Cycling routes

Nufenen - Legendary Mountain Passes

Obergoms

11/15°

The Nufenen pass is one of the highest mountain passes in Switzerland. Only the Umbrail pass in Grisons stands higher. This ride between the Canton of Valais and the Canton of Ticino is a must for cycling enthusiasts.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

13.73 km

Duration

2:30 h

Aussicht von der Passstrasse auf den Stocke.

Description

On leaving Ulrichen, the Route of Nufenen pass may not be the most memorable, but it doesn’t take long for the gradient to become demanding and there isn’t much respite during the kilometers up to the summit. As the magnificent setting comes into view bit by bit, it’ll take any cyclist’s breath away. Gradually you’ll see the mountain corries with their ever-snowy summits, as you inch forward on the climb to the top of the pass.

Turn-by-turn directions

Shortly after leaving Ulrichen, the first part of the winding road doesn’t take long to become demanding. Quickly the road takes you to a wild nature composed by hundred-year-old fir trees, rocks shaped by frost and wind and rivers tumbling down slopes in waterfalls. After the first rather sinuous kilometers, some long straight line allows to enter a more open mountain circus which attracts irresistibly towards summits. We shall pass next to a farm selling some goat cheese which is the perfect excuse for a break before attacking the final part of the ride. The twisty road shortens your breath as you gain altitude. At the top the view over a small alpine lake overhanging Val Bedretto is impressive and leads toward the Italian side of Switzerland: Ticino.

Start

Ulrichen (1347m)

Destination

Nufenen pass (2478m)

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Author's recommendation

Visit the historical villages in the Goms valley.

Technical information

Altitude

2479m

1347m

Ascent

+1131m

Descent

-0m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

Frequent CFF train connections from all over Switzerland to Brig, then MGB (Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn) train or bus to Ulrichen (1h 15). You can travel to the Goms valley coming from Zurich or Lucerne as well. Find full timetable information at www.cff.ch

Approach

From Brig, follow the cantonal route 19 "Furkastrasse" for 37km until you arrive in Ulrichen. You can travel to the Goms valley coming from Zurich or Lucerne as well.