Stage 5 Road cycling Route Source Region Rhine: Ilanz – Chur

Shortly after Ilanz (699m above sea level), you’ll turn onto a small road to Sevgein and finally reach Riein (1,270m above sea level). The low-traffic and perfectly paved road ascends steeply at the beginning and soon you’ll leave the village of Sevgein behind you. From here, the street lights up its true magic. The road steadily ascends and the view of Valsertal is unique. Since Riein is a dead end for motorised vehicles, only a few cars can be found here.

After Riein, you’ll pass the ban on motorised vehicles and a narrow asphalt road leads you to Cuolm (1,550m above sea level) and Ober Dutjen. The idyllic landscape makes you forget all the hardships and the fast descent to Valendas (810m above sea level) with excellent views of the Rhine Valley is a pure reward. From Versam, a spectacular road leads through the Ruinaulta. The Rheinschucht (Rhine gorge), with its 300-meter high rock walls and rock formations also called "Little Swiss Canyon" ascends to Versam, before you are treated to a fast descent with fantastic hairpin bends. Over the bridge at the end of the descent, you’ll reach a short incline. You can anticipate rocky tunnels and a fantastic panoramic road. Take a little rest to enjoy the view of the gorge. The route will lead you to Bonaduz (662m above sea level) and Reichenau, where the Anterior and Posterior Rhine flow together and further back to Chur (593m above sea level).

Stages

Ouverall route: Chur – Chur

Stage 1: Chur – Splügen

Stage 2: Splügen – Biasca

Stage 3: Biasca – Disentis

Stage 4: Disentis – Ilanz

Stage 5: Ilanz – Chur

Tip for tired legs: If you prefer to keep the cycling day short, but just as spectacular, skip the descent over Riein and Dutjen. Instead, follow the road from Ilanz directly through the Rheinschlucht (Rhine gorge). That will shorten the daily route to 34.3 kilometers and 249 altitude.