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URSERN VALLEY AND UPPER VALLEY TOURS BIKE-TOUR INSIDER RECOMMENDATIONS Selected Mobility routes Detailed tour information: www.schweizmobil.ch Maighels Pass (Maighelspass) Detailed tour information: www.outdooractive.ch ALPINE BIKE – STAGE 9 ARNI BIKE The first climb to Uaul da Arni – a popular recreational Arnisee Crestas will reward mountain area in the Holiday bikers with a stunning view Region. With its perfectly- Ursern Valley (Urserntal) of the upper Surselva. A short placed deep-blue lake, the sun descent to Sedrun will then terrace invites bikers to enjoy follow. The landscape in the an impressive tour. Mountain Maighels valley becomes ever bikers will pass alongside more barren as you travel towards the . The trail beautiful dry stone walls with species-rich dry grasslands and leads past the Maighels mountain shelter, through high Alpine rare orchids. The brilliant views of the upper Reuss valley and landscapes over the Maighel Pass and through the Unteralp the challenging descent are attractions for every biker. valley to Andermatt.

difficult high 45 km medium difficult 24 km MAIGHELS PASS MAIGHELSPASS 2100 m 2422 m a.s.l. 11 km single trail 1050 m 1371 m a.s.l. 4 km single trail 31 km unsurfaced track 1700 m 11 km unsurfaced track 1050 m Amsteg The bike route over the Maighels Pass starts in Andermatt. From here, the route leads to the Oberalp Pass and then into the Maighels Valley via Surpalits. As an alternative, for extremely ALPINE BIKE – STAGE 10 GÖSCHENERALP BIKE athletic riders, the route can be extended across the Pass From Andermatt, mountain This tour will entice mountain Tiarms and down to Tschamut via Val Val. Once past the Maig- bikers will coast down bikers along beautifully hels mountain shelter, the unsurfaced track gradually turns through the rocky Schöllenen laid out routes and into the into a hiking trail in the Maighels valley. Expansive views of Gorge until they reach rugged, fascinating Göschener- mountains like the Gemsstock, Pizzo Centrale and the Giübin where they turn off alp valley. You follow the open up from the Maighels Pass. Bikers who feel the need to into the lovely Meien valley. trail through the rough rocky cool off and who won’t shy away from cold water can also take Cycling up to the Susten Pass landscape until you reach a dip in the mountain lake. A steep and demanding descent is demanding and requires some serious pedalling. The view the impressive natural dam, one of the few in Switzerland. into the Unteralp valley follows after the Maighels Pass. Along across the from the pass is breathtaking. The top of the dam offers magnificent views of the Damma the way the Vermigel mountain shelter will also become The descent to is a scenic feast for the eyes and a and Chelen glaciers, plus unique mountain scenery. visible, the track to which rises again for a short while. Other- veritable insider’s tip that is peppered with challenging trails. wise you can also cycle directly to Andermatt – entirely on an unsurfaced track that follows the course of the Unteralpreuss . Careful – cars! All in all, this is an impressive difficult high 58 km medium moderate 21 km Alpine bike tour that passes through awesome mountainscapes and puts bikers’ riding techniques to the test. 1800 m 2255 m a.s.l. 2 km single trail 800 m 1791 m a.s.l. 2 km single trail 28 km unsurfaced track 2600 m Andermatt 9 km unsurfaced track 780 m Göschenen difficult high 33 km 2422 m a.s.l. 1271 m 1271 m Andermatt GOTTHARD BIKE – STAGE 1 WITENWASSEREN BIKE The Gottardo Bike Route Mountain bikers can reach combines impressive, high-Al- the Witenwasseren valley pine landscapes with a compre- from Andermatt via Zumdorf, hensive lesson in Swiss history. the smallest village in Switzer- The has re- land, after . The tour mained one of the most impor- passes alongside the station of tant north-south routes for cen- the nostalgic Furka Steam turies. In World War II, it was also important from a military Railway’s mountain route. With a little luck, you might even perspective. Long stretches of the route were originally military see the heritage steam locomotives in action. The tour leads access . past flower-spangled meadows and through an important protected landscape to reach the foot of the Pizzo Lucendro.

