Engadin National Park Bike and eBike Tour: Route 444 Guide
- Stefan
- Aug 21, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 28
I rode the Engadin National Park bike and eBike Scuol route with a rented eBike, and it was the best choice I could have made. The trail follows the first stage of the National Park Bike Marathon with plenty of climbs and height differences. A regular bike would have been tough, but the 700 Wh battery on my eBike gave me the power I needed to enjoy the ride without worrying about running out of energy.
The climbs into Val Müstair were challenging but manageable, and the extra support meant I could focus on the scenery instead of the effort. I had time to stop for photos, enjoy the scenery along the way, and really take in the beauty of the Engadin Valley.
If you’re planning this tour, I’d recommend choosing an eBike with a strong battery. It makes the experience smoother, more enjoyable, and lets you appreciate every moment of the journey.
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
Continue to Livigno (What I Did):Instead of stopping in Tschierv, I continued on to Livigno, taking on the second stage of the National Park Bike Marathon. This part of the ride was demanding but unforgettable. With my 700 Wh eBike, I had to be strategic about energy use. To make it through the long climbs, I kept the motor assistance low, riding mostly at level 2 out of 4 at maximum. It required patience and steady pacing, but it was the only way to conserve enough battery for the entire stretch.
The ride took me about six to seven hours including breaks, so starting early in the morning was essential. Arriving in Livigno felt like a huge achievement — a mix of exhaustion and pure satisfaction that made the challenge completely worthwhile.
Stay Overnight in Tschierv:If you’d rather take it slow, Tschierv is a great place to stop for the night. The quiet village at the entrance to Val Müstair offers several cozy accommodation options and a chance to enjoy the mountain atmosphere at a relaxed pace.
Return to Scuol:For a shorter option, you can take public transport back to Scuol in about an hour by bus and train. If you’d prefer to keep pedaling, you can cycle back by reversing the route through Alp Astras Tamangur and S-charl. For more ambitious riders, additional stages of the National Park Bike Marathon are waiting to be explored.
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.
FAQs About the Engadin National Park Bike and eBike Scuol Tour
1. Do I need an eBike to ride from Scuol to Tschierv? Not necessarily. Strong cyclists can complete the route on a regular mountain bike, but the climbs are demanding. An eBike with at least a 700 Wh battery makes the ride much more enjoyable and accessible, especially for those less used to long alpine ascents.
2. What kind of eBike battery is best for this route? A 700 Wh battery is strongly recommended. I used one myself, and even then I had to manage it carefully by riding on support level 2 out of 4 for most of the day. Anything smaller risks running out before you finish the route, particularly if you continue on to Livigno.
3. How long does it take to ride from Scuol to Tschierv? Expect 4–6 hours, depending on your pace, fitness, and number of breaks. If you continue to Livigno, plan for a 6–7 hour ride and start early in the day.
4. Is the Engadin National Park bike and eBike Scuol tour family-friendly? Yes. Families often rent eBikes, trailers, or child seats, which make the journey manageable even with kids. Shorter sections are also possible if younger riders aren’t up for the full distance.
5. What’s the best time of year to do this tour? The ideal season is June through September. The weather is more stable, alpine passes are open, and rental shops in Scuol are fully operational. Spring and autumn rides are possible but may involve unpredictable weather.
6. Can I rent an eBike in Scuol? Yes. Several rental shops in Scuol offer mountain bikes, eBikes, and accessories like trailers. It’s best to book in advance during summer months.
7. How do I get to Scuol?Scuol is easily accessible by train from Zurich, Chur, or St. Moritz. Swiss trains are bike-friendly with designated spaces for bicycles. You can also drive, with scenic alpine roads leading into the town.
8. What are the options for finishing the tour?
Continue to Livigno (challenging, what I did)
Stay overnight in Tschierv
Return to Scuol by bus/train or by reversing the route
9. What should I pack for this ride?
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Cycling shorts and gloves
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Snacks and water
Small repair kit and spare tube
Fully charged eBike battery and charger (if staying overnight)
10. Is the scenery really worth the effort? Absolutely. The route takes you through alpine meadows, Italian villages, and the Val Müstair UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, ending at the gateway to Switzerland’s only national park. It’s one of the most scenic rides you can do in the Alps.
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?
