Mountain bike tours

Mountain bike tours

Mattsand Enduro

This route from Grächen to Mattsand is a classic enduro descent with plenty of trails and a spectacular view of the mountains surrounding the Mattertal Valley.

  • Difficulty

    medium, S2

    Difficulty : medium
    S2 Many obstacles such as roots, stones and larger steps; tight corners. Certain passages may have gradients of up to 70%. Basic technique required, including controlled braking and body displacement to overcome obstacles
  • Length

    13.7 km

  • Duration

    1:15 h

  • Show on map

The first section of the route begins at the heart of the idyllic mountain village of Grächen, before moving on to Schalbettu via Gasenried, climbing gently over gravel paths and passing through an enchanting stretch of forest. After Schalbettu, the route crosses the Riedbach river and continues on the gravel path for a few hundred metres before leading onto a wonderful trail that hugs the mountainside for its first two kilometres and continues into the Mattertal Valley. If that doesn’t leave you short of breath, the high-Alpine panorama with views of iconic mountains such as the Weisshorn and the Zinalrothorn should do the trick. Simply breathtaking. Once you reach the Balmu region, there are downhill sections and trails to enjoy. The top-quality single trail to Mattsand is varied and full of surprises, promising unlimited fun for bikers. From Mattsand, you can return to St. Niklaus or join the Visp–Zermatt connecting trail (No. 150).

Available offers

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On our e-Shop, you can easily find and book the accommodation of your dreams from a wide selection of offers throughout the canton.

Turn-by-turn directions

The route is signposted in one direction only: Grächen -> Gasenried -> Mattsand

Start: Grächen (1617 m)
Destination: St.Niklaus (1113 m)

Author's recommendation

Head to St. Niklaus to visit the world’s only Museum of Mountain Guiding. It is housed in the Meierturm, the Mattertal Valley’s oldest surviving building.

Technical information

  • Altitude

    1683 m 1113 m

  • Ascent

    182 m

  • Descent

    641 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: 3 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 2 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 2 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Landscape

    Bewertung: 3 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

Public transport

Regular rail connections from across Switzerland to St. Niklaus. Continue by postal bus to Grächen. Remember to reserve your space for bike transport on bus.

Approach

Ideally go to St. Niklaus.

Parking

Parking spaces available in the car parks and on the car park roofs at St. Niklaus, Herbriggen and Ried.

Equipment

We recommend: a bike in excellent working order, a helmet, gloves and a bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink. 

Safety information

Use marked bike trails and routes only, making sure you observe all signposting. Kindly close gates after passing through. Please be considerate to walkers, as well as to plants and animals. As a rule, walkers have priority. When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.

Literature

The tourist office in Grächen has a range of brochures and other informative material about mountain biking in the region.

Maps

SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1308 St-Niklaus / 1328 Randa