difficult moderate 39 km easy difficult 35 km BEDRETTO 1200 m 2235 m a.s.l. 7 km single trail 950 m 2207 m a.s.l. 4 km single trail 16 km unsurfaced track 1800 m Andermatt 21 km unsurfaced track 950 m Andermatt This tour starts on the Gotthard Pass – which mountain bikers can reach on their ‘steeds’ in around 1.5 hours or by Post Bus in supreme comfort. From the hospice, follow the cantonal OBERLAND BIKE MADERANERTAL BIKE and turn off left onto the hiking trail before the . Following the historic Gotthard This is one of the most popular After a short time you will reach the Alpine road. An imposing pack trail, this bike tour will hiking and biking areas in protective wall stands above the village of Villa; turn right take you through the Urner the Uri Holiday Region. The here to continue along the alpine road. Shortly after crossing Oberland and into the Ursern Maderaner valley – ruggedly the Ri di Bedretto stream the hiking trail turns left towards valley to Andermatt. Passing romantic with gurgling brooks Bedretto. This section of the route, particularly the first idyllically-situated mountain and cascading waterfalls. 100 metres of the climb, will present the greatest riding chal- lodges, the route goes through Following the route by the lenges. the Schöllenen Gorge to the Devil’s Bridge. Stopping to take in Chärstelen river, mountain bikers will soon reach the views of the rugged ravine is recommended. destination of this tour: the historic SAC Maderaner Valley After the hamlet of Ronco, the ascent towards Alpe Cristallina Hotel. It dates from the golden age of mountain guides and was begins. When complete, most of the uphill cycling will have renowned far beyond the country’s borders. been done and the route takes you on to the Alpe Piano di Pescia. Mountain bikers will then ride all the way to Cascina Nuova on a stunningly beautiful trail. The forest track will medium difficult 45 km moderate difficult 27 km take you to Culiscio, the route then continues along the road 1600 m 1437 m a.s.l. 5 km single trail 1100 m 1348 m a.s.l. 2 km single trail through Nante and on to railway station. Here your bike 23 km unsurfaced track 1600 m Amsteg 17 km unsurfaced track 1100 m Amsteg can be loaded onto the and transported to Göschenen or Andermatt.

