From the Lower Engadin village of Lavin, your muscle power is needed once again. The route to the stage finish takes you along a fine gravel path via Guarda to Scuol. Below you, the bright turquoise Inn River flows. The landscape in the Lower Engadin presents a completely different picture. The sunburnt stables of the Surselva have given way to houses adorned with colorful paintings. The art of Sgraffito, the traditional stucco technique of the region, is now mastered by only a few in the valley. And in Scuol, not only does mountain spring water flow from the fountains, but even mineral water. Simply gschpunna.

Total distance and elevation gain (excluding public transport sections): 66 km, 1,400 meters of ascent, 1,900 meters of descent.

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Rhine Route 2: Andermatt - Oberalppass - Disentis - Trun - Ilanz - Versam - Reichenau - Chur - Landquart - Jenins - Maienfeld - Sargans - Buchs - Oberriet - Altstätten - St.Margrethen - Fussach (D) - Gaissau (D) - Rohrschach - Arbon - Romanshorn - Kreuzlingen - Steckborn - Stein am Rhein - Gailingen (D) - Schaffhausen - Dachsen - Ellikon - Eglisau - Zurzach - Felsenau - Laufenburg - Stein - Rheinfelden - Pratteln - Muttenz - Basel

www.viafrancisca.ch/wegbeschreibung/

For more explanations on the trail, visit us on www.viafrancisca.ch

www.viafrancisca.ch/wegbeschreibung

There are now two pilgrimage routes between Chur and Disentis, with the Via Francisca running mainly on the southern side of the Rhine, while the Way of St. James Graubünden, called Via SonGiachen, runs on the northern side. However, the two paths are almost identical up to Tamins. So it may happen that the two hikers in front are also pilgrims, but on their way from South Tyrol to Central Switzerland.
Both paths lead from Chur towards the Graubünden Oberland, called Surselva. Initially, we hike along the southern edge of the wide Rhine valley. At Domat/Ems we first cross the tracks of the Rhaetian Railway at the station, then walk between the two hills "Tuma Tschelli" and "Tuma Casti" and then circle the second to the north. This brings us first to the Rhine power plant, and after crossing the Rhine over the weir, the paths then separate to meet again briefly on the main square of Tamins. But only as far as crossing the village square, where we separate again. Now it's down to cross the Vorderrhein on the railway bridge. And so we arrive at Bonaduz.

The stages in this documentation are suggestions that each pilgrim can adapt to his wishes. however, the technical data always concern the assumption that these stages are completed in one day.

Chur - River Plessur - Rose Hill - Lime kiln - Paleu sura - Domat/Ems - Tuma Casté - Power plant - Rhine weir - Tamins - Anterior Rhine - Campagna - Bonaduz

Today's stage is impressive, it takes us on the southern flank through the Rhine Gorge, the Swiss version of the "Grand Canyon", popular especially with water sports enthusiasts such as canoeists or rafters. The gorge has very steep flanks on both sides, so that the embarkation usually takes place in Ilanz and the disembarkation at the confluence of the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein near Reichenau. However, there is still a transport option, because the Rhaetian Railway (narrow gauge) runs on the Chur - Ilanz route through the gorge, with some bridges and tunnels. This route is also used in winter. So whatever the weather has in store for capers, we will definitely come to Ilanz.
Of course, we hope for sunny weather, because then this stage with its breathtaking views is an unforgettable treat. We will ascend at the beginning and enjoy the gorge from above, then we will descend to the Rhine, where we will then meet the Rhaetian Railway and follow it and the Rhine to Ilanz.

The stages in this documentation are suggestions that each pilgrim can adapt to his wishes. however, the technical data always concern the assumption that these stages are completed in one day.

Bonaduz - Caumas - Tschavir - Zault - Puz da Mattauns - Versam - Hübschera - Carnifels - Alatobel - Carrera - Carreratobel - Valendas - Station Valendas - Castrisch - Glenner - Ilanz

Initially, you roll from Vrin down to Surin and follow the signposted mountain bike route via Surcasti to Uors. Here it is worthwhile to take the post bus for the ascent to Vals. This saves "only" 320 meters in altitude, but still! Because on the third stage of the Surselva hut tour, it is important to save energy for the upcoming ascent up to the Tomül Pass. To do this, you follow the signposted mountain bike route (Alpine Bike), first on asphalt, then on gravel and after the ridge on an easily rideable single trail. On the last section after Alp Tomül, there is always a pushing section to do, unless you have strength in your calves like Nino Schurter - or an e-bike. But the pushing is not in vain, because the upcoming section through the Safiental is one of the longest mountain bike descents in the Alps with almost 40 kilometres. The first part leads along the historic mule route down to Safien Thalkirch. Now you change to the road with little traffic and later pass the village of Safien Platz. Leave the road at the Rainmatte, follow the Rabiusa stream, pass the reservoir and then climb a few metres on the right side of the valley to finally reach the old Safierstrasse. Today, only one single trail remains of the road, so for mountain bikers it is a fantastic section through enormously steep terrain. The route here is interspersed with small tunnels. Later, the path widens again and you roll out of the valley on a small road to Sigl Ault.

At Sigl Ault, the wheat is separated from the chaff on the final stage of the Surselva hut tour: If you don't have any strength left, you roll down to Bonaduz and get on the train here for the return journey to Chur. But the original route still has a few highlights to offer. The section after the Sigl Ault is an unparalleled trail treat and leads high above the Rhine Gorge to the Versamerstrasse. Here is the next opportunity to end the stage with the flat ride to Bonaduz. But here, too, there is still something to experience on the original route, because the upcoming single trail section past the ruins of Wackenau is no less attractive than the previous trail over the Rhine Gorge. This way you get to Reichenau and get on the train back to Chur. So much for the recommended version for the third stage of the Surselva hut tour.

If you still haven't had enough in Reichenau, follow the cycle path from Tamins in the direction of Chur and then change to the trail near the left bank of the Rhine before Felsberg. This trail leads to the Rossboden army site, from where you roll along the cycle routes to Chur train station.

The Hüttentour Surselva is a three-day mountainbike tour in the region between Chur, Flims and Vals. The ascents are primarily mastered under one‘s own power and lead over well rideable paths. The up hill to Vals is covered by post bus. The descents are mainly on singletrails that can be ridden smoothly, but experience in alpine mountainbiking is an advantage. On the Hüttentour, all luggage for three days is in the backpack, no luggage transport is possible. However, the selected huts have hotel standard.

Starting place: The Hüttentour Surselva starts in Flims. Ideally, you travel by car or public transport to Chur and get from there by post bus to Flims. Mountainbikes can be taken along without any problems, each post bus has a rear rack for up to five bikes.

E-Mountainbike: The Hüttentour Surselva is also easily doable with the e -mountainbike. However, experience in battery management is necessary to reach the stage destination with one charge. In the huts are sockets available to charge the battery. However, it is important to bring your own charger.