Geological E-Bike tour: over the Kunkelspass around Calanda

Start of this geologically highly interesting round trip is in Bad Ragaz. After the village centre, turn onto the old, picturesque road towards Valens, where 300 steep metres of altitude difference have to be mastered on the first 4.5 kilometres. A panoramic stop on the Tamina Bridge, which opened in 2017, is a must. With a span of 260 metres, it is the largest arched bridge in Switzerland. From Pfäfers you follow the gently rising main road into the Tamina Valley. A next stop is worthwhile at the viewpoint Windegg in front of Vadura. Here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Glarus main overthrust and the Wildseehörner. World Heritage information boards, gaze judges and cool loungers invite you to linger... but you probably want to continue.

At kilometre 16 Vättis is reached, where the exhibition 'MountainsQuakes!' shows the connection between earthquakes and mountain formation in the Tectonic Arena Sardona... extremely impressive thanks to the live transmission of seismic recordings! On the next few kilometres in the valley floor of the bubbling Görbsbach you can enjoy the view of the rugged limestone formations of the Haldensteiner (2,805 m) and Felsberger Calanda (2,697). The mountain restaurant Eggwald in Ober Kunkels (1148 m.a.s.l.) invites you to stop for a bite.M to eat. A last short ascent, you have reached Bündner Boden and soon also the Kunkelspasshöhe (1,357 m.a.s.l.M.). The garden terrace of the Berggasthaus Überuf is irresistible. The lovely pass plateau is like an arena, surrounded by the Calanda (2805 m.a.s.l.), the Crap Mats (2947 m.a.s..M.) and the Ringelspitz (3247 m.a..M s.l.), the highest St.Gallen mountain.M, located in the Tectonic Arena. Inside the inn, an instructive information room is dedicated to the UNESCO World Heritage Tectonic Arena Sardona.

The descent to Tamins (660 m above.M sea level) leads over a steep and bumpy natural road built during the First World War. The view from the tunnel blasted into the rock is spectacular. You overlook the Domleschg and even spot the Bernina massif in the distance. From Tamins follow the national cycle route no. 2 to Felsberg, where you continue on the right bank of the Rhine to Chur. Once again, you can continue your geological education: In the Chur Museum of Nature, a comprehensive geology exhibition focuses on the topic of Alpine formation. Then you roll down the Rhine loosely to Landquart and Bad Ragaz... or you swing to the train station, look up again to the Calanda... and finishes the round on the rail track.