The Upper Engadin, around St. Moritz, offers a rare kind of gravel terrain in the Alps: a valley floor that stays flat for several dozen kilometres above 1,700 m, between glacial lakes and larch forests.
A flat valley floor between lakes and larches
From St. Moritz, the tracks follow the valley floor toward Silvaplana and then Sils Maria, running alongside Lake St. Moritz, Lake Silvaplana and Lake Sils through larch forests typical of the Engadin. Expect around 30 km and just 300 m of elevation gain for a loop representative of the region — an exceptionally rolling profile for high-mountain terrain.
Getting the ride right
Versatile gravel tyres around 40-45mm suit most of the route, between packed farm tracks and softer lakeside paths. The altitude, with noticeable temperature swings between morning and midday, justifies light thermal layers even in high summer.
When to go
June to September, as the season stays short at this altitude, where snow can linger into late spring. July and August offer the best conditions, with alpine meadows in full bloom around the lakes.
Good to know
St. Moritz, a well-served international resort, offers a wide choice of accommodation and gravel bike rentals, with convenient access to the Bernina Pass to extend the stay to other Graubünden classics.
