After leaving Maienfeld, we walk through the vineyards of Jenins and Malans. After the village of Malans, we leave the "Graubünden dominion", as this wine-growing region is called.
Afterwards we cross the Landquart, which has left the Prättigau shortly before through a very narrow rock cut. In the upper part of this valley are the well-known ski resorts of Klosters and Davos.
We stay on the eastern side of the Rhine in the relatively wide valley to Trimmis, passing through other, smaller vine-growing areas. The Rhine Valley is now gradually changing direction to the west.
Leaving Trimmis, we then go up again to the valley flank, which brings us shade in the forest and also gives us the opportunity to look at the Rhine Valley from the heights. In doing so, we also bypass the extensive outskirts of Chur, which lie at the bottom of the valley. This takes us through a lot of nature directly to the cathedral of Chur, the capital of the canton of  Graubünden. 

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.

Maienfeld - Eichholz - Erlenböden - Buochwald - Malans - River Landquart - Marschlins Castle - Igis - Zizers - Molinära - Trimmis - Bach Maschänser Rüfi - Fürstenwald - Waldhaus - Eulengut - Chur Cathedral

The Kunkelspass (1357 m a.s.l.) connects Vättis with Tamins. The lovely plateau presents itself like an arena, surrounded by the mountains of the Calanda (2805 m above sea level), the Crap Mats (2947 m above sea level) and the Ringelspitz (3247 m above sea level), the highest mountain in St.Gallen, located in the Tectonic Arena Sardona.

From Vättis (943 m a.s.l.) an easy hike leads to the Kunkel Pass. Along the bubbling Görbsbach, the path leads gently uphill through meadows and forest sections to Unter Kunkels (1073 m above sea level). What a feast for the eyes, especially in early summer, when the alpine flora comes to life! Above the left side of the valley are the Haldensteiner and the Felsberger Calanda with their rugged limestone formations. When the path becomes a little steeper, you approach the Eggwald mountain restaurant in Ober Kunkels (1148 m a.s.l.). In the case of pleasure hikers, the 'autopilot' takes over in view of the neat restaurant, and you steer straight into the garden restaurant. But it is also not far to the Kunkelspasshöhe (1357 m.a.s.l.).

Kunkelspass as a goal or intermediate destination

In the mountain inn Überuf you can linger with pleasure on the garden terrace or in the wood-fired warmed dining room. Next door is a seminar room with information about the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tectonic Arena Sardona. They are proud to be able to offer the eastern entrance to the geological wonderland with Kunkels. A telescope offers the opportunity to take a close look at the Ringelspitz and the Glarus main thrust or the demolition niche of the Tamins landslide. Sometimes on the seabed, sometimes under 800 metres of glacial ice - the history of the earth also offers a lot of variety for Kunkels.

The shortest route into the valley is via a small road built during the First World War to Tamins (660 m above sea level). The view from the tunnel blasted into the rock is spectacular. If you want to continue uphill, climb via Grossalp to the SAC-Ringelspitzhütte (1998 m.a.s.l.). The hospitable hut can be enjoyed as a panoramic east-facing balcony of the Tectonic Arena Sardona.

Varied bike tour with a beautiful descent through the magnificent and wild Valzeina Valley. The variant is particularly recommended here, because it offers further scenic as well as sporting highlights.

The ascent takes place on a mountain road with little traffic and later traverses on a forest path to Unter Valzeina. A short ascent on a mountain road and you reach the Mittagsplatte, which lies like an eagle's nest above the Graubünden Rhine Valley and offers a magnificent view. For the descent, first drive back a short distance before a relatively steep trail branches off to the left. This is especially challenging in the upper section and can only be ridden by technically experienced bikers (after 5 - 10 minutes of pushing, however, the trail becomes flatter and easier). Later it joins a forest road, which you follow to the village of Zizers. The return journey to Landquart takes place on the Rhine dam; the section between Zizers and Landquart runs on a good rideable trail.