medium moderate km m a.s.l. KEY INFRASTRUCTURE FURKA MOUNTAIN 35.2 2115 TRAIL FOR 913 m 1863 m Gotthard Pass Bike technic Info point MOUNTAIN BIKES Fitness level required Railway station The Furka mountain trail, po- Distance Post Bus pularly known as the Urschner Höhenweg, is a panorama trail Ascent Mountain rail/cableway for sportive mountain bikers Descent and offers a natural spectacle Highest point Post Bus stop with breathtaking panoramic views towards the Furka, Gott- hard and Oberalp passes. Single trail Mountainbikeland.ch Unsurfaced track Starting point medium low 33 km 1100 m 2309 m a.s.l. 9 km single trail 16 km unsurfaced track 1100 m Andermatt ARNISEE TRAIL SHARING BIKES+PUBLIC ST. GOTTHARD BIKE PASS 0 1 2 3 4 5 km Showing respect and tolerance TRANSPORT This ticket allows bikes to be transported on the routes of This tour starts from Andermatt train station. Going along the bike trail, the tour passes through the Schöllenen Gorge, whilst biking: walkers and Bikes can be taken on Post Bu- the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway (MGB), Andermatt-Disentis, Scale 1 : 100’000 mountain bikers share the ses, , on all Andermatt+ Andermatt – Göschenen and Andermatt-. The ticket past the imposing cliff walls and over the Häderlis bridge to same trails and paths in the Sedrun+Disentis lifts and on can also be used on the following Post Bus routes: Wassen. The climb to the Arnisee starts at Wiler in . URSERN VALLEY URSERNTAL Andermatt Holiday Region. the small Arnisee cableway. Andermatt – Gotthard – Airolo; Andermatt – Furka – ; BIKE SERVICE, RENTAL AND GUIDES Initially along a gently rising mountain road, and then Riders will need to load their Airolo – Nufenen – Oberwald, Oberwald – Grimselpass and through steeper terrain. Mountain bikers will cycle up to Heissig- own bikes and have a valid Andermatt-Sustenpass. There are several rental stations in the region providing you From Andermatt train station mountain bikers will head off egg through a fascinating landscape dappled with species- ticket. with the latest and best quality mountain and racing bikes. E-bi- towards Bäzberg. It isn’t long before the first strenuous climb rich dry grasslands and rare orchids. The reward: simply won- The Bike Pass costs CHF 45.00 per day (CHF 30.00 with a kes and e-mountain bikes are also available for rent. Additional starts, but this ultimately rewards riders with magnificent views. derful views across the upper Reuss valley. A reservation will need half-fare card) and is available from MGB train stations information and details around bikes can also be found on the After a short descent, you will bike along what is initially a gravel to be made by 4.00 pm on and staff and Post Bus drivers. websites of the following tourism organisations: path that transforms into the meandering riverbank trail, until Next, the route goes along a beautiful forest track to the the previous day you reach Realp. Shortly afterwards, you will pass the station of Arnisee – the perfect place for a lunch break. The descent on (T + 41 58 448 20 08 or ANDERMATT-URSERNTAL DISENTIS SEDRUN the . The bike route continues towards the somewhat steep, bumpy Alpine track requires skilled [email protected]) TOURISMUS: TOURISMUS: Schweig in the Witenwasseren valley; a scenic single trail then braking and good suspensions, but will be a joyous experience for bike transport on Legal information leads back to Realp. Mountain bikers will follow the riverbank for every biker. Arriving somewhat shaken, the hamlet of Post Buses. Andermatt Holiday Region, 3rd Edition www.andermatt.ch www.disentis-sedrun.ch trail until they reach Zumdorf, then switch to the main road to Intschi is next on the itinerary, after which the cantonal road Cartography/Design: Wäger & Partner GmbH, Frauenfeld reach . Right at the entrance to the village, a smaller takes you to Amsteg. At the village exit, mountain bikers trail forks off in the direction of the old tower. The route back to will leave the main road and cross the Reuss once again. TOURISMUS: BELLINZONESE E ALTO Source: Federal Office of Topography Andermatt follows the course of the Reuss. At the entrance to the Following the Reuss, the route takes you over the dam and on TURISMO: village, the climb to Flies starts on the right and the final steep to . Reproduced by permission of www.obergoms.ch www.bellinzonaevalli.ch sections of this stretch will need to be mastered. The reward: easy low 28.5 km 1728 m a.s.l. a short but winding trail descent to Rohr in the Unteralp valley. easy moderate 38.5 km 1436 m a.s.l. 524 m 524 m Andermatt The route back to Andermatt is along the alpine road. 738 m 1702 m Andermatt UNSURPASSED RACING BIKE THRILLS Alpine pass fascination

Conquering Alpine passes with one’s own muscle power and revelling in the feeling of flying downhill through a torrent of wind: for many passionate racing cyclists there is no better way to indulge in their favourite pastime.

The Andermatt Holiday Region lies in the middle of the Swiss , surrounded by eight impressive Alpine passes (Gotthard, Furka, Oberalp, Susten, Grimsel, Nufenen, Lukmanier and Klausen). Varied and interesting landscapes, lush flowering meadows, green forests, bizarre rock formations, high-altitude Alpine mountains and glaciers. Thanks to its central location, the Andermatt Holiday Region is an ideal starting point for bike tours. Both the Alpine Brevet, a race that is an experience, adventure and challenge all at once, and the Granfondo San Gottardo lead through the region every year. vities eeing and acti Tips for sights S U S T E N – G R I M S E L – F U R K A g pass roads: alon ässe.ch/en faszination-alpenp

