The best road cycling routes around Vals
4.6
(64)
1,966
riders
24
rides
Road cycling around Vals offers a diverse experience through dramatic alpine landscapes in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. The region features challenging routes with consistent ascents, winding through deep valleys and past majestic artificial lakes. Cyclists can expect mostly paved surfaces and significant elevation gains, with routes traversing serene valleys and lush forests. The mountainous topography provides a network of roads suitable for both demanding climbs and scenic descents.
Best road cycling routes around Vals
- The most popular road cycling route is From Dangio to the Luzzone Dam – loop tour, a 21.4 miles (34.4 km) trail that takes 2 hours 24 minutes to complete. This difficult route features a steady climb towards the impressive Luzzone Dam.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Obertor Ilanz – Ilanz loop from Vals, a moderate 25.7 miles (41.4 km) path. This route leads through varied terrain, offering views of the surrounding Graubünden mountains.
- Local road cyclists also love the Valendas Wooden Fountain – Obertor Ilanz loop from Vals, a 39.7 miles (63.8 km) trail leading through alpine valleys and past traditional villages, often completed in about 3 hours 20 minutes.
- Road cycling around Vals is defined by dramatic alpine landscapes, deep valleys, and high mountain passes, with routes offering options for various ability levels.
- The routes in Vals are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 20 reviews. More than 1,200 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Vals's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 8, 2026
4.0
(1)
84
riders
41.2km
02:10
750m
750m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
32
riders
57.3km
02:59
1,030m
1,030m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(3)
62
riders
30.9km
01:57
910m
910m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(2)
41
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
23
riders
67.2km
03:59
1,580m
1,580m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Other adventures around Vals
Tips from the Community
The rest of the "Old Town" doesn't need to be seen as it has too many architectural sins.
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The San Bernardino Pass connects the Misox with the Rheinwald and is located at 2,066 meters. At the pass summit, there is a restaurant and a bus stop, making the location easily accessible. The open high mountain landscape with small lakes and wide open spaces is well suited for a break.
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Hotel Bellevue, San Bernardino since 1858 The Hotel Bellevue was first mentioned in 1858 and was built by the landowner Gaspare Motto, a landowner from Mesocco. Motto built the mineral spring building together with Paolo Battaglia. At the beginning of the 19th century, the resort hosted numerous spa guests, mainly from nearby Ticino, Lombardy, and Piedmont. The Desteffanis family is also mentioned, but the details of their management are unclear (probably around 1870). Luigi Toschini (1832–1915) bought the hotel in 1896 and later handed over the business to his sons Samuele (1857–1943) and Giovanni (1873–1925) and their respective families. At that time, the Bellevue's capacity was limited, consisting of 18 rooms (for tourists) and 4 for staff. A special feature of the hotel's cellar was a room called "giazéira" in the local dialect, which was filled with snow and ice in the spring to keep drinks and food cool. In 1932, the hotel was sold to the Thorner-Blatter family from the Canton of Bern, who are also the current owners of Villa Flora. In 1937, the Thorner-Blatter family decided to sell the building to the Studer family, who later resold it to Mr. Oldenburg. In 1955, the Thorner-Blatter family repurchased the hotel. In 1965, the Schmidlin family bought the hotel and ran it until 1984. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Schmidlin family was known in San Bernardino for breeding several St. Bernard dogs, which lived in the garden next to the hotel, where the terrace is today. The Schmidlin family later bred up to 15 St. Bernards and became the symbol of their business during those years. In 1984, Hans and Meta Wellig, the former owners of the Hotel National Ravizza, purchased the Hotel Bellevue with the intention of continuing the family tradition. Text / Source: Hotel Bellevue, San Bernardino https://bellevue-sanbernardino.ch/
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Disentis is the largest town in Surselva and NOT Ilanz.
