Hiking and E‑biking Through the Valleys of Graubünden
Hiking and E‑biking Through the Valleys of Graubünden
Graubünden immediately appeals to us as lovers of the great outdoors. The high mountains and green valleys make every activity here feel special. From Davos, we explore the many outdoor possibilities the region has to offer. We hop on our bikes and lace up our hiking boots, setting off on two beautiful routes through spectacular scenery. Naturally, we also share our favourite tips for other great trails in the area.
A Stunning E‑bike Tour to Berghaus Vereina
Today we leave the bustle of Davos behind. We head into the mountains on our mountain bikes. Our destination is Berghaus Vereina, a place known for its tranquillity and sweeping views. The fresh mountain air fills our lungs — we’re ready for the day.
Our journey begins at Davos Platz station, where we catch the train to nearby Klosters. Travelling by train here is a delight: everything runs smoothly and without stress. The carriages are spotless, and Swiss precision never disappoints. In no time, the landscape glides past the window and before we know it, we’re stepping onto the platform in Klosters. It’s a wonderfully relaxed start to an active day.
Close to the station we find Andrist, the rental shop where our bikes are waiting. They’re ultra-modern mountain bikes gleaming in the sun. The technology is impressive — we discover a handy lever on the handlebars that lets us raise or lower the saddle while riding, ideal for changing gradients. And of course, being Dutch, we choose e‑bikes. We know what’s ahead of us, and a bit of assistance is certainly welcome.
Among the Geraniums
Before heading into the wilderness, we take a short spin through Klosters. The village looks like a postcard: traditional wooden chalets everywhere, their balconies overflowing with colourful flowers. The geraniums are especially photogenic. We joke about our future — perhaps one day we’ll be sitting behind our own geraniums. But for now, we choose action over retirement.
Now the real adventure begins. We leave the village and follow the path towards Berghaus Vereina. The route leads us along the River Landquart, its water crashing noisily over the stones. From time to time we stop on one of the old wooden bridges to admire the power of the fast‑flowing water beneath us. Cows graze peacefully in the meadows, their bells echoing through the valley like music. The road begins to climb gently, and we shift down a gear. Our motors hum softly as we gain altitude.
Climbing
The climb is tough but beautiful. In total we gain around 760 metres in elevation. Occasionally we overtake other cyclists — real diehards without motors, working hard on the steep sections. With every bend the view changes, becoming wider and more impressive. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful valleys in the region. We stop regularly for photos; every corner offers a new picture‑perfect scene.
Berghaus Vereina
Eventually Berghaus Vereina comes into view, tucked beautifully between the high peaks. We park our bikes and feel the effort in our legs. We immediately find a spot on the sunny terrace. The peace here is soothing, and the views of the surrounding mountains are priceless. We order a cold drink and soak it all in. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious — exactly what we came for.
Lunch on the terrace is a highlight. The menu is full of local specialities, hearty dishes perfect for active people. Many hikers and cyclists are tucking in enthusiastically. Our own effort may have been slightly eased by the battery, but the food tastes no less delicious. We enjoy the fresh flavours and the friendly buzz around us. This is mountain life at its best.
Squeezing the Brakes
After a well‑earned rest, we prepare for the return journey — a long descent back into the valley. We barely need to pedal; gravity does the work. But our arms get a workout instead, constantly squeezing the brakes to keep our speed under control. We feel the muscles in our forearms and hands slowly burning. We race downwards, the wind whistling past our ears, and before long we’re back in Klosters.
We return the bikes to Andrist and stroll back to the station. The train to Davos Platz is already waiting. During the short ride we reflect on the day. What a wonderful experience — the perfect combination of movement, nature and good food. We step off the train in Davos feeling completely satisfied.
A Beautiful Autumn Walk Through the Sertig Valley
The next morning, the early sun casts a soft light over the rooftops of Davos. With our hiking boots on and our backpacks filled, we hop on the local bus to Davos Glaris, a short ride through the valley. The bus drops us right at the base station of the Rinerhorn.
It’s still early and the world seems just waking up. We buy our tickets and step into the gondola. To our surprise, we’re the only passengers. Slowly we glide upwards as the village shrinks below us. At the top station we step out into an oasis of calm. The surroundings are vast, the silence almost tangible. The sun already shines brightly on the surrounding peaks — a promising start to a beautiful hiking day.
Autumn Colours
The panoramas around us are truly breathtaking. Everywhere we look, rugged Alpine peaks dominate the horizon. Autumn has transformed the landscape, bathing it in golden hues. The larches are especially striking at this time of year. Their needles turn deep yellow and then almost orange before falling, giving the mountainsides a warm, glowing appearance. We savour this fleeting natural spectacle.
The first part of the route is very comfortable, following wide, well‑maintained paths. This gives us plenty of time to take in the scenery. After a while we reach a charming barbecue area in the middle of nature. The Swiss certainly know how to set up such places: a sturdy covered shelter with a generous supply of dry wood, several barbecues ready for use, and plenty of seating. We imagine how cosy it must be here. It’s the perfect spot for a lunch of grilled sausages — but today we continue. Our stomachs aren’t rumbling yet, and we have a special lunch destination in mind.
Each on Their Own Trail
From the barbecue area, the character of the walk changes. The path becomes narrower and a little more challenging. We need to watch our footing carefully, navigating roots and stones. Next to the hiking trail runs a separate mountain bike route — a clever arrangement that keeps walkers and cyclists from getting in each other’s way. The surroundings become more wooded, with sunlight filtering beautifully through the trees. The scent of dry pine needles and autumn forest rises from the ground. It’s a sunny, ever‑changing landscape.
