Stamser Gravel Experience

The tour starts at Chur train station and takes you northwards out of the Rhine Valley along traffic-calmed roads. Follow SwitzerlandMobility Route 501 (Chur Rhine Route) to Trimmis and can easily follow the signs. Directly after Chur, the route runs on a well-developed cycle path through the last foothills of the Fürstenwald before you reach the village of Trimmis.

From here on, the easy roll-in is over: the ascent to the Walser village of Stams begins. In several serpentines, the little-used road winds steadily uphill. In the small village of Says, you can not only enjoy the view of the Rhine Valley, but also fortify yourself with regional specialities in the charming farm shops.

The road continues to wind upwards. After Obersays, you will be immersed in a quiet forest in which individual mountain huts are scattered. The secluded nature is almost reminiscent of Canada - but the view back to the Rhine Valley quickly brings you back to Switzerland. After further metres of altitude, you finally reach the former Walser settlement "Stams" at 1645 m above sea level. M. The Maiensäss is located on a saddle between Ful Berg and Zipperspitz and forms the watershed between Valzeina Valley and Rhine Valley.

From here the adventure begins: the route becomes narrower and rockier, but remains easy to ride – ideal for mountain bikes and gravel bikes. In the Valzeina Valley, you are now far away from civilisation, with only a few alpine farms in the valley. Surrounded by an impressive mountain backdrop and wild streams, you will experience pure nature and a real feeling of adventure.

A special highlight: If you read "Wrong" on the board, you've come to the right place! The small alp must be crossed before a short climb leads to the village of Valzeina. From there it goes steadily downhill into Prättigau. Via the Prättigau and Rhine routes, you finally roll comfortably back to Chur - a perfect end to this varied tour.

In Stams you can fortify yourself again in Katja and Heinz's Maiensäss, while you can enjoy a beautiful view of both valleys - the Rhine Valley and the Valzeina Valley. Open only on request: katjagurt@bluewin.ch
If you drive the route in great heat, you can make a stop at the Trimmis bathing lake on the way back, where there is also a cozy bathing restaurant with a small but fine selection of food and drinks.