With so much unspoilt mountain scenery to explore, it’s no surprise that mountain biking is especially big in Graubünden.
There are 277 mountain bike itineraries – all well marked and signposted, ranging from easy valley rides for the family, through all-terrain tours, to energetic freeride descents. A diversity of singletrack routes and unpaved trails with no riding restrictions guarantee varied biking days. Throw in a couple of bike parks and you’ve got enough riding to last many a trip.
And with a network of special mountain bike hotels along the routes, you’ll be well looked after wherever you go.
Out of the saddle
Mountain bikers will love the snug comfort to be found in Graubünden – from five-star luxury hotels to simple lodges and hostels. There's everything from a sports breakfast to secure bike garages, bike-washing and workshop facilities. You can rent bikes, borrow maps and tools, and get advice on the best tours and routes. And after a long ride, enjoy a steam bath plus a massage before a good night’s rest.
If you are planning a longer bike tour around Graubünden, use the special luggage transfer service to transport your bags between destinations. This service is also available for hikers. For more details, see the hiking pages.
Seven magnificent mountain bike rides in Graubunden
Rhine Gorge Tour
85.8km, 9hrs 30mins, difficult
One of several itineraries in Switzerland’s own ‘Grand Canyon’, this day-long circuit goes above Prau Tuleritg along wide paths with gentle rises through the Flims forest passing Conn and Rens before reaching the Caumasee and then returning to the starting-point in Flims Waldhaus. (Using an e-bike even young riders can do this route.)
Hörnlihütte - Lenzerheide
19.3km, 2hrs 30mins, moderate
Steep ascents, challenging single tracks and awesome descents characterise this route from Arosa to Lenzerheide. After the ascent via Carmennahütte up to the Hörnlihütte, riders are rewarded with a freeride descent of over 1,000m.
Bernina Express
43km, 3hr, moderate
This route links the Engadin with the Valposchiavo, and within just a few hours leads through several climatic zones, crosses the backbone of the Alps and offers dramatic views of the highest adhesion railway line in Europe, the Rhaetian Railway - a UNESCO World Heritage site. The finish is in Poschiavo – a town with a distinctly Mediterranean feel.
Davos Valley Tour
25.3km, 2hrs 30mins, easy
This scenic tour is particularly well suited for families and beginners as it offers great views and plenty of refreshment stops. The uphill sections are all gentle and most of the tracks are easy to negotiate for riders of all skill levels.
Heaven’s Door
27.4km, 3hr 30mins, difficult
A demanding ride to Europe's highest place of pilgrimage, Ziteil, at 2,433m. A visit to the church here is well worth the climb, as the giant window looks out on an exceptional panorama over the Surses. The power-sapping climb is followed by a technically difficult descent, making this a richly varied and rewarding trip for experienced riders.
Val Mora
23km, 3hrs 7mins, moderate
A classic ride in Val Müstair, with a touch of the Canadian wilderness about it. Val Mora is an untouched mountain valley, visited only by hikers and bikers, and considered one of the finest in Switzerland, with views of peaks and waterfalls. The route can be started from Süsom Givè and the short but beautiful singletrack up by Buffalora used as a warm up.
Freeride Trail Alp Trida
6.2km, 1hr, easy
This fun freeride trail takes you from the Alp Trida down to Samnaun Laret. Take the cable cars up to the starting point on the Alp Trida – it’s free of charge with the Samnaun guest card. From the mountain station of the double-decker train, you reach the Alp Trida on the Flow Trail. Here the freeride trail starts on the Alpweg.
Bike parks
Graubünden has two bike parks offering amazing variety for bikers of all stripes. In the Skill Center Lenzerheide, take big jumps with soft landings on the ‘Big Air Bag’. Flims Bike Park has pump tracks and skill areas with great training opportunities.
Electric bikes
If you don’t fancy relying on your own pedal power, try an e-bike. From the route through the Bündner Herrschaft or family outings in Savognin, there are many beautiful e-bike routes in Graubünden, with plenty of stations to charge up your battery.
