Are you looking for a multi-day mountain bike adventure in the heart of the Alps? Do you want to explore legendary smugglers' trails through breathtaking landscapes and have the option of taking a shortcut over a pass by postbus or cable car? If so, I can wholeheartedly recommend the 218-kilometre (136 mi) Trans-Altarezia – a spectacular MTB adventure on former trade routes and war routes from the Swiss municipality of Samnaun to Tirano in Italy.

In this Collection, I’ve divided the official bike route into five stages. Each of these stages includes at least one border crossing. But don't worry: you don't have to pull out your passport every time. This is because you pedal along remote border paths, which are mainly located in secluded high valleys or on impressive mountain passes. You’ll make a short detour into Austria before returning to Switzerland and then crossing the Italian-Swiss border several times.

Highlights along the way include the legendary Fimber Pass or the unique rocky trail in the Val d'Uina – both unforgettable MTB adventures. There are also plenty of hidden gems. When you cycle to the Bocchetta di Forcola and past Lake Cancano, you’ll understand why many consider the Altarezia region to be one of the most beautiful regions in the Alps.

The stages are between 30 and 60 kilometres (19 - 37 mi) and have between 800 and 2,200 (2,600 - 7,200 ft) of elevation to conquer. Sometimes you'll pedal up steep gravel roads and other times you'll climb legendary road passes. Occasionally, there will be strenuous pushing sections on trails. You’ll need a good level of fitness to take on this route – even if you take shortcuts on the post bus or cable car.

You’ll be rewarded with fantastic views and sensational single trails, which are mostly flowing, but occasionally peppered with challenging sections. As such, you’ll need good mountain bike skills to enjoy this route to the fullest. Along the way, you’ll pass rustic alpine huts and small inns where you can treat yourself to local delicacies and recharge your batteries for the rest of your journey.

As the majority of the route is over 2,000 metres (6,500 ft), you’ll find the best conditions in the summer and autumn. To reach the starting point of the Trans-Altarezia, it’s best to travel to Scuol and take the post bus to Samnaun. After five days of cycling, the Rhaetian Railway will take you back to Scuol from Tirano. And if you like the Altarezia region as much as I do, you might not only be dreaming of lazing on the sofa on the train back, but also of your next bike trip in this fantastic border region.