Glacier Bike Tour 8. Andermatt - Ulrichen

From Andermatt, follow the Reuss along the Andermatt golf course, stopping first at Hospental, one of Switzerland's most beautiful villages and then at Zumdorf, the country's smallest village. Continue on to Realp and the eastern ramp of the Furka Pass, via the Urseren plain. The climb to the pass is a steady and demanding one, with a 900 m ascent over 12 km. At the summit, cross the cantonal border before tackling the first bends of the descent. At 2,200 m, you’ll reach the Rhône glacier, the river you'll follow for many kilometres. Pass the Hotel Belvédère and continue your descent, winding your way down to Gletsch and on to the Goms valley (Conches). In front of you, the Alpine landscape is replaced by forests and finally opens out onto the picturesque expanse of the upper Goms valley and the plateau of Ulrichen, the stopover town on your route.

Which e-bike should one use on the Glacier Bike Tour? Professional cyclist and twice E-MTB world champion Nathalie Schneitter demonstrates the ideal two-wheeler in this video. A sturdy, comfortable full-suspension e-bike with wide, grippy tyres, powerful brakes and, if possible, a lowerable seat post.

One needs to be ready for anything in the mountains, even in midsummer. So what should one plan to include in one’s bike bags for an adventure that – incorporating three mountain passes and landscapes that are as Alpine as they are Mediterranean – is about as exceptional as it gets? Having already completed the Glacier Bike Tour, cycling pro Nathalie Schneitter reveals her list of what to pack.

Preparing for mountain bike outings

Use marked bike trails and routes only, making sure you observe all signposting. The Glacier Bike Tour route is under development and is not signposted. While on the route, you can find your way using the Outdoor Active app.

Preparing for mountain bike outings

This route has not been approved by the canton of Valais in accordance with the law on leisure mobility routes. The use of the routes and of the information on this website is the responsibility of each user. Local conditions may lead to changes in the route. We accept no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on the website.
The mountains are a place of pleasure to be shared and respected, offering space in which to meet up and share unforgettable moments, whether by bike or on foot. For all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy them properly, it is essential that mountains are shared in a way that respects both Nature and agriculture. Respectful behaviour enables everyone to enjoy their hobby in the best possible conditions. Find out about the recommendations and rules in place.

When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.

Best practice guidelines

By car, take the motorway exit at Göschenen and continue for 10 minutes in the direction of Andermatt.

Take the Gotthard Express to Göschenen, then the Matterhorn Gothard Bahn to Andermatt.

Remember to reserve a place for your mountain bike on the SBB mobile application or on sbb.ch.

Follow the car-park routeing in Andermatt.

Book one of the Glacier Bike Tour holiday offers! Choose between eleven, seven or three nights and enjoy some great riding days. You will be staying in bike hotels and will be provided with a daily luggage transport service; all that’s left for you to do is hit the trails! Go to the offer.

See full itinerary:

Glacier Bike Tour

More information about the destination:

Obergoms

If the sun is out, drop off your luggage at Ulrichen, then go for a swim, relax or hire a stand-up paddleboard at Geschinersee.