Cycling routes

Val d'Anniviers - Scenic & side valleys

Radfahrer auf der Straße von Val d'Anniviers

Sierre

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The climb from Sierre to Zinal lets cyclists discover the Val d'Anniviers – without doubt one of the most beautiful valleys in the canton of Valais – and pass through small villages full of charm such as Vissoie or Ayer. As a bonus, the finish in Zinal offers unrivalled views of the mountains and corries all around!

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

27.83 km

Duration

4:20 h

Description

Setting out from Sierre, the road in the direction of Val d'Anniviers initially runs parallel to the mountainside before starting to climb in a series of spectacular switchbacks that recall some of the most legendary alpine passes. After passing through the village of Niouc, the gradient becomes more gentle. The road then snakes back and forth, hugging the spectacular cliffsides and passing through a series of avalanche galleries dug into the rock. The famous yellow post buses that criss-cross Switzerland are sure to notify you of their presence in the gorges with their characteristic three-tone horn. The old fortified village of Vissoie then appears, with the valley unfolding before you as far as Zinal. The climb becomes more gentle until you reach the end of the road at the exit to the village. From there, the stunning panorama is on no account to be missed.

Turn-by-turn directions

The climb from Sierre to Zinal takes cyclists from the Rhone valley with its sun-kissed vineyards to the majestic summits of the Alps and their millennia-old glaciers. The climb back out of the Val d'Anniviers is a sight to behold, with breathtaking panoramic views at every turn. From the village of Niouc to Vissoie, the crown jewels of Valais – five summits of more than 4,000 metres, with the famous Matterhorn in the middle - serve as a backdrop! On leaving Vissoie, the climb grows less steady, alternating between steeper parts and welcome flatter stages. A final effort is required to reach Zinal. Continue on to the end of the road at the exit to the village and admire, among others, the peaks of the Weisshorn, the Zinalrothorn and La Dent Blanche!

Start

Sierre (526m)

Destination

Zinal (1669m)

Author's recommendation

Thrills are guaranteed as you scale your way up the first hairpin bends from the valley and on the road cut into the rock at Niouc!

Technical information

Altitude

1670m

523m

Ascent

+1147m

Descent

-3m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Arrive in Sierre by train from all Swiss towns (SBB) or by the regional trains running on the Simplon line between Brig and St. Gingolph. 

Approach

From the A9 motorway from Lausanne or Brig, take the Sierre Est (from Brig) or Sierre Ouest (from Lausanne) exit and access to the park + ride at the train station via Rue de la Plaine. 

Parking

Park and Ride at Sierre train station. Please follow the local car park routeing in Sierre. 

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

More information: 

- Val d'Anniviers

- Zinal

Literature

Maps

SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000:  1287 Sierre / 1307 Vissoie

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion