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Cycling routes

Valais Cycling Tour: Crans-Montana - Leukerbad (stage 2)

From the high mountains surrounding Crans-Montana to the magnificent natural rock amphitheatre of Leukerbad. Stage 2 of the Valais Cycling Tour takes you down into Sierre, the city of the sun, then back up via the vineyards of Salquenen.

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When leaving Crans-Montana, take the time to admire the numerous peaks above 4,000 metres during your 400m descent. After you dive into the Rhone Valley you will reach the town of Sierre before beginning the final ascent through the vineyards around the villages of Salqenen and Varen. Once above the road cuts into a cliff as you enter into the Leuk valley and into Leukerbad, famous for its thermal pools!

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Turn-by-turn directions

The second stage of the Valais Cycling Tour takes you out of Crans-Montana via a climb towards the new Crans-Montana pass. From the summit at Plumachit, enjoy the breath-taking view over the neighbouring mountains. A long descent takes you into Sierre before joining the village of Salgesh (Salquenen), renowned for its exceptional wines. After you will head towards Varen along a small road carved into the rock of an impressive cliff before entering the Leuk Valley. The last climb brings you into Leukerbad where thermal baths will help you relax for the next stage.

Start: Crans-Montana, place d'Ycoor, Route du Rawyl 56, 3963 Montana (1502 m)
Destination: Leukerbad, Rathausstrasse 4-8, 3954 Leukerbad (1381 m)

Author's recommendation

Take a moment to stop at Plumachit and admire the beautiful landscape!

Technical information

  • Altitude

    1804 m 540 m

  • Ascent

    1249 m

  • Descent

    1360 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: 4.0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 4.0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 6 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Landscape

    Bewertung: 6.0 von 5.0 Punkten

Best time of year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  • Multi-stage tour
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Insider tip
  • In and out
  • With refreshment stops
  • Cultural/historical value
  • Botanical highlights

Public transport

You can reach the start of the tour by funicular, postcar or bus connections from Sierre to Crans-Montana. The funicular station is at about 5 minutes from Sierre station, you find it easily by following the red markings on the floor departing at the station. 

Approach

Leave the highway A9 at Sierre-Ouest, then follow the national route via Sierre and Chermignon to Crans-Montana.

Parking

This tour is one stage of the Valais Cycling tour where the finish is not at the same place as the starting point. Therefore, we recommend arriving by public transport. Otherwise there are parkings at the train stations of Sierre (Plaine Bellevue) or Leuk. There are parkings at Crans-Montana as well, follow the local park routeing to access them. 

Equipment

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

Safety information

Strictly respect the Swiss traffic rules. Please note that you are running the tour at your own risk and all liability is refused. Please be considerate to plants and animals. For your own safety, wear an helmet every time you ride a bike. Emergency numbers: 144 Ambulance / 117 Police / 1414 Helicopter Rescue (Rega).

Maps

Swiss Activity Map: National map with SwitzerlandMobility routes to scale 1:275'000