Discover Graubünden differently

Located in eastern Switzerland, the enchanting region of Graubünden (Grisons in French) is Switzerland’s largest canton and home to the oldest national park in the country, The Swiss National Park, established in 1914.

It is no surprise that Graubünden is synonymous with vast wilderness and pristine landscapes, ranging from impressive geological formations giving rise to alpine scenery to vast valleys meticulously carved by crystalline glaciers and sinuous rivers. With rugged peaks adorned by lush conifers and towering over shimmering turquoise lakes, this little-known Swiss gem hosts an eclectic mix of dramatic landscapes reminiscent of the Italian Dolomites and the Norwegian Fjords with a touch of British Columbia’s evergreen forests – an array of natural beauty.

We succumbed to the charm of this region during our e-MTB adventures and ended up crafting three unique e-bike tours showcasing the area's diverse nature. However, Graubünden’s beauty is not reserved for MTB enthusiasts. There are a variety of means to discover it. So read on and take notes to find out some of our tips to unveil the best-kept alpine secrets of the region and add them to your adventure bucket list!

The region, famous for snow sports, is also an ideal mountain bike and electric MTB playground. It boasts a well-developed trail network, catering to all levels – earning it the moniker: ‘Home of Trails.’ Graubünden’s bucolic landscapes and outdoor tourism infrastructure make it the perfect destination for adventurers and nature lovers, offering a wealth of natural and cultural highlights.

A great way to discover the beauty of this place is through the Alpine Circle, a circular itinerary traversing some of the region’s most spectacular landmarks, including the Swiss National Park, Rhine Gorges, Diavolezza Glacier and Landwasser Viaduct. The Alpine Circle offers three routes of different lengths tailored to different needs and wants: ruta focus – 150km (short-length), ruta centrala – 200km (mid-length), and ruta cumpleta – 450km (full-length). So, with these carefully planned options, there’s no need to spend hours on end staring at a map or scrolling through websites to decide which highlights are worth visiting.

What’s better, this brand-new route can be completed through a combination of different transportation means (e-bike, bus, train, or car) and tours, which can be adapted to travellers’ time, abilities and wallets. In line with our ethos of supporting mountain tourism and Alpine economies, the Alpine Circle seeks to promote sustainable/ slow tourism, working with local businesses. It offers a remarkable journey through some of the most breathtaking and quintessential alpine landscapes and villages in the Graubünden Alps. From snow-capped peaks above 4,000m of altitude to lush valleys, each twist and turn of the route reveals a new natural and cultural wonder that will leave you with bated breath.

As part of the three main routes of the Alpine Circle, there are a variety of experiences to choose from to explore some of the highlights of this incredible itinerary. For mountain bike lovers, the Alpine Circle offers two multi-day electric mountain bike tours in partnership with e-Alps: The Alpine Circle Ruta Ost and the Alpine Circle Ruta Vest.

Both e-MTB experiences are open to nature lovers who want to have fun on easy trails and dirt roads while simultaneously discovering the local cuisine and cultural and natural landmarks. These tours aim to provide an immersive and authentic experience brimming with local character, combining the region's best trails, landscapes and iconic spots.

For those who fancy a scenic and mellow ride, the Alpine Circle Ruta Ost, officially launched in 2023, offers a five-day e-bike adventure combining fun riding with Alpine culture, including accommodations full of character. The tour passes through Alpine heritage sites, like the Wiesen Viaduct, and World Heritage Sites, like the Kunkel Pass, on mellow trails against a stunning backdrop of lush valleys and remote mountain villages – a quintessentially Swiss and post-card perfect mountain biking holiday experience.

For thermal springs lovers, the Alpine Circle Ruta Vest mixes five days of riding on flow trails and a dash of wellness. Imagine an after-ride dip in pristine thermal springs – the perfect end to a day on the saddle. This adventure passes through natural landmarks like the breathtaking Rhine Gorges. If you want to mix things up during your adventure, you can trade your bike for hiking shoes to discover a magnificent pass above the clouds (2,000 meters).

The Alpine Circle features some of the hidden gems in the Graubünden region, beckoning travellers to immerse themselves in the wild and dramatic landscapes of the canton. Whether you seek a luxurious alpine retreat, a cultural escapade through charming villages, or a thrilling e-MTB adventure, this region offers an unparalleled experience. Explore the pristine landscapes, soak in the serenity of alpine lakes, and witness the grandeur of snow-capped peaks on this unforgettable journey.

Want to learn more about the Alpine Circle? Visit Alpine Circle: Round Trips & Touring | Graubünden Tourism. 

For a list of activities and things to do in Graubünden, check out this comprehensive guide: Activities | Graubünden Tourism.

How about traversing five different Alpine passes in Graubünden? Check out our Graubünden Haute Route (not part of the Alpine Circle).