The Swiss town of Andermatt is located in the midst of several high Alpine passes. Everyone knows the famous places in Italy and France, but Andermatt is unsurpassed. It is undoubtedly among the top five cycling destinations in Europe.
Photo: Gotthard Pass.
For a perfect cycling trip with iconic climbs, there is no better destination imaginable than Andermatt. Characterized by long climbs with peaks above 2000 meters and names you can come home with. The roads are perfect and there are plenty of restaurants along the way. We list the most beautiful routes. Check them out in our Andermatt Collection on Komoot.
Advice:
Legendary loop with fabulous views. Riding counterclockwise is best. The Schöllenenschlucht, just outside Andermatt, is a busy road. Better to descend that one than climbing.
The tricky Susten Pass (2224 m) runs mostly straight, but as the first climb of the day, it's perfectly doable. Just after the summit, phenomenal views unfold. A long descent is followed by the Grimsel Pass (2164 m). 26 kilometers of irregular climbming. As you get higher you drive past several reservoirs and a rocky landscape. Without a doubt one of the most beautiful climbs in Europe.
Photo: Sustenpass.
From the pass height, you have a choice: continue driving or take a short, dead-end climb to the Oberaarsee. The latter is definitely recommended. It is particularly quiet and the view is beautiful. There is a restaurant where you can have a fine break.
From the Grimsel Pass, a fairytale view of the Rhone Valley unfolds. In the foreground you can see the hairpins of the Grimsel, in the distance the Furka. This is last climb of the day. The Furka Pass (2429 m) is beautiful and doable. You drive past the legendary Hotel Belvédère, the most famous hotel in the Alps.
Photo: Grimsel Pass as seen from the Oberaarsee.
Like the previous loop this one is famous as well. It is best to ride it counterclockwise.
From Andermatt it is 8 kilometers to Realp where the climb of the Furka Pass (2429 m) begins. The first section is tricky with lots of hairpins. Then it flattens out a bit and the road goes more straight. On the 21 kilometer long descent to Ulrichen, you'll pass Hotel Belvédère, among others.
Photo: Tunnel from the Furka Pass, in the background the Grimsel Pass.
The Nufenen Pass (2480 m) is the most difficult climb of the area. You climb immediately 10%, which hardly changes until the summit. The first part the road runs mostly straight. In the second part there is a series of hairpin turns. Especially look around you, a more fabulous environment is hardly imaginable. The descent to Airolo superfast.
Here begins the Gotthard Pass (2105 m), an absolute bucket list climb. The last 6 kilometers you cycle through the Tremola. The road with dozens of hairpin turns is paved with cobblestones. Waterfalls and high mountains give the feeling of centuries ago. Although really steep percentages are lacking, the cobbles make it tough.
Photo: Back to the past on the Tremola.
This is the longest round, but the number of meters of elevation is not too bad. Moreover, there are hardly any heavy climbs in it. A perfect lap to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Just outside Andermatt is Hospental, where the Gotthard Pass (2105 m) begins. It is only 9 kilometers to the summit and the climb is not too difficult. The descent towards Airolo can be done via the Tremola or via the main road. Recommended is to take the main road, descending on cobblestones is not fine. Especially when it is wet. From Airolo you go down another 35 kilometers to Biasca.
The second obstacle is the Lukmanier Pass (1915 m). An endless climb of 41 kilometers with a delightful average of 3.9%. Nowhere does it really get tricky. A grandiose climb where you can enjoy the dazzling scenery for hours with your hands on the handlebars.
Photo: Oberalppass.
After a quick descent, the 21-kilometer-long Oberalp Pass (2044 m) follows. The first kilometers are mostly false flat. The last 8 kilometers are really uphill with many hairpin turns. This is a truly amazing climb. The descent ends right in the center of Andermatt. You can plop right down on one of the terraces.
During our visit to Andermatt this year, we stayed at the Hotel Radisson Blu Andermatt. From the very first moment, it was an exceptionally pleasant stay. First of all, the spacious rooms, equipped with large beds and an extensive bathroom. The staff were international and very helpful. High-end facilities like the pool, spa, garage and secure bike garage we could not have wished for better. Dinner at restaurant Spun was a culinary feast and afterwards we followed the European Championship football in the lounge where we enjoyed a relaxing drink.
The hotel has four stars, but frankly, I don't see what they have to do to get five stars:
Info and booking at the official website.
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