Cycling routes

Val d'Anniviers - Valleys & Musts

Radfahrer auf der Straße des Val d'Anniviers

Sierre

0/15°

Closed

On the ascent from Siders to Zinal, you have the fantastic opportunity to discover Val dʼAnniviers – undoubtedly one of the most beautiful valleys in Valais – and charming small villages like Vissoie and Ayer. As a bonus, upon arriving in Zinal, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountain peaks!

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

27.83 km

Duration

4:20 h

Radfahrer auf der Strecke des Val d'Anniviers

Radfahrer auf der schmalen Strasse ins Val d'Anniviers

Description

From Siders, the road to Val dʼAnniviers first runs along a mountainside before winding upwards with a series of spectacular hairpin bends reminiscent of the legendary big Alpine passes! Once in Niouc, the road becomes less steep and winds after the village as if glued along steep rock faces and through several rock tunnels directly hewn into the stone. Switzerland would not be Switzerland if the distinctive horn of the yellow post buses did not sound even in these narrow gorges! Afterwards, you reach the old fortified village of Vissoie, from where the valley stretches towards Zinal. The subsequent ascent proceeds in stages up to the end of the road at the edge of the village of Zinal. Don’t miss the panorama that awaits you.

Turn-by-turn directions

The mountain route from Siders to Zinal takes cycling enthusiasts from the sun-drenched vineyards of the Rhone Valley up to the ancient glaciers and majestic peaks of the Alps. The ascent through Val dʼAnniviers is a real treat, with a panorama that will take every cyclist's breath away at every turn. Between the villages of Niouc and Vissoie, the majestic crown of Valais forms the backdrop: five peaks over 4000 meters, with the Matterhorn rising in their midst! From Vissoie onwards, steep sections alternate with welcome flatter stretches for catching your breath. Before arriving in Zinal, you will need to pedal hard once more. Follow the road to its end at the edge of the village of Zinal and marvel at the Weisshorn, the Zinalrothorn, and the Dent Blanche among others!

Start

Sierre (526m)

Destination

Zinal (1669m)

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Author's recommendation

The first hairpin bends coming up from the valley are sure to give you goosebumps, as does the road carved into the rock at Niouc!

Technical information

Altitude

1670m

523m

Ascent

+1147m

Descent

-3m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

By SBB Interregional trains from Lausanne or Brig as well as regional trains on the Simplon line to Sierre.

Approach

Access via the A9 motorway, exit Sierre West (coming from Lausanne) or exit Sierre East (coming from Brig). Via Rue de la Plaine to Park + Ride at the station in Sierre.