Mountain bike tours

Glacier Bike Tour 9. Ulrichen – Visp (Viège)

Obergoms

0/8°

From Ulrichen, cross the Conches valley and gradually leave a landscape of multiple forests and mountain villages to immerse yourself in the vineyards of the canton.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

55.76 km

Duration

3:20 h

Description

After the austere and millennial scenery of the Furka pass, the ninth stage of the Glacier Bike Tour (GBT) crosses the picturesque Conches valley, a true hidden gem of Upper Valais. This splendid landscape is dotted with small hamlets with houses darkened by the sun, flanked by barns and timbered granaries. Make a first stop in Mühlebach, which has the oldest wooden village center in Switzerland, and continue to Ernen and its magnificent village square. Your route then crosses the Binntal regional natural park, which carefully preserves the traditional landscape and diverse alpine flora, and continues towards the Twingischlucht (Twingi gorge), before crossing several small villages until reaching the Rhône. Follow the river to Brig, then to Visp (Viège). Its winding old town offers many opportunities to taste the grape varieties that flourish in the region, such as Païen (Heida), the local specialty, or Cornalin.

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

A few kilometers after your departure from Ulrichen, you reach Mühlebach and its wooden village center, the oldest in Switzerland. Just a few meters away, don't miss the spectacular suspension bridge spanning the Rhône at 92 meters high over a length of 280 meters. After leaving Mühlebach, you reach Ernen, then cross the Binntal regional natural park. The path then passes through Ausserbinn, then turns right onto a forest path shortly after the hamlet of Hubu. Following this trail, turn just before the Twingischlucht (Twingi gorge), descend to the Roman bridge (Römerbrücke) then climb back up to Hockmatta, a section where riding is a bit technical. Back on the road, descend through several small villages until you reach the Rhône, then take the Furka road, where traffic is particularly heavy. Fortunately, the route quickly diverts and passes between the railway and the river to Brig, then follows the north bank to the stage destination, Visp (Viège).

Start

Ulrichen (1346 m) (1347m)

Destination

Viège (658 m) (645m)

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Author's recommendation

In Mühlebach, make a gourmet stop at Café Hängebirga, run by the family of Olympic snowboard champion Patrizia Kummer.

Technical information

Altitude

1346m

658m

Ascent

+430m

Descent

-1110m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

Take the train to Fiesch, then board bus 142 towards Oberwald up to the Ulrichen, Kirche stop. Remember to reserve your mountain bike spot via the SBB mobile app or on sbb.ch.

Approach

From Brig, follow Route 19 towards Obergoms up to Ulrichen.

Parking

Follow the parking signs in Ulrichen.

Equipment

Which e-bike to take on the Glacier Bike Tour? Professional cyclist and two-time E-MTB world champion Nathalie Schneitter presents to 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 seatpost.

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 unique adventure that passes through three mountain passes and landscapes both alpine and Mediterranean? Cycling professional Nathalie Schneitter has already ridden the Glacier Bike Tour and reveals here her packing list.

Prepare your mountain bike outing

Safety information

Follow only marked paths 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 undergone an approval procedure according to the recreational 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. Conditions on site may lead to route changes. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the website information. The mountains are a playground to be shared and respected. The mountains offer a space to meet and share unforgettable moments, by 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 each person to practice their leisure in the best conditions. Inform yourself about the recommendations and rules in place.

Properly assess your physical condition and capabilities. Use of different routes is always at your own risk.

Rules of good conduct

Additional information

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

View the full route:

Glacier Bike Tour

Learn more about the destinations:

Conches Valleys