Splügen Gravel Bike Loop

Simple

24.8 km

1:35 h

260 mhd

Technique

Fitness

Highest Point 1651 m

Lowest Point 1456 m

Best Season

Jan

Feb

Mär

Apr

Mai

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Okt

Nov

Dez

Details

Description

This gravel bike tour starts in the historic mountain village of Splügen and leads through the high alpine Rheinwald area towards Hinterrhein. From the start, the open mountain landscape with wide views of the surrounding peaks shapes the character of the route.

After the start, the route runs on well-developed paths and secondary roads downhill. With increasing distance, paved sections alternate with natural gravel and pebble passages. A scenic highlight is the Kapellbach bridge, which with a waterfall, barbecue area and natural bathing pool invites you to a short break.

Further on, the tour follows a particularly attractive gravel path along the Hinterrhein. This section offers quiet gravel biking amidst alpine nature and is one of the highlights of the route. The river accompanies the route for several kilometers and ensures a steady, flowing riding character.

The destination is in Hinterrhein, one of the oldest Walser settlements in Graubünden. The tour is ideal as a half-day trip or as a connecting tour within the Rheinwald.

Hidden Gem

Village of Splügen
Village of Hinterrhein
Kapellbach bridge with waterfall
The barbecue area at the Kapellbach bridge invites you to enjoy a pleasant break. Don't forget your own provisions.

Safety Note

The route partly runs on public roads and on natural paths. Extra caution is advised on gravel and trail sections when wet. In high alpine areas, weather changes can occur rapidly. Riding style must be adapted to current weather and path conditions. Wearing a helmet is recommended.

Equipment

Gravel bike
Helmet recommended
Weather-appropriate clothing
Enough drinking water
Small snacks for the way
Optional: barbecue provisions (barbecue area at the Kapellbach bridge)

Directions

Start in Splügen. The route initially leads downhill on secondary roads and paths towards Hinterrhein. After about 11 km, the village of Hinterrhein is reached. Then the route continues further downstream over the Kapellbach bridge. From about 18.6 km, the route runs on a longer gravel section directly along the Hinterrhein. The destination is reached after about 24.8 km.

Directions

Public Transport

Take the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) to Thusis. From Thusis, continue with the PostBus towards Splügen / Hinterrhein to the Splügen, village stop. The starting point of the tour is reachable within a few minutes on foot from the stop.

Travel Information

Take the A13 (San Bernardino route) to the Thusis-South or Thusis-North exit. Then follow the cantonal road towards Splügen Pass / Splügen. Public parking is available in the village of Splügen, close to the starting point of the tour.