Great Rhine loop: Ilanz-Sagogn-Valendas-Rueun-Ilanz (gravel)

From Ilanz, the route takes us to Sagogon (pronounced “Sagoin”) – a sunny terrace in the valley floor. From here, you proceed down one of the last "main roads" paved with gravel to the Valendas-Sagogn train station. Crossing the Rhine again, we pass the language border for the second time. German is spoken in Valendas – Walser German. From spring to autumn, you can stop at the small inn by the station. Small dishes and drinks are served.

But be careful, after this break, a steep climb awaits on the old station road up to Valendas. After this short effort, we roll on a little-traveled street to Castrisch and pass the language border again.

Now follows a section rarely frequented by tourists. The terrain varies and shows why the gravel bike is the perfect companion: asphalt, gravel, concrete, and a short single trail. In principle, you could end the route here, but we decide on the additional loop via Polenweg, Rueun, and Schnaus, thus adding more crossings of the language border.

This route is a insider tip especially on the right side of the Vorderrhein and overall you cross the language border seven times. Where else is that possible? Only in the Surselva!