Urban charm, alpine trails and Mediterranean flair: the Swiss canton of Graubünden is incredibly versatile and a great place for wonderful mountain bike routes. In this Collection, I present an exciting bikepacking adventure which is so compact that it can be done on a long weekend. It is also suitable for bikers who are not used to hours of alpine climbs.

You do not even need your own car to reach the starting point. Your journey begins at Chur station which is easily accessible by train, whilst you can travel to the individual stages with a Swiss speciality: the post bus. These yellow busses are a typical feature on the mountain roads. They can carry your bike and help out on the particularly long climbs.

Your adventure begins in Chur and takes you on three stages along great trails from north to south through the canton of Graubünden. Although it's a real alpine crossing, you'll always have a plan B just in case. If necessary, you can take a post bus or the Rhaetian Railway to make one of the ascents easier. I have noted in the individual stages where this is possible. This Collection includes overnight stays in Savognin and Pontresina where you will find plenty of places to stay. From idyllic campsites to fancy hotels, you are sure to find something suitable for you.

Despite the help of the post buses, these routes are not a walk in the park, they are still an alpine adventure. You should have a certain level of riding technique and also come well-prepared for mountain conditions. Pack suitable clothing, a change of clothes, spare parts and a first aid kit, as well as sufficient food. With a little preparation, you will have an unforgettable time in a beautiful area with great trails.

Post bus info:

Logically, space for bicycles is limited, so it may make sense to reserve a seat in advance. You should reserve in advance if you are traveling with a group.

You can check the exact departure times of the Postbuses for this Collection or create your own Postbus route (note: not all Posts Buses take bikes, look for the corresponding symbol in the timetable), you can find the necessary information here: postauto.ch/en/timetable.

You can find information about the Bernina Express here: rhb.ch/en/panoramic-trains/bernina-express. Of course, normal regional trains also run on this route. They are not quite as romantic, but a bit cheaper. You can find timetables here: rhb.ch/de/home.