Lakes & Peaks Gravel Loop

The Lakes & Peaks Gravel Loop is an impressive gravel tour that combines alpine landscapes, sporting challenges and nature experiences. The starting point is Chur, from where the route leads steadily uphill along the historic Polenweg to Churwalden and on to the well-known holiday region of Lenzerheide. There is the Heidsee - a glittering mountain lake that invites you to refresh yourself on warm summer days. This is followed by an ascent on asphalt to the Maiensäss and Hotel Guarda Val.

From here, an impressive panorama opens up to the 2,972-metre-high Piz Curver and numerous peaks around Savognin. At the same time, the anticipation for the upcoming downhill is increasing. Soon the route changes back to a gravel road that leads to the entrance of the legendary Old Shin – a spectacular road carved high above the Albula Gorge into the steep mountain flank. The former trade route from the Middle Ages runs at lofty heights and through rock tunnels down to Domleschg.

The southern-looking valley is characterised by rolling hills, orchards and numerous castles – a landscape that invites you to explore it on a gravel bike. Lake Canova offers the opportunity for a refreshing dip (bathing season from May to mid-October). The last section of the Lakes & Peaks Gravel Loop again leads along the Polenweg with a view of the Rhäzünser Rheinauen, one of the most intact floodplain landscapes in Switzerland of national importance. Behind the golf course of Domat/Ems, with a view of the striking "Tumas" - hills that were created by historical landslides and are under nature conservation - follows the last section of the trail back to Chur.

With around 65 kilometres and over 1,600 metres of altitude, the tour is challenging, but easily doable in one day. The combination of alpine panorama, crystal-clear lakes and lonely paths makes the Lakes & Peaks Gravel Loop an unforgettable experience. If you ride this round, you will discover Graubünden from its most beautiful side - authentic, varied and full of nature.