Bike Tour in Switzerland: Scuol to Tschierv on the Nationalpark Bike-Marathon Route (SchweizMobil Nr. 444)
Updated: Nov 12
Engadine Valley Cycling: This bike tour from Scuol to Tschierv offers a chance to explore some of Switzerland's most scenic landscapes at a comfortable pace. Following the first stage of the National Park Bike Marathon, this route is well-suited for both seasoned cyclists and those looking for a leisurely ride through the mountains. Cycling in the Engadine valley offers a unique mix of natural beauty and accessibility, making it a must-do for any mountain biker. In this guide, you'll find all the practical information you need to plan your journey, including how to get to Scuol, where to rent a bike, and what to expect along the way.
How to Get to Scuol
Scuol is the perfect starting point for your Swiss bike tour. Here's how to get there:
By Train: The quickest route is from Zurich to Scuol. Take the direct train from Zurich to Landquart, and then transfer to the train bound for Scuol. The journey itself is a visual delight, with stunning views of the Prättigau and Engadine valleys.
By Car: If you prefer driving, park at the Scuol train station. Paid parking is available at the train station, while free parking options can be found at Porta and Punt (Scuol Sot).
Bike Rentals in Scuol
If you're not bringing your own bike, Scuol has several bike rental options:
Recommendation: Rent your bike from the Adventure Bikeshop Scuol
conveniently located at the train station. They offer a range of bikes, including e-bikes, along with essential accessories like helmets, locks, and repair kits. To ensure a quick pick-up, book your bike in advance through their website. For e-bike users, consider requesting a larger battery to support longer rides. In case you’re interested, I rented the BULLS Copperhead Trapez M. It was a great bike, but if you’re planning multi-day tours over rocky terrain, you might want to consider renting a full-suspension bike for added comfort and control. I asked for the largest battery, and they provided a 700-watt one, which was excellent for longer rides. Keep in mind that there are many interdependencies, such as weight and terrain, but with a 700-watt battery, you might be able to ascend up to 1,800 height meters using the lowest support mode. If you are planning a multi-day bike tour, most hotels offer bike rooms with chargers.
The Bike Tour: Scuol to Tschierv
This bike tour follows the first stage of the National Park Bike Marathon, a well-signaled route that starts right at the Scuol train station.
Route Overview:
This stage of the National Park Bike Marathon, also known as Route 444, takes you through diverse and stunning alpine landscapes. The route is approximately 37 kilometers long with a total ascent of 1,250 meters and a descent of 950 meters, making it a challenging but rewarding ride.
Would I Recommend This to Families?
It depends. The road between Scuol and S-charl is shared with cars and buses, and while it’s a typical mountain road that is wide, it’s not super wide. I noticed that the local buses tend to come through at full speed, which might be a bit scary, especially if you’re riding with inexperienced kids. Additionally, the hill is quite steep for the first 6 kilometers or so.
For a safer and more enjoyable experience with children, I recommend taking the bus up to S-charl. From there, the tour into Tschierv is more family-friendly, as the path is only shared with hikers and other cyclists. There is just one 100-meter stretch where you and your kids might need to walk due to a steep, rocky section, but otherwise, it’s a more relaxed ride.
Route Highlights:
Scuol to S-charl: Begin by cycling down through Scuol, crossing the iconic Gurlainabrücke, and heading towards the picturesque mountain village of S-charl. The road to S-charl is shared mostly with local buses, making it an easy ride. After leaving Scuol, you'll enter the serene lower Engadine valley, passing through forested areas and open meadows. The trail to Plan d’Immez offers beautiful views of the surrounding peaks, including Piz Pisoc, one of the highest mountains in the Swiss National Park.
S-charl Stopover: S-charl is a great place to rest and refuel. Enjoy local cuisine before continuing your journey. The village itself is steeped in history, offering a glimpse into traditional mountain life.
Pass da Costainas: After S-charl, a beautiful path leads you up to the Pass da Costainas. The route is easy, with low to medium gradients, making it an enjoyable ride. On the way, you'll pass by Alp Astras Tamangur, where you can stop to get some food or drink before embarking on the final stretch. Right after the highest point, there's a short, steep, and rocky section where you may need to carry your bike for about 100 meters. However, don’t worry—this passage is challenging but not dangerous.
Descent to Val Mora: After crossing the pass, you'll descend into the remote and unspoiled Val Mora, a stunning high valley with a wild, untouched feel. The descent offers spectacular views and a rewarding ride through one of Switzerland's most beautiful natural areas.
Arrival in Tschierv: Enjoy the easy ride down from the highest point of the pass into the picturesque villages of Lü and then Tschierv. Tschierv marks the end of today's journey, where you have various options on how to proceed. Whether you choose to explore more of the region, rest for the night, or continue your adventure, Tschierv offers a perfect spot to reflect on the day's achievements.
How to Finish the Tour
You have several options to conclude your bike tour:
Continue to Livigno: If you're riding an e-bike and up for a challenge, proceed to the second stage of the National Park Bike Marathon and head towards Livigno. Be prepared for an intense ride, as you'll need to conserve battery power by riding at the lowest support level. Ensure you start early, as this leg of the trip takes about 6-7 hours, including breaks.
Stay Overnight in Tschierv: Rest in Tschierv and continue the next day. This is a great option if you want to break up the tour and enjoy the serene mountain environment. Tschierv is a quaint village located at the entrance to the Val Müstair, offering several accommodation options for weary cyclists. Book a stay in Tschierv.
Return to Scuol: You can take the bus and train from Tschierv back to Scuol, which takes about an hour. Alternatively, you can cycle back to Scuol by reversing the route, turning around at Alp Astras Tamangur, and returning via S-charl. For those looking for an even longer adventure, you can continue your bike tour by exploring the other stages of the National Park Bike Marathon.
Additional Tips:
Best Time to Visit: The route is best enjoyed from June to October, when the trails are clear of snow and the weather is most favorable.
Safety and Preparation: Always check the weather forecast before embarking on your ride. The high-altitude sections can be exposed and challenging, so being prepared with appropriate gear is essential.
Interactive Map: Explore the detailed route map here or on Komoot
The bus to s-charl: The bus from Scuol train station to S-charl will save you about 700 meters of elevation gain. This is recommended if you are not very fit, not using an e-bike, or riding with kids. You can either get off in S-charl, which is the final stop of the bus route, or, if you only want to skip the first steep hill, get off at Scuol, San Jon.
Conclusion
This bike tour from Scuol to Tschierv is an ideal way to experience Switzerland's stunning landscapes on two wheels. Whether you choose to continue to Livigno or return to Scuol, this route offers something for every type of cyclist. Don't forget to plan ahead, especially if renting an e-bike, and enjoy the adventure that lies ahead.
If you’re not up for such a long bike tour, how about a day trip to Lindau or Interlaken?
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