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Impressive landscape with good cycle paths
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Great views and good cycle paths
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great road and curves like you only find in Switzerland@
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At the Surselva Regional Museum, you can learn about life in earlier times. In this historic building, the permanent exhibition on seven floors shows how crafts, agriculture, and home economics shaped people's everyday lives. The museum building itself is also worth seeing. The basement and ground floor were built in the High Middle Ages, and one room is decorated with Renaissance murals. If you're on the Clà Ferrovia scavenger hunt, you'll find the QR code on the noticeboard outside the building, which you can scan with your mobile phone.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Vals?
Vals offers a diverse selection of over 20 road cycling routes, catering to various fitness levels. You'll find a mix of moderate and challenging rides through the dramatic alpine landscapes.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in Vals?
Road cycling in Vals features mostly paved surfaces with consistent ascents through breathtaking mountain scenery. Routes often wind through deep gorges like the Valser Rheinschlucht, past majestic artificial lakes such as Zervreilasee, and through serene valleys and lush forests, offering significant elevation gains.
Are there challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders in Vals?
Yes, Vals is known for its challenging routes, with 13 classified as difficult. These often involve significant elevation gains, some exceeding 1,500 feet, and traverse alpine passes. An example is the demanding From Dangio to the Luzzone Dam – loop tour, which includes a steady climb towards the impressive Luzzone Dam.
Are there any moderate road cycling routes suitable for intermediate cyclists?
Absolutely. Vals offers 8 moderate road cycling routes that provide a rewarding experience without the extreme demands of the most difficult climbs. A great option is the Rock Formations in Graubünden – San Bernardino Pass loop from Hinterrhein, which offers scenic views with manageable ascents.
What are some scenic highlights or natural features I can see along the road cycling routes?
Many routes offer stunning views of the Valser Rheinschlucht, also known as the 'Swiss Grand Canyon.' You can also cycle towards the majestic Lago di Luzzone and Luzzone Dam, or explore the picturesque Peiltal. The region is also home to beautiful waterfalls like the Val Scaradra Waterfall.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Vals?
The best time for road cycling in Vals is typically during spring, summer, and autumn. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures and clear conditions to enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery. Autumn, in particular, provides spectacular panoramas through the Rhine Gorge.
Are there any loop trails for road cyclists in Vals?
Yes, many road cycling routes in Vals are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Obertor Ilanz – Ilanz loop from Vals and the Scenic Road in Graubünden – Pian San Giacomo loop from San Bernardino.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about road cycling in Vals?
The road cycling routes in Vals are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the dramatic alpine landscapes, the impressive Rhine Gorge, and the majestic Zervreilasee, as well as the variety of routes available for different ability levels.
Are there any routes that pass by unique architectural or cultural landmarks?
While the focus is on natural beauty, Vals is famous for the Therme Vals, an architectural marvel designed by Peter Zumthor, built over the region's only thermal springs using local Valser Quarzite stone. While routes don't typically go directly through the Therme, it's a significant landmark in the area and a unique retreat after a ride.
What are the typical elevation gains on road cycling routes around Vals?
Road cycling routes around Vals are characterized by consistent ascents and significant elevation gains. Many routes involve climbs of over 1,500 feet, with some difficult routes like the Scenic Road in Graubünden – Pian San Giacomo loop from San Bernardino featuring over 1,600 meters (5,200 feet) of ascent.
Can I find routes that offer expansive views of the Graubünden mountains?
Absolutely. Many routes provide breathtaking panoramas of the Graubünden mountains and valleys. The Scenic Road in Graubünden – Pian San Giacomo loop from San Bernardino is particularly noted for its expansive views across the region's majestic peaks.
Are there any routes that explore the Valser Rheinschlucht (Rhine Gorge)?
Yes, the impressive Valser Rheinschlucht, often called the 'Swiss Grand Canyon,' is a prominent feature of many road cycling routes. The old Zervreilastrasse, a traffic-free road, offers an adventurous ride through this deep and wild gorge, providing stunning panoramas, especially in autumn and spring.
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