberger Calanda (2,697 m). The Eggwald mountain restaurant in Ober Kunkels (1148 m above sea level) is an inviting place to stop for refreshments. One last short climb and you have reached Graubünden and soon the Kunkelspasshöhe (1,357 m above sea level). The garden terrace of the Überuf mountain inn is irresistible. The lovely pass plateau presents itself like an arena, surrounded by the Calanda (2805 m.a.s.l.), the Crap Mats (2947 m.a.s.l.) and the Ringelspitz (3247 m.a.s.l.), the highest mountain in St.Gallen, situated in the Tectonic Arena. Inside the inn, an informative information room is dedicated to the UNESCO World Heritage Tectonic Arena Sardona.

The descent to Tamins (660 m above sea level) leads along a natural road built during the First World War, which is steep and bumpy in places. The view from the tunnel blasted into the rock is spectacular. You can overlook the Domleschg and even spot the Bernina massif in the distance. From Tamins, follow the national cycle route no. 2 to Felsberg, where you continue along the right bank of the Rhine to Chur. Once again, you can learn more about geology: In the Chur Nature Museum, a comprehensive geology exhibition focuses on the formation of the Alps. Afterwards, you can coast down the Rhine to Landquart and Bad Ragaz... or you can turn towards the train station, look up to Calanda once again... and finish the loop on the rail trail.