This stage takes us from Chur towards the Graubünden Oberland, also called Surselva by the locals. From Chur, we initially hike along the southern edge of the wide Rhine valley and cross a few side valleys here. From Kalkofen, the path leads us to Domat/Ems, mostly across fields at the bottom of the valley. At Domat/Ems we first cross the tracks of the Rhaetian Railway at the station, then walk between the two hills "Tuma Tschelli" and "Tuma Casti" and then circle the second to the north. This brings us to the Rhine power plant, where we cross the weir to reach the island of Barnaus, which we leave a little upstream towards the north bank.
Here we reach the «Senda Sursilvana», the hiking trail through the Surselva, which will be part of our route again and again for the next few days. If the way to Trin-Digg is too long for you, you can already look for a suitable place to stay in Domat/Ems or Tamins.

The Kunkelspass (1357 m a.s.l.) connects Vättis with Tamins. The lovely plateau presents itself like an arena, surrounded by the mountains of the Calanda (2805 m above sea level), the Crap Mats (2947 m above sea level) and the Ringelspitz (3247 m above sea level), the highest mountain in St.Gallen, located in the Tectonic Arena Sardona.

From Vättis (943 m a.s.l.) an easy hike leads to the Kunkel Pass. Along the bubbling Görbsbach, the path leads gently uphill through meadows and forest sections to Unter Kunkels (1073 m above sea level). What a feast for the eyes, especially in early summer, when the alpine flora comes to life! Above the left side of the valley are the Haldensteiner and the Felsberger Calanda with their rugged limestone formations. When the path becomes a little steeper, you approach the Eggwald mountain restaurant in Ober Kunkels (1148 m a.s.l.). In the case of pleasure hikers, the 'autopilot' takes over in view of the neat restaurant, and you steer straight into the garden restaurant. But it is also not far to the Kunkelspasshöhe (1357 m.a.s.l.).

Kunkelspass as a goal or intermediate destination

In the mountain inn Überuf you can linger with pleasure on the garden terrace or in the wood-fired warmed dining room. Next door is a seminar room with information about the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tectonic Arena Sardona. They are proud to be able to offer the eastern entrance to the geological wonderland with Kunkels. A telescope offers the opportunity to take a close look at the Ringelspitz and the Glarus main thrust or the demolition niche of the Tamins landslide. Sometimes on the seabed, sometimes under 800 metres of glacial ice - the history of the earth also offers a lot of variety for Kunkels.

The shortest route into the valley is via a small road built during the First World War to Tamins (660 m above sea level). The view from the tunnel blasted into the rock is spectacular. If you want to continue uphill, climb via Grossalp to the SAC-Ringelspitzhütte (1998 m.a.s.l.). The hospitable hut can be enjoyed as a panoramic east-facing balcony of the Tectonic Arena Sardona.

You’ll leave Splügen (1458 m above sea level) on cycle route no. 505 "Rheinwaldroute" down the valley. At first, the road heads a few meters in the direction of Splügen Pass.

In the first bend, you’ll turn left and reach a short but steep climb through the Fugscht forest (1589 m above sea level). A rapid descent brings you to the Sufnersee, whose water shines turquoise. On the Northern shore of the lake, you’ll take the little-traveled road in the direction of Roflaschlucht (gorge). Even from the road, you’re guaranteed great views of the wild canyon. Through Bärenburg (1040 m above sea level), you’ll take a side road to Pignia. From here, a nature trail leads to Zillis (945 m above sea level). An insider's tip is Capun's, a local specialty - prepared by the Swiss Capuns champion at the hotel Post. Strengthened from the food the route leads you over Reischen (1024 meters) through the Viamala gorge to Thusis (680 m above sea level). Cycle route no. 6 takes you along the Posterior Rhine through the Domleschg. In Reichenau, where the Anterior Rhine merges the Rhine Anterior, change onto the Rheinrad route no. 2 and a comfortable ride back to Chur (593 m above sea level).

Stages

Overall route: Chur  – Chur

Stage 1: Chur – Thusis

Stage 2: Thusis – Glaspass – Thusis

Stage 3: Thusis – Andeer

Stage 4 Andeer – Lai da Vons – Splügen

Stage 5. Splügen – Splügen

Stage 6. Splügen – Chur

Initially, you roll from Vrin down to Surin and follow the signposted mountain bike route via Surcasti to Uors. Here it is worthwhile to take the post bus for the ascent to Vals. This saves "only" 320 meters in altitude, but still! Because on the third stage of the Surselva hut tour, it is important to save energy for the upcoming ascent up to the Tomül Pass. To do this, you follow the signposted mountain bike route (Alpine Bike), first on asphalt, then on gravel and after the ridge on an easily rideable single trail. On the last section after Alp Tomül, there is always a pushing section to do, unless you have strength in your calves like Nino Schurter - or an e-bike. But the pushing is not in vain, because the upcoming section through the Safiental is one of the longest mountain bike descents in the Alps with almost 40 kilometres. The first part leads along the historic mule route down to Safien Thalkirch. Now you change to the road with little traffic and later pass the village of Safien Platz. Leave the road at the Rainmatte, follow the Rabiusa stream, pass the reservoir and then climb a few metres on the right side of the valley to finally reach the old Safierstrasse. Today, only one single trail remains of the road, so for mountain bikers it is a fantastic section through enormously steep terrain. The route here is interspersed with small tunnels. Later, the path widens again and you roll out of the valley on a small road to Sigl Ault.

At Sigl Ault, the wheat is separated from the chaff on the final stage of the Surselva hut tour: If you don't have any strength left, you roll down to Bonaduz and get on the train here for the return journey to Chur. But the original route still has a few highlights to offer. The section after the Sigl Ault is an unparalleled trail treat and leads high above the Rhine Gorge to the Versamerstrasse. Here is the next opportunity to end the stage with the flat ride to Bonaduz. But here, too, there is still something to experience on the original route, because the upcoming single trail section past the ruins of Wackenau is no less attractive than the previous trail over the Rhine Gorge. This way you get to Reichenau and get on the train back to Chur. So much for the recommended version for the third stage of the Surselva hut tour.

If you still haven't had enough in Reichenau, follow the cycle path from Tamins in the direction of Chur and then change to the trail near the left bank of the Rhine before Felsberg. This trail leads to the Rossboden army site, from where you roll along the cycle routes to Chur train station.

The Hüttentour Surselva is a three-day mountainbike tour in the region between Chur, Flims and Vals. The ascents are primarily mastered under one‘s own power and lead over well rideable paths. The up hill to Vals is covered by post bus. The descents are mainly on singletrails that can be ridden smoothly, but experience in alpine mountainbiking is an advantage. On the Hüttentour, all luggage for three days is in the backpack, no luggage transport is possible. However, the selected huts have hotel standard.

Starting place: The Hüttentour Surselva starts in Flims. Ideally, you travel by car or public transport to Chur and get from there by post bus to Flims. Mountainbikes can be taken along without any problems, each post bus has a rear rack for up to five bikes.

E-Mountainbike: The Hüttentour Surselva is also easily doable with the e -mountainbike. However, experience in battery management is necessary to reach the stage destination with one charge. In the huts are sockets available to charge the battery. However, it is important to bring your own charger.

Due to the low elevation, the Chur Rhine valley offers good mountain biking conditions already at the end of winter time until late in the autumn time. The tour combines attractive single tracks with some ascents and descents, as well as panoramic trails.

Along the tour you will get a good view into the diverse scenery of the  Rhine valley and the Alpine City of Chur. At Rei-chenau/Tamins you will cross the Rhine river just where the Vorder and Hinter Rhine confluence.