Breathtaking Alps - by bike on the Graubünden Route

Allegra, Grüezi and Ciao. Do you fancy two unique adventures in one of the most beautiful regions of the Alps? Do you find strenuous climbs and fast descents fun? Then, the Graubünden Route is absolutely the right choice for you and invites you to discover Switzerland's largest canton on two wheels. On your way, you will meet friendly people who will greet you in Swiss German, Romansh or Italian, depending on the valley.

You will ride through tiny villages that have retained their centuries-old charm with their sgraffito-decorated facades. And last but not least, you will cross alpine passes that tower over 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) and experience breathtaking landscapes in pristine nature, that will keep your legs going up the hilly stages. You will be able to recharge your batteries along the way at the countless mineral springs. You can also stock up on spicy mountain cheese in the villages and relax in the evening with a glass of Graubünden wine.

Both routes start from the capital Chur in the Rhine Valley, a city tour between tradition and modernity. You can reach Chur easily by train and get to the middle of the mountains in no time.

From Chur you will ride along the Rhine as the wild river roars through the east of Switzerland. It's hard to imagine that, 750 miles (1200 kilometers) later, the river flows into the North Sea. The Graubünden route splits in Thusis. The choice is yours: ride up the 2315 meter (7595 feet)-high Albula Pass into the Engadin (tours 2a to 4a) and get to know the Romansh culture or conquer the 2067 meter (6781 feet)-high San Bernardino Pass (tours 2b to 4b) and experience la dolce vita in the Italian-speaking part of Graubünden?

Graubünden is still an insider tip for touring cyclists. The routes are consistently marked "Route 6" and very versatile. The infrastructure is excellent: in many places you will find inns, hotels and campsites. I recommend booking early as the cycling season is short in summer. Grisons is better known as a winter sports resort for a reason: according to a saying, "it has eight months of snow and four months of cold". You should bring warm clothes even in the summer as snowfall can never be completely excluded, especially over 2000 meters (6500 feet). If the weather in the usually sun-blessed Canton turns uncomfortable, you can hop between all the stages by bus or the Rhaetian Railway, the ride on the narrow-gauge railway is also a special experience.