Biking holidays Four Passes

After you’ve dropped your luggage off in Andermatt, you’ll cycle up to the legendary Gotthard Pass, mostly on the old mountain pass route and on bridle paths. From the barren mountain landscape high above the Valle Leventina, the route descends rapidly through lush forests and centuries-old hamlets to the municipality of Airolo.

Today, you’ll take the cable car to Pesciüm and begin on the Strada degli Alpi in Val Bedretto – one of the most beautiful bike tours in the Alto Ticino region. It’ll take you along meadow paths and single trails from one high alpine pasture to the next, all the while accompanied by the valley’s breathtaking backdrop. You’ll then press on to the Nufenen Pass. This trail winds its way to Obergoms, taking you through stunning landscapes. This part is sometimes technically demanding due to the rocky terrain, and sometimes quite easy as it flows over alpine meadows.

Locals know today’s section of your tour as the “Urschner Höhenweg”. This scenic trail, ideal for fit mountain bikers, offers up a beautiful natural spectacle with panoramic views over to the Furka, Gotthard and Oberalp passes. It leads you past tiny, blue lakes and over a challenging single trail into the valley.

Today, you encounter the Oberalp Pass, which connects the cantons of Graubünden and Uri. The only lighthouse in the Alps, which marks the source of the Rhine, is located here. The descent towards Sedrun leads via Pass Tiarms into Val Val. There are then three more valleys to follow, Val Giuf, Val Mila and Val Strem, each with alternating ascents and descents.

From Cuolm da Vi, the tour continues to the Catrina Flowtrail, which snakes its way down to Caischavedra. This flower-covered mountain trail to Bostg is also popular with hikers. After you’ve taken in the stunning mountain views, the trail leads you down to the monastery town of Disentis, with some flowing and some more technical sections along the way. A Swiss PostBus will take you up to the Lukmanier Pass. The Pro Natura Centre Lucomagno can be found along the route to Campra.

Today’s stage, from Campra to Biasca, passes numerous historical landmarks in the Valle di Blenio, such as mule tracks, an old chocolate factory, Curterio Castle, the Acquarossa thermal baths and a disused railway line. Your arrival in Biasca concludes this tour – it’s now time to collect your luggage and depart.