Cycling routes

Vineyard Trail Sion to Leuk (stage 2)

Sion

9/13°

The second stage of the Vineyard Trail takes you on a journey from the historical monuments of the capital of Valais through sunny vineyards to the heart of the town of Leuk.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

55.28 km

Duration

4:57 h

Description

Swap the urban landscape of the cantonal capital for peaceful vineyards, before reaching mountain trails with the promise of some stunning climbs. Traverse well-known regions such as St Léonard and its underground lake, experience the generous Sierre sunshine and Salgesch’s numerous red grape varieties, which make it the most important wine-growing region in Upper Valais.

Turn-by-turn directions

Linking Sion to Leuk, the second stage of the Vineyard Trail climbs up through the Rhône Valley, bordered by impressive dry stone walls peppering the river’s right bank. From the foot of the historic Valère and Tourbillon castles, cycle through the heart of a huge diversity of grape varieties, red and white alike, taking in Valais’s undulating landscape and steep slopes. After all that effort, treat yourself to a relaxing tasting of local vintages or wind down at Leukerbad’s thermal baths.

Start

Sion (train station) (656m)

Destination

Leuk (train station) (623m)

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Author's recommendation

Leuk is also home to Switzerland’s oldest vine: a Cornalin planted in 1798. When you arrive at your destination, don’t forget to taste the wine made by local winemakers using this vine, known as Vitis Antiqua 1798.

Technical information

Altitude

889m

483m

Ascent

+1241m

Descent

-1274m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

Arrive in Sion by train from all Swiss towns and cities (SBB) or by the regional trains Railway Mont-Blanc & St-Bernard Express.

Approach

From the A9 motorway from Lausanne or Sierre, take the Sion-East exit (number 27) , or the cantonal road. Routes that are open all year round: the Forclaz pass, the Great Saint Bernard tunnel, the Simplon pass. Passes that are open only during summer: Great St Bernard, Nufenen, Grimsel, Furka