From the hotel we cycle to the Via Claudia Augusta bike path. We ride towards Prad at Stilfserjoch on our bikes. From here we cycle through the valley first which is somewhat cool and sombre in the lower section. We soon have a wonderful view of the surrounding glaciers. Now we’ve reached the first hairpin bend – altogether we have 48 to overcome. As the incline is relatively small, we’re able to find a good regular rhythm. A little farther uphill and it will be comfortably warm, the view even more spectacular.

The last section is rather strenuous after all – I feel at least somewhat exhausted. But – finally having reached an altitude of 2,700 m – we experience that wonderful feeling of having made it and the strain is already forgotten again. We’re already right beside the glacier and an icy wind is blowing. We park our bikes beside the skis… and treat ourselves to a warm meal.

The long ride downhill leads us through the outermost corner of Graubünden (CH). The scenery makes an overwhelming impression on us – particularly the gradual change from the barren landscape of a high mountain region to a succulent green. The towns and villages also have their own interesting character. In the vicinity of Taufers we cycle over the border again and the final almost flat stretch leads us back to Prad where our car is parked.