Rhein Route

Stage 1: Andermatt – Disentis

The source of the Rhine is located in the Oberalp area, not far from the pass. The mineral deposits in Val Tujetsch are among the richest, most interesting in the Alpine region. Our destination is Disentis (called Mustér in Romansh), home of the famous monastery with its prominent baroque church.

The Anterior Rhine originates in Lake Toma, a small lake at an altitude of 2,345 m, three km south of the Oberalp Pass. A short distance to the west of Chur, near Reichenau/Tamins, it joins the Posterior Rhine and from there to Lake Constance it is also called “Alpine Rhine”. The road climbs consistently to the Oberalp Pass along countless switchbacks. Most of the time, the gradient varies between seven and nine percent. The road from the pass, connecting the cantons of Uri and Grisons, starts at an altitude of 2,044 meters and leads down to Val Tujetsch, past lovely villages, such as Selva and Rueras, all the way to Sedrun. The local village museum “La Truaisch” houses one of the most valuable mineral collections in Switzerland. Aside from rarities from the valley, dwellings with weaving and spinning rooms from way back when are also exhibited (please note the opening hours).

Another thing to admire here is Switzerland’s melodic fourth language. Here in the Surselva region, it is known as Romontsch, while it is called Rumantsch in the Lower and Rumauntsch in the Upper Engadin. The language changes ever so slightly from one area to the next. As you continue on your way through the wide valley, you will catch a glimpse of the Furka-Oberalp train from time to time. Its main route is about 100 kilometres long and connects the cantons of Grisons, Uri and Valais.

You certainly can’t miss all the gondolas and ski lifts soaring up to the mountains everywhere. The Sedrun area is popular for both summer and winter holidays. A lovely day of biking along “Rein Anteriur“, as the locals call the Rhine here, ends in the monastic village of Disentis at the foot of the Oberalp and Lukmanier passes. Disentis, or Mustér, is the capital of the Surselva region, which was first cultivated by Benedictine monks. The baroque church towers over the village. While French troops set fire to Disentis, the monastery and the church in 1799 extensive renovations at the end of the 19th century have restored the town’s original magnificence.