The varied day hike leads via St. Margrethenberg through the Chimmi forest to Marola and then up to the Zweierspitz. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the Tamina Valley, from the Kunkels to the Tamina Bridge. On Salaz you will not only find a modern alpine hut, but also a magnificent alpine flora.

At the Cholhüttenau sports field, the path initially leads through dense beech forest via the Schröter huts to the hunting lodge on Guaggis. Over partly open alpine meadows and sparse fir forest, we reach Alp Salaz on a slight incline. Alp Salaz is a fertile high terrace above the deeply incised Tamina Valley. There is an almost vertigo-inducing view down to the village of Vättis. Less frightening is the view to the south into the Rhine Valley and Prättigau. On the steep mountain flanks of the Calanda massif, Switzerland's first wolf pack has been at home again since the extinction of the wolf in the 19th century.

You’ll leave Splügen (1458 m above sea level) on cycle route no. 505 "Rheinwaldroute" down the valley. At first, the road heads a few meters in the direction of Splügen Pass.

In the first bend, you’ll turn left and reach a short but steep climb through the Fugscht forest (1589 m above sea level). A rapid descent brings you to the Sufnersee, whose water shines turquoise. On the Northern shore of the lake, you’ll take the little-traveled road in the direction of Roflaschlucht (gorge). Even from the road, you’re guaranteed great views of the wild canyon. Through Bärenburg (1040 m above sea level), you’ll take a side road to Pignia. From here, a nature trail leads to Zillis (945 m above sea level). An insider's tip is Capun's, a local specialty - prepared by the Swiss Capuns champion at the hotel Post. Strengthened from the food the route leads you over Reischen (1024 meters) through the Viamala gorge to Thusis (680 m above sea level). Cycle route no. 6 takes you along the Posterior Rhine through the Domleschg. In Reichenau, where the Anterior Rhine merges the Rhine Anterior, change onto the Rheinrad route no. 2 and a comfortable ride back to Chur (593 m above sea level).

Stages

Overall route: Chur  – Chur

Stage 1: Chur – Thusis

Stage 2: Thusis – Glaspass – Thusis

Stage 3: Thusis – Andeer

Stage 4 Andeer – Lai da Vons – Splügen

Stage 5. Splügen – Splügen

Stage 6. Splügen – Chur

Note(s)
Old Bad Pfäfers and Tamina Gorge
Walk along the paths of the beneficial thermal waters. The Tamina Gorge is a real natural phenomenon in itself and gives us an impressive idea of the immense power of water. In the middle of it all, the oldest baroque spa building in Switzerland, the Old Bad Pfäfers with its spa museum, Paracelsus memorial and restaurant, is a reminder of the Wilhelminian era. Restaurant Bad Pfäfers, Tel. +41 (0)81 302 71 61
Accessible on foot or with the gorge bus from the train station or entrance Postplatz Bad Ragaz . General driving ban, also for bicycles.

Tamina-Therme - relax in the hot springs
Enjoy the relaxing bathing fun in the public indoor and outdoor thermal baths with a wonderful whirlpool, lazy river, waterfall, bubble loungers, bubble seats, bubble grotto and various massage jets. Tamina-Therme, Bad Ragaz, Tel. +41 (0)81 303 27 40.

The scenic Rhine Valley near Chur, as well as Graubünden's north, known as Bündner Herrschaft, are regions that are predestined for wonderful walks and beautiful hiking tours. The wine villages and hiking trails are aligned like pearls along the Rhine River. Hike on a breezy autumn day when the "Föhn" blows across the Alps, when the wine harvest is drawing close and when one of the wine villages is preparing for a colorful fall festival - these are truly unforgettable experiences!

There are 3 circular tours through the vineyards along the way, Trimmis/Zizers (appr. 4 km), Malans/Jenins (appr. 10 km), Maienfeld/Fläsch (appr. 10 km). Together with the main trail from Chur to Fläsch (30 km), there are more than 40 km of signposted hiking tours available. A special map of the wine hiking trail is available at the tourist information at the railway station in Chur, as well as along the the way in the wine villages.

Due to its sunny location in the valley, the wine hiking trails are a good option almost all year round.