Cycling routes

Salgesch-Leukerbad – Valais Cycling Tour

Salgesch mit Velofahrern

Salgesch

From Salgesch to Varen, the route climbs gently across vineyards before ascending in regular intervals to Leukerbad.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

20.11 km

Duration

1:20 h

Description

The climb begins in Salgesch village centre, ascending gradually through vineyards and taking in a few hairpin bends to reach Varen. A short descent to the village of Leuk (Loèche) will take you to the main road that accesses the Dalatal. The road, which is broad and free of any significant gradients, then crosses the village of Inden, gradually offering up a breathtaking view of the Gemmi massif and the cliffs surrounding Leukerbad. The final part of the climb isn’t too demanding, and takes you up to 1,400 metres in altitude to the centre of the thermal resort of Leukerbad.

Turn-by-turn directions

From the centre of the village of Salgesch to Varen, the road climbs gradually through the vineyards. After passing through numerous vineyards, you’ll arrive in Varen. After the village, a short descent leads you to Leuk, which you bypass and join the main road to Rumeling and Inden. At the entrance to the village of Leukerbad (Leukerbad), go straight on at the roundabout to reach the village centre.

Start

Salgesch, Kirchstrasse (582m)

Destination

Leukerbad, Kuparkstrasse (1381m)

Author's recommendation

The spectacular cliffs of Leukerbad. It’s the perfect place to take a photo to remember the climb!

Technical information

Altitude

1380m

582m

Ascent

+834m

Descent

-36m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Multi-stage route
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Accessibility
  • Summit route
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
  • Cableway ascent/descent
Getting there
Information

Public transport

To reach the starting point in Salgesch, take the funicular, PostBus or bus from Sierre or Visp.

Approach

Motorway exit A9 to Sierre-Est, then follow the cantonal road to Salgesch village centre.

Parking

This tour is the second stage of the Valais Cycling Tour, which takes place over several stages. The starting and finishing points are in different locations. We therefore advise you to travel to the starting point using public transport. To do this, we recommend using the SBB car park in Sierre (Plaine Bellevue) or Leuk. There is also parking available in Leukerbad and Susten. Please follow the local parking instructions.

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).

Additional information

Further information:

Literature

The tourist office in Sierre and Leukerbad have brochures and information material about road cycling in the region.

Maps

SwissTopo Maps 1:25,000: 1287 Sierre, 1267 Gemmi

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion