Mountain bike tours

Glacier Bike Tour 10. Visp - Zermatt

Visp

From vineyards to snow-covered peaks, from the heart of the Valais to the foot of the Matterhorn, this final stage between Visp and Zermatt has a 1,400-metre climb ensuring a finish on a high note.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

37.65 km

Duration

3:21 h

Description

On this final leg of the Glacier Bike Tour (GBT), the terraced vineyards gradually give way to a more mountainous backdrop. Departing from Visp, you’ll pass through the villages of Stalden and Kalpetran, following an old mule track along historic dry-stone walls, before continuing on to St Niklaus. From here, follow the railway line and the Vispa, past thundering waterfalls and the imposing Bishorn glacier tongue on the eastern side of the Weisshorn massif. Straight ahead, you’ll be able to admire the Klein Matterhorn and the gleaming ridge of the Breithorn, one of the region's many 4,000 m peaks. From Täsch onwards, the forest path turns into a tough mountain bike trail, which you can avoid by branching off prematurely onto the road where the last stretch before the finish takes place. On the final stretch, the majestic Matterhorn finally appears, that 4,478 m high rock pyramid with its striking triangular shape: a magical moment.

Our favorites

Our favorite itineraries are part of a selection of the best routes in the region and are proposed by Valais/Wallis Promotion to best meet the expectations of our guests.

Turn-by-turn directions

On the way to the Zermatt valley, the Rhône is replaced by the Vispa, and you’ll follow mountain bike route no. 150 Visp-Zermatt following the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn line, until you arrive in Zermatt. As you depart from Visp, you’ll leave the vineyards and head for the village of Stalden on the other side of the valley, continuing towards Kalpetran along an old mule track with dry-stone walls. Shortly afterwards, you’ll return to the road as far as St Niklaus, then continue along the railway line and the Vispa to Randa with its meadows and pastures. From Täsch onwards, the forest path turns into a tough mountain bike trail, which you can avoid by branching off onto the road, and the last stretch before the finish takes place on a road with very little traffic, as Zermatt is a car-free village. Once you've completed all ten legs of the Glacier Bike Tour, the first thing you'll want to do is have a drink and celebrate!

Start

Ulrichen (1,346 m) (648m)

Destination

Visp (658m) (1605m)

Author's recommendation

Don’t miss a chance to relax, swim or waterski on the Schalisee lake in Täsch, not to mention the pumptrack and skill center at the Bike Zone Schali.

Technical information

Altitude

1346m

658m

Ascent

+1150m

Descent

-190m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Singletrail/Free ride
  • Multi-stage route
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Summit route
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Family-friendly
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Visp(Viège) is accessible by train. 

Approach

From Bern, drive to Kandersteg and use the car transport (piggyback) to Goppenstein, then continue in the direction of Visp (Visp).

From Geneva/Lausanne, take the A9 freeway to Sierre-Est, then continue in the direction of Brig to Visp (Visp).

Parking

Follow the car-park signs in Visp.

Equipment

Which e-bike should one use on the Glacier Bike Tour? Professional cyclist and twice E-MTB world champion Nathalie Schneitter demonstrates the ideal two-wheeler in this video. A sturdy, comfortable full-suspension e-bike with wide, grippy tyres, powerful brakes and, if possible, a lowerable seat post.

 

One needs to be ready for anything in the mountains, even in midsummer. So what should one plan to include in one’s bike bags for an adventure that – incorporating three mountain passes and landscapes that are as Alpine as they are Mediterranean – is about as exceptional as it gets? Having already completed the Glacier Bike Tour, cycling pro Nathalie Schneitter reveals her list of what to pack.

 

Preparing for mountain bike outings

Safety information

The Glacier Bike Tour route is under development and is not signposted. While on the route, you can find your way using the Outdoor Active app. When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.


The mountains are a place of pleasure to be shared and respected, offering space in which to meet up and share unforgettable moments, whether by bike or on foot. For all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy them properly, it is essential that mountains are shared in a way that respects both Nature and agriculture. Respectful behaviour enables everyone to enjoy their hobby in the best possible conditions. Find out about the recommendations and rules in place.

 Best practice guidelines

Additional information

Book one of the Glacier Bike Tour holiday offers! Choose between eleven, seven or three nights and enjoy some great riding days. You will be staying in bike hotels and will be provided with a daily luggage transport service; all that’s left for you to do is hit the trails! Go to the offer.

  

See the full itinerary: 

Glacier Bike Tour

 

More information about the destination:

Obergoms

Literature

Get the the Valais/Wallis mountain bike map to discover the best routes in the region.

The tourist offices in Münster, Oberwald, Reckingen, Visp and Zermatt have got brochures and information material about mountain biking in the region.

Maps

SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000:

274 Visp

1348 Zermatt

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

View of the Cervo hotel with the Matterhorn in the background, Zermatt. Valais, Switzerland.

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