You can make exactly one big mistake on this trail. Namely, not to start until midday. But the ascent by cable car, which is officially part of the trail, unfortunately tempts us to do so. Shortly after 2 p.m., completely sweat-free, we take in the surrounding summit panorama from the 2590 metre Jakobshorn. Then we roll comfortably along the gravel road to the start of the famous Alps Epic Trails over: Tough, sandpaper-like high mountain soil now awaits us, interspersed with rock teeth. So lower the seat post and off we go. The path first takes a wide sweep over the mountain flank, then it hits the first bends. You can tell that some of the hairpin bends have been made rideable by trail builders: freshly chopped pebbles. It looks as if they've recently been pushed up against the flow as a whole boulder. Some of the berms also look a bit padded. But apart from that, the ride remains a natural thrill all the way down to the bottom of the Sertig valley.
So, and now the whole thing uphill. A total of 615 metres of altitude difference to pedal up yourself has been announced. The path climbs very gently up the mountain flank to the Rinerhorn, but the aim is to find the most energy-saving line possible over individual rocky outcrops. We realise how much energy and time this takes when we reach the Rinerhorn and the mountain restaurant is already closed. No matter, now it's all downhill to Monstein. But the path takes its time. Up and down, it continues to stroll along the other side of the Rinerhorn, slightly blocked. Although the cattle gates don't stop us, because they simply open and close like the start gates at a ski race, it's half past six by the time we reach Monstein at kilometre 23. No chance of getting to Filisur in daylight today. So we postpone part two of the trail until tomorrow.
The next day, the postbus shuttles us from Davos up to Monstein for the re-entry. Shortly after the small village, there is a gravel ramp to warm up on. Then another trail, also uphill. Finally, the path turns and really picks up speed. We surf along it for four kilometres, close to the abyss but with plenty of flow. Until we reach the small mountain village of Jenisberg. Here we have a choice: up or down to Filisur? The official trail leads into the valley here and follows the banks of the Landwasser to the finish. However, we prefer the adventure on the upper Via Romantica through the ravine, which involves another 100 metres of extra climbing in the forest. But the impressive gorge and the super flow trail to the railway station in Filisur are definitely worth it. In the end, our speedometer counted 36.2 kilometres and 993 metres of ascent. Downhill: 2580 metres in altitude.
BIKE conclusionThis trail gives you great scenery, but nothing else. Although it is not technically difficult, the roots and rocks require a highly focussed riding style both uphill and downhill. And this is exactly what makes it an epic trail - for which you should plan at least six hours of riding time.
Gitta Beimfohr, BIKE travel editor: A trail that takes an ambitious biker a whole day to master - that's really rare in the Alps.
Info about the Alps Epic Trail Davos
When you book accommodation, you get the lift ticket for the whole region for free (also applies to trains and buses).
Return journey from Filisur: There is a train back to Davos every full hour (30 minutes journey time).
Refreshment tip: Best blueberry cake in the Veltlinerstüberl in Monstein!
Info: www.davos.ch
Downloads:
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
