Alps Epic Trail Davos

Anyone who rides up almost 1000 meters in altitude from Jakobshorn to Filisur and down far more is on the more than 40-kilometer-long "Alps Epic Trail Davos." The trail's flagship. The well-known mountain bike route in the Davos Klosters destination is the first and so far only one in Switzerland to be awarded the "Epic Trail" title by the international mountain bike organization "IMBA." Its inclusion in the Olympus of the best mountain bike trails has increased its popularity enormously in a short space of time. No wonder: only three other routes in Europe – Finland, Wales and Iceland – have received this award so far.

Part of this route runs along the path from Jakobshorn to Sertig and up to Rinerhorn, which is also very popular for hiking. It's sometimes like shopping before holidays or during rush hour on commuters: Wherever people get too close, they get into arguments. Bikers want to ride single trails without constantly slowing down. Hikers, on the other hand, want to enjoy nature without feeling like someone is constantly approaching from behind.

The Trail Crew has been managing the trail since summer 2023. As this is the longest unbundling of its kind in Switzerland to date, Davos Klosters is once again taking a pioneering role in the biking sector. The hiking trail is designed so that it always runs a few meters above the mountain bike trail. Outdoor athletes only share the paths for short sections.

Most importantly, the character of the trail is preserved. Local stones were used for the construction, and excavated surface layers were used to renaturalize wild paths. The new trail sections are a total of 8.2 kilometers long. On the stretch from Äbirügg to Sertig Sand, approximately 75 percent of the total route has been unbundled, and from the reservoir at Jakobshorn to Sertig Dorf, the figure is around 50 percent. On the most important part of this route, the downhill from Witiberg, bikers have free rein.

Take the cable car all the way to the top of the Jakobshorn, where the tour begins. From there, follow the gravel road towards Sertig Dörfli. After a short climb, the singletrack trail begins. Since its renovation in 2015, it's been very enjoyable to ride, and the 730 meters of descent to Sertig Dörfli fly by. Here you can either stop for a coffee break at the Bergführer (mountain guide) or continue on the road to Sertig Sand – where you can stop for refreshments at the Walserhuus – and from there switch to the singletrack trail to the Rinerhorn. This section of the route is signposted as Route 647 Rinerhorn/Sertig, but in the opposite direction.

After about 205 meters of descent, you'll reach the Äbirügg fire pit. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view. Continue on the road towards the Rinerhorn mountain station, passing the Rinerhorn mountain restaurant. Soon, the singletrack trail to Monstein branches off to the left. From here, you can follow the route signs for 335 Monstein. The undulating route leads via Nidel Löffel, Leidbach, Hauder- and Oberalp to Monstein. Here you'll find the Monstein brewery. Good places to stop for refreshments are the Veltlinerstübli and the Restaurant Ducan. However, don't eat too much, as you still have several kilometers ahead.

Continue on to Jenisberg. From here, follow the route signs for 338 Zügenschlucht (Zügen Gorge). From Monstein, you'll initially pass the sawmill towards the former ore mines/Silberberg, but before reaching them, turn left onto a slightly wider path that continues uphill. At Teuf Zügji, you'll have conquered the steepest climb and turn right onto a singletrack trail. Caution is advised from here on, as the path drops off steeply in places. This section is a treat for bikers with a head for heights. The route continues through the Brunnentöbeli gorge, past Löser, and through the Chüetobel ravine until just before Jenisberg.

A detour to Jenisberg is definitely worthwhile – you can get refreshments at the Gässälibeiz inn. From Jenisberg, you descend the steep road to Wiesen train station. Be careful of oncoming traffic here. If you like, treat yourself to a snack at the "Züga-Beizli" (train station restaurant) with its homemade, local specialties. From Wiesen train station, leave Route 337 and follow the hiking signs to Leidboden, always along the Landwasser River, until you reach the foot of the Landwasser Viaduct. After this impressive view, the trail climbs to Filisur train station, where you should treat yourself to a Filisur organic ice cream while you wait for your train.