The route initially leads racing cyclists through the Schöllenen n

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Gorge to Göschenen, and then to Wassen. From there, you he gg

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scapes and up to the Susten Pass. Cyclists who have managed rtki sc ss lchene sp stenbr to climb the pass will soon be met by the Stein glacier. From 3 ne Mä Su In Wa Belvédèr Ho , the climb leads past the Grimselsee to Grimsel, 2600 Glet 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 where marmots keep watch. The route will now take you down

5 2100 to Gletsch via several short bends. This is where the Furka MAP BIKE RACING

steam train has its mountain station. The climb up to the 1600 Furka comes next. From the pass road you will once again be AND MOUNTAIN able to marvel at the formidable serpentine route of the Grim- 1100 sel Pass. Shortly before reaching pass altitude, racing cyclists m a.s.l. 600 Susten GrimselFurka 6 will go past the Hotel Belvédère. During the descent you’ll 0 km 20 40 60 80 100120 have ample time to admire the picturesque landscapes in the . The route to Andermatt gives racing cyclists the chance to review their accomplishments. 3850 m 3850 m 119 km 2436 m a.s.l.

F U R K A – N U F E N E N – G O T T H A R D o

Following the footsteps of 007, the is the first to ol rt be conquered. The many turns are a challenge for every l fe bach en o Ba cyclist. As a reward, views of the and a visit to ta lo ch tt ro ri the ice grotto await. After cycling through the nostalgic vil- efen MOUNTAIN AND Ti Ul Ai Lads 9 Mo lage of Gletsch, the climb to Nufenen begins at . 2600 8 9 10 11 12 After the highest accessible pass in Switzerland has been con- RACING BIKE MAP 2200 quered, you will go down into the delightful Bedretto valley 11 on the Ticino side towards Airolo. The historic Tremola 1800 cobbled road now takes you up to the Gotthard Pass. Having arrived at the pass, a visit to the museum and the historic 1400 Sasso San Gottardo fortress is worthwhile. At the latter, cyc- m a.s.l.1000 Furka Nufenen Gotthard lists will be able to admire the unique giant crystals at first 0 km 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 hand. On the speedy ride back to Andermatt, you will pass Hospental, the former muleteers’ village, and its historic to- wer. 3066 m 3066 m 99 km 2478 m a.s.l.

G O T T H A R D – L U K M A N I E R – O B E R A L P

From Hospental you will be heading 13 for the renowned Gott- ut is hard Pass. At the top of the pass, culture lovers will be able i ra i el nt to enjoy a visit to the museum and the Sasso San Gottardo br tt mp cham se fortress. Racing cyclists will then have a choice for their ride asca Am Bi Ca Mä Di 2700 Ts down into Ticino: either a route along the cobblestoned 13 14 15 16 17 18 Tremola road, or the wide Gotthard Pass road. From Airolo, 2100 we continue to the Piottina Gorge which has the former ‘Dazio 15 1500 Grande’ Uri customs station. In , cyclists can treat themselves to a refreshment in one of the cool caves before 900 17 climbing the . In Disentis, the monastery 18 awaits your visit with pious patience. Next, the final ascent m a.s.l. 300 Gotthard Lukmanier Oberalp through authentic mountain villages onto the Oberalp 0 km 20 40 60 80 100120 140160 Pass. The lighthouse, situated near the source of the , can be seen from afar. On their downhill stretch, racing cyclists will enjoy a fabulous view of the Ursern valley. 3572 m 3572 m 161 km 2091 m a.s.l.