After a gentle descent, the Sertig valley appears below us. The view of the little village is delightful: a cluster of wooden houses surrounded by greenery. In the centre stands the famous white church, a picture‑perfect scene against the rugged mountains. We pause to capture the moment. The Sertig church is a favourite among photographers for good reason — it radiates simplicity and serenity. We feel privileged to be standing here.
Lunch at Walserhuus Sertig
The final stretch into the village is an easy downhill walk. We reach Sertig and wander between the houses. Our endpoint today is Walserhuus Sertig, a well‑known hotel‑restaurant with a beautiful terrace. The sun is still shining, so we choose a spot outside and let our hiking boots rest.
The waiter quickly brings the menu, filled with tempting local dishes. We order a hearty meal to replenish our energy. As we eat, we gaze out at the mountains we’ve just descended from. The food tastes wonderful in the crisp mountain air. After lunch we linger a little longer in the warm sunshine. The atmosphere in Sertig is relaxed and friendly, with other hikers looking just as content as we feel.
Autumn in Graubünden has truly surprised us. The colours, the peace and the clear air are a golden combination. Eventually we gather our things and walk to the nearby bus stop for the ride back to Davos. This walk through the Sertig valley was perfect in every way.
Other Outdoor Possibilities in Graubünden
If you love the outdoors, this canton offers endless opportunities.
Hiking Routes in Graubünden
Graubünden boasts hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails. We’re already looking forward to our next adventure later this year: the Via Albula/Bernina, a multi‑day route that largely follows the tracks of the famous red trains. You walk past impressive viaducts and through rugged mountain landscapes.
The hike to the Jöriseen is also high on our list, known for its milky‑blue mountain lakes set in a barren, moon‑like landscape. For those who prefer lower altitudes, there are lovely trails along the River Landwasser, shaded by trees with the water rushing beside you. In Graubünden, hikers never run out of new views — every bend reveals a fresh perspective on the Alps.
You can easily find the best hiking routes on the Outdoor Active website.
Mountain Bike Routes in Graubünden
Graubünden is a paradise for mountain bikers of all levels. In addition to the wide valley paths, there are countless routes for advanced riders. In Davos you’ll find the legendary Alps Epic Trail, one of the longest singletracks in Switzerland — a narrow, winding path just wide enough for a bike, offering technical challenges and stunning views.
For a more relaxed ride, e‑bikes are available everywhere, making steep climbs far more manageable. The route through the Val d’Uina is another must‑do, following a path literally carved into the rock — an unforgettable experience. The region invests heavily in trail maintenance, and it shows: the signage is excellent and there are plenty of places to stop along the way.
You’ll find many more mountain bike routes on the Outdoor Active website.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Activities Around Davos
Davos lies in the canton of Graubünden in eastern Switzerland. It is the highest town in Europe, set in a wide valley surrounded by high peaks.
Absolutely — it’s perfect for anyone who loves action and nature. Famous for winter sports, but just as enjoyable in summer. The atmosphere is sporty and the mountain air wonderfully fresh.
The Schatzalp is a must for its stunning views and historic sanatorium. The Kirchner Museum and the Davosersee are also worth visiting. For peace and quiet, the side valleys such as Sertig and Dischma are beautiful.
The trains and buses are perfectly coordinated. The Rhätische Bahn takes you to the most beautiful spots. We recommend the Swiss Travel Pass for maximum convenience.
Yes — for most cyclists an e‑bike is essential. The climbs are often steep and long. With assistance you can enjoy the scenery without getting exhausted.
In Klosters, Andrist near the station is an excellent choice. They have the latest models and great service. The Davos Klosters website lists all rental points.
The train is the easiest and fastest option. From Davos Platz or Davos Dorf it takes about twenty minutes, with frequent services and beautiful views.
Around 27.5 kilometres return, taking roughly three hours including stops.
With an e‑bike it’s manageable for most people. You climb about 760 metres on good paths. Without assistance it’s a tough challenge. Be careful on the descent, especially in the bends.
Take local bus 301 from Davos to the Rinerhorn station in Glaris. Connections to the gondola are excellent.
If you stay in Davos you receive the Davos Klosters Premium Card, which gives a substantial discount. It’s usually not completely free, but very affordable.
About 7.3 kilometres, taking just over two hours. With photo stops and breaks we took around three.
Not really — it’s mostly a gentle descent. The first part is wide and easy; the second part narrower and more technical. Good hiking boots are recommended.
Hundreds of kilometres of trails await. The official Davos‑Klosters website offers inspiration for all levels.
Davos‑Klosters is a paradise of challenging singletracks. The website lists all routes.
Hotel Grischa has five excellent restaurants under one roof — we dined wonderfully at Pulsa. Restaurant Scala was good as well, though less atmospheric. Bräma is also recommended. On the Schatzalp you can enjoy a lovely lunch with a unique view. In the Sertig valley, the terrace at Walserhuus Sertig is superb.
We thoroughly enjoyed Hotel Grischa, a stylish four‑star hotel, ideally located opposite the station. Other great options include:
- Schatzalp Hotel (former sanatorium)
- Hotel Alpenhof
- Hotel Edelweiss
For B&Bs, Bellagio and Stiffler‑Huus are excellent choices. Haus im Sand is another appealing option.
This trip was made at the invitation of Switzerland Tourism, the canton of Graubünden, Davos‑Klosters and the Rhätische Bahn. The content of this blog is entirely our own, based on our personal impressions.
