Mountain bike tours

Glacier Bike Tour 8. Andermatt - Ulrichen

Obergoms

-3/2°

Cross one of the most beautiful villages of Switzerland, or the smallest, before reaching the Furka Pass and discovering the glaciers of Valais and the source of the Rhone.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

42.8 km

Duration

2:30 h

Description

For its eighth stage, the Glacier Bike Tour (GBT) starts from Andermatt before reaching the source of the Rhone in Valais, passing through the Furka Pass. On this section, you will have the chance to discover one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland, as well as the smallest village, while the climb to the Furka Pass will make you ascend nearly 900 meters of elevation. At the top, cross the cantonal border to take your first steps in Valais and, after a few descending turns, discover the Rhone glacier, where the river takes its source, as well as the emblematic Belvédère hotel, which is currently no longer in operation. The descent offers a splendid view of the imposing 4000-meter peaks of the Valais and Bernese Alps. On the way to the Goms valley (Conches), the alpine landscape is replaced by forests and finally opens onto a vast picturesque expanse. Surrounded by the Furka, Grimsel and Nufenen passes, you reach Ulrichen, the destination of your stage.

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

From Andermatt, follow the Reuss along the Andermatt golf course and make a first stop at Hospental, one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland, then at Zumdorf, the smallest village in the country. Then continue your route towards Realp and the east ramp of the Furka Pass, passing through the Urseren plain. The ascent to the pass, steady and demanding, includes 900 meters of elevation gain over twelve kilometers. At the top, cross the cantonal border before tackling the first bends of the descent. At 2200 meters altitude, you arrive at the Rhone glacier, a river you will follow for many kilometers. Pass in front of the Belvédère hotel and continue your descent along the hairpin bends, before heading towards Gletsch and, further on, towards the Goms valley (Conches). In front of you, the alpine landscape is replaced by forests and eventually opens onto the picturesque expanse of the upper Goms valley and the Ulrichen plateau, the stage town of your route.

Start

Andermatt (1437 m) (1442m)

Destination

Ulrichen (1346 m) (1343m)

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Author's recommendation

If the sun is out, drop off your bags in Ulrichen, then go swimming, relax, or rent a stand-up paddle at Geschinersee.

Technical information

Altitude

2429m

1344m

Ascent

+1030m

Descent

-1120m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

Take the Gotthard Express train to Göschenen, then the Matterhorn Gothard Bahn to Andermatt.

Remember to reserve a place for your mountain bike via the SBB mobile app or on cff.ch.

Approach

By car, take the motorway exit at Göschenen and continue 10 minutes towards Andermatt.

Parking

Follow parking signs in Andermatt.

Equipment

Which e-bike to take on the Glacier Bike Tour? Professional cyclist and two-time world E-MTB champion Nathalie Schneitter presents you in video the ideal two-wheeler. A robust and comfortable full-suspension e-bike, equipped with wide and grippy tires, powerful brakes and, if possible, a dropper post.

Even in the middle of summer, you have to be ready for anything in the mountains. So what should you pack in the bike bags for such a special adventure, which passes through three mountain passes and landscapes both alpine and Mediterranean? Professional cyclist Nathalie Schneitter has already ridden the Glacier Bike Tour and reveals here her packing list to take along.

Prepare your mountain bike outing

Safety information

Only follow marked trails and roads as well as appropriate signs. The Glacier Bike Tour route is under development and is not signposted. You can find your way on site using the Outdoor Active app.

Prepare your mountain bike outing

This route has not been approved under the leisure mobility routes law by the canton of Valais. People using this route based on the information on this website do so at their own risk. Local conditions may cause route modifications. We disclaim all liability for the accuracy and completeness of the website information. The mountain is a place of pleasure to share and respect. The mountain offers a space to meet and share unforgettable moments, on bike or on foot. For all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy it, it is essential to share this space with respect for nature and agriculture. Respectful behavior allows everyone to practice their hobby in the best conditions. Inform yourself about the recommendations and rules in place.

Evaluate your physical condition and abilities well. Use of the different routes is always at your own risk.

Rules of good conduct

Additional information

Book the Glacier Bike Tour stay offer! Choose the eleven, seven or three-night variant and enjoy wonderful days on an e-bike. You will stay in bike hotels and benefit from a daily luggage transport service, all you have to do is enjoy! To the offer.

See full itinerary:

Glacier Bike Tour

Learn more about the destinations:

Valleys of Conches