sed ses will be clo The Alpine pas o May. om November t approximately fr esse.ch Info: alpen-pa WichtigeImportant Telefonnummern Phone NumbersNumbers Tourist InfoInfo AndermattAndermatt ...... +41 ...... +41+41 41 4141 888 888888 71 7171 00 0000 SkiArSkiArenaena Andermatt-Sedrun ...... +41...... +41 +41 585858 200200200 6868 6868 SICA Andermatt ...... +41...... +41 +41 414141 888888888 7777 9999 LuftseilbahnCable Car Intschi-Arnisee Intschi-Arnisee ...... +41 ...... +41 4141 883883 1616 8888 LuftseilbahnCable Car Amsteg-Arnisee Amsteg-Arnisee ...... +41...... +41 ...... +41 414141 883883883 1212 4747 BahnhofStation Andermatt Andermatt ...... +41...... +41 ...... +41 272727 927927927 7777 0707 BahnhofStation Realp Realp ...... +41 ...... +41 2727 927927 7676 7676 PostautodienstPost Bus Service ...... +41 ...... +41 5858 448448 2020 0808 Dr.Post med. Bus MichaelService GöscheneralpSchmid, Andermatt...... +41...... +41 +41 41 7979 887 343343 19 0101 77 0909 VerkehrsinformationDr.Traffic med. Information Michael Schmid, ...... 163 ...... Andermatt ... 163+41 41 887 19 77 WetterTrafficWeather ...... 162Information ...... 162 ...... 163 0 2 4 6 8 10 km NotrufWeatherEmergencies ...... 144 ...... 162 ...... 144 REGAEmergenciesAir rescue ...... 1414 ...... 1414 ...... 144 Air rescue ...... 1414 Scale approx. 1 : 170’000 PolizeiDr. med...... Michael Schmid, Andermatt ... 117+41 41 887 19 77 FeuerwehrPolice ...... 117 ...... 118 Fire Service ...... 118 INFRASTRUCTURE LOCATION OF 8 ALPINE PASSES CYCLING IN SWITZERLAND Selected SwitzerlandMobility routes Andermatt Holiday Region Lake Schwanden FerienregionAndermatt-UrserntalAndermatt Holiday Andermatt Region Lucerne Info point Post Bus stop RHONE ROUTE RHINE ROUTE NORTH – SOUTH ROUTE Andermatt-UrserntalTourism Ltd Stans Elm 1ST STAGE 1ST STAGE 1ST STAGE TourismusGotthardstrasseTourism GmbH 2 Railway station Veloland.ch Linthal Sarnen Flüelen The Rhone Route begins at the The Rhine Route follows the The North-South Route leads GotthardstrasseCH-6490 Andermatt 2 CH-6490Tel. +41 41 Andermatt 888 71 00 Post Bus Altdorf Klausen Furka Pass and, taking charming Alpine river from its source at Lake through the expansive Swiss [email protected] +41 41 888 71 00 Rhone Route Erstfeld and quiet paths along the Rhone, Toma near the Oberalp Pass all the landscapes of the Jura, Mittelland R [email protected] e [email protected]

u Ilanz crosses the against an way to ’s extensive Rhine s and and across

Rhine Route s www.andermatt.ch Susten imposing mountain backdrop. ports. Passing along varied paths, the Alps to Southern Switzerland. ne nz Meiringen hi North-South Route rie ior R B Disentis nter It leads past the palm-tree lined promenades of this first stage leads through many landscapes which this It follows numerous historically and culturally significant traffic ke A La Wassen Alpine Panorama Route Innertkirchen Oberalp and Lavaux’ picturesque vineyards to end in the cosmopolitan powerful river has helped shape over the course of time. routes and towns. In the Andermatt Holiday Region, the route Distance A Interlaken a r e city of Geneva. runs from the north, through the Schöllenen Gorge high above Route Ascent Realp Andermatt the Gotthard Pass, towards Faido. Percorso Blenio Lucomagno Grimsel Descent Gotthard Furka Lukmanier Airolo Highest point Bernese Oberland Route A N D E R M AT T – O B E R WA L D A N D E R M AT T – D I S E N T I S F L Ü E L E N – A I R O L O

Nufenen difficult high 38 km 1100 m medium high 32 km 950 m difficult high 39 km 1000 m 2429 m a.s.l. Andermatt 640 m 2044 m a.s.l. Andermatt 1100 m 1437 m a.s.l. Flüelen 2021 2020 2021 Biasca