The best road cycling routes around Pontresina

Julier Pass, History (Pass height 2284 m above sea level) The column remnants exactly at the summit of the Julier Pass and the finds of Roman coins nearby point to a very early use of this Alpine crossing. The Septimer Pass, a few kilometers to the west, which was however steeper and more avalanche-prone, can certainly be considered a competitor. What is certain is that both were used intensively in Roman times. The Julier even with two-wheeled carts. In the age of packhorse trains, the Julier increasingly lost importance because the topography at the Septimer Pass was hardly a factor and, moreover, the detour via the Engadin was not necessary. With the construction of a cart track over the Septimer (1387), the Julier was definitively left behind. The Julier remained important for access to the Upper Engadin and the Bernina Pass. The actual road construction over the Julier took place between 1820 and 1826. In this phase of history, the Julier retained "the upper hand" over the Septimer. On the one hand, topographical reasons were decisive, and on the other hand, the canton could not afford to ignore the Engadin. This was the first road construction project in which the canton acted as the client. In the second half of the 19th century, various route adjustments followed, which became necessary due to the increasing feeder traffic for the Upper Engadin health resorts. The opening of the Albula Line of the Rhaetian Railway in 1903 caused car traffic over the Julier to collapse again. When the Federal Council put pressure on the Graubünden government in 1923 for a car-suitable transit route, the canton opted for the Julier route. Between 1935 and 1940, the pass road was renovated and was the first Alpine crossing to receive an asphalt surface. Today, the Julier is the most important, year-round open, northern access to the Engadin. Text / Source: Interessengemeinschaft Alpenpässe IAP, Postfach 11, Realp https://www.alpen-paesse.ch/de/alpenpaesse/julierpass/

Already in the Roman Empire around 2,000 years ago Already in the Roman Empire around 2,000 years ago, the Julier Pass was of great importance. At the pass summit, two columns of a Roman sanctuary still stand today. Today, the pass road over the Julier is the most important road connection to the Engadin and is passable all year round. In the vicinity of the Julier, you will find numerous hiking and biking routes on which the landscape can be ideally explored. From the Julierhospitz (pass summit 2284 m above sea level), the exploration tour or hike to the clear mountain lake Leg Grevasalvas begins. Text / Source: Graubünden Ferien, Alexanderstrasse 24, Chur https://www.graubuenden.ch/de/ausflugsziele/julierpass

Both from the Morteratsch valley and from Montebello, you can enjoy a magnificent view of glaciers and the Bernina massif.

Wonderful, quiet floodplain landscape, although close to the road

A short stop in La Punt is worthwhile. This is mainly due to the striking white house – the Chesa Merleda. This is a prominent example of Engadine architecture.

CONFISERIE HANSELMANN, A Sweet Paradise in St. Moritz Café Hanselmann is world-renowned for its exquisite cakes, chocolates, and pastries. The beautiful sgraffito facade dates back to 1912, while inside, guests are greeted by an elegant, nostalgic ambiance with artistic details. In addition to classic sweets, Hanselmann also offers select coffee and tea specialties – a must for all lovers of culinary delights. Text / Source: St. Moritz Tourism AG, Via Maistra 12, St. Moritz https://www.stmoritz.com/directory/st-moritz-insider/wenig-zeit-st-moritz-in-zwei-stunden-1

The story of St. Moritz begins in 1864 The story of St. Moritz, as we know it today, begins in 1864, when hotelier Johannes Badrutt made a bet with his guests from Great Britain. He promised that not only the summer, but also the St. Moritz winter would be so pleasant that on sunny days one could enjoy the sun on the terrace without a jacket. Should his promise prove false, the hotelier would pay for their travel and winter stay. Wrapped head to toe in furs, the group of men crossed the Julier Pass the following December. Upon arriving in St. Moritz, the sky was clear, the sun warm, and Badrutt stood before them to greet them without a jacket and with his shirtsleeves rolled up. Winter tourism was born. More: Pioneer History | St. Moritz, Switzerland (stmoritz.com) Text/Source: ENGADIN ST. MORITZ TOURISMUS AG Via Maistra 1, CH-7500 St. Moritz, www.stmoritz.com https://www.engadintourismus.ch/fileadmin/user_upload/Fakten_ueber_St._Moritz_DE.pdf

The story of St. Moritz begins in 1864 The story of St. Moritz, as we know it today, begins in 1864, when hotelier Johannes Badrutt made a bet with his guests from Great Britain. He promised that not only the summer, but also the St. Moritz winter would be so pleasant that on sunny days one could enjoy the sun on the terrace without a jacket. Should his promise prove false, the hotelier would pay for their travel and winter stay. Wrapped head to toe in furs, the group of men crossed the Julier Pass the following December. Upon arriving in St. Moritz, the sky was clear, the sun warm, and Badrutt stood before them to greet them without a jacket and with his shirtsleeves rolled up. Winter tourism was born. More: Pioneer History | St. Moritz, Switzerland (stmoritz.com) Text/Source: ENGADIN ST. MORITZ TOURISMUS AG Via Maistra 1, CH-7500 St. Moritz, www.stmoritz.com https://www.engadintourismus.ch/fileadmin/user_upload/Fakten_ueber_St._Moritz_DE.pdf