Andermatt · Switzerland · Alpine Pass Days
Furka. Nufenen. Gotthard. One Loop, One Day You Won't Forget.
A 105km loop out of Andermatt that stacks three of Switzerland's great alpine passes back to back: over 3'100m of climbing, summits above 2'400m, and a finish on the old cobbles of the Gotthard. This is the day serious cyclists come to the Alps for.
- 105 km
- Loop distance
- 3'112 m
- Elevation gain
- 3
- Alpine passes
- From CHF 499
- Private, 1 rider
The Story
Some rides you do for the view. This one, to find out what you're made of.
From Andermatt the road tilts up straight into the Furka's hairpins, drops toward the glacier on the far side, then turns south and climbs again over the Nufenenpass, the quieter, wilder cousin of its famous neighbours. By the time the day's final act arrives, your legs already know it's been a big one: the Gotthard, finishing on the worn granite cobbles of the Tremola, the old road engineers cut straight into the mountainside more than a century ago. Three summits, three different kinds of climbing, one long day in the saddle. Bring your legs, and bring a rain jacket: up here the weather makes its own plans, and part of what you're paying for is a guide who knows when to push on and when to sit it out.
The Route
Three passes, one loop, one day
- Distance
- 105 km, full loop starting and finishing in Andermatt
- Elevation gain
- 3'112 m over the three climbs combined
- The passes
- Furkapass (2'429 m) → Nufenenpass / Passo della Novena (2'478 m) → Gotthardpass (2'106 m, via the Tremola cobbles)
- Ride time
- 5.5 to 6.5 hours of riding, depending on how you climb and descend; plan on a full 8 to 9 hour day out with stops, photos and weather calls
- Terrain
- Fully paved throughout, including the historic hand-laid cobblestones on the Gotthard's south side
- Getting there
- Private return transfer between Zürich and Andermatt, included in the price, about 75 to 90 minutes each way. We leave Zürich early, around 6am, because of the drive plus the long day of riding ahead
- Group size
- Private guiding, built for 1 to 2 riders per guide and car; bigger groups on request
- Price
- From CHF 499 (1 rider) · CHF 649 total for 2 · 3+ riders on request
Climb by climb
Three climbs, three passes
The loop runs clockwise from Andermatt: west over the Furka, south over the Nufenen, then north over the Gotthard. Figures are rounded.
| Climb | From | Distance | Elevation gain | Avg gradient |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furkapass (2'429 m) | Realp, 1'540 m | 12 km | +870 m | 7% |
| Nufenenpass (2'478 m) | Ulrichen, 1'350 m | 13.5 km | +1'130 m | 8.3% |
| Gotthardpass via the Tremola (2'106 m) | Airolo, 1'180 m | 13 km | +920 m | 7% |
1. Furkapass, 2'429 m
The first 8.5 km from Andermatt to Realp run almost flat along the Urseren valley, which makes a proper warm-up. The climb starts in Realp and gains about 870 m in 12 km at an average of 7%, on wide, smooth tarmac with a run of hairpins up an open valley side. Just over the top you pass the old Hotel Belvedere with the Rhône glacier above it, then the road drops about 650 m to Gletsch and on down the Goms valley to Ulrichen.
Riding itKeep it steady out of Realp. The hardest climb of the day comes next.
2. Nufenenpass, 2'478 m
The Nufenen is the steepest climb of the loop and the highest summit: about 13.5 km and 1'130 m from Ulrichen at an average of 8.3%, with a second half that rarely eases below 8%. It is quieter than the Furka and the Gotthard, with long views over the Goms and the glaciers of the Bernese Alps. From the top the road drops into Ticino, down the Val Bedretto to Airolo.
Riding itPace it from the bottom. The steady 8 to 9% in the upper half punishes anyone who went too hard in the first kilometres.
3. Gotthardpass via the Tremola, 2'106 m
From Airolo the Gotthard climbs about 920 m over 13 km at an average of 7%. The lower part is tarmac; the upper part follows the Tremola, the historic cobbled road with its long stack of hairpins up the mountainside. The gradient is moderate, but the cobbles make every kilometre feel harder than the numbers say. From the hospice at the top it is a fast descent north through Hospental back to Andermatt.
Riding itStay seated on the cobbles, keep a steady cadence and pick the smoothest line. Slightly lower tyre pressure helps.
Above 2'400 Metres
The weather writes the script, not the itinerary
At this altitude, the forecast is a suggestion. I've watched cloud swallow the Furka in twenty minutes and clear again just as fast, which is exactly why this isn't a fixed-date tour. We agree on a window, I watch the forecast for all three passes all week, and we ride when the mountain says yes. If it doesn't, we move the day rather than push into conditions that aren't worth it.
2'106 Metres
The reward is waiting at the top of the third climb
By the time the Tremola's cobbles kick in, you have already taken on two passes and most of the day's distance. The old Gotthard Hospice marks the summit of the third and last: a good excuse to get off the bike, refill a bottle, and look back at where the day has taken you before the descent north through Hospental back to Andermatt.
The day in pictures
Furka, Nufenen and the Gotthard cobbles
Hotel Belvedere on the Furka, with the Rhône glacier behind it. 
The hand-laid cobblestones of the Gotthard Tremola. The Gotthard hairpins dropping toward Airolo under an early-afternoon sky.
Logistics
Everything sorted around the riding
Getting to Andermatt
The return transfer from Zürich is included, about 75 to 90 minutes each way, door to door. We leave Zürich early, around 6am, because of the drive plus the long day of riding ahead. I get you home afterwards, so the day starts and ends without you having to think about logistics.
Your bike
A road bike, yours or a local rental. The whole loop is paved, cobbles included. Let me know when you book and I'll help you sort a rental in Andermatt if you need one.
Group size
This day is built for 1 to 2 riders: one guide, one car, both bikes. Riding solo or as a pair, it's just you and whoever you're travelling with, not a tour bus with a flag. Bigger groups need a second guide and vehicle, so those are arranged on request.
The weather call
We agree a date window rather than a fixed date. I make the go / no-go call 24 to 48 hours out based on the forecast for all three summits, and we reschedule at no charge if it isn't safe.
Fitness required
This is one of the bigger days on offer: 105km and 3'100m+ of climbing at altitude. If you're comfortable riding 6 to 8+ hours with sustained climbs, you'll be fine at your own pace. It isn't a race.
Best season
Late June through September. The Nufenen and Furka are snow-dependent passes and typically only fully open within that window.
Kit & practicalities
What to bring for a day above 2'000 metres
Gearing
A compact chainset (50/34) with an 11-32 or 11-34 cassette. The Nufenen averages over 8% for 13.5 km, and the cobbles on the Tremola reward a low gear.
Tyres
28 mm tyres or wider make the Tremola cobbles far more comfortable. Tubeless or a slightly lower pressure helps too.
Clothing
The valleys can be hot in July and August while the summits can be cold, wet or both. Carry a windproof gilet or light rain jacket for the long descents; arm warmers help too.
Water & food
Realp, Gletsch, Ulrichen, Airolo and the Gotthard Hospice all have either a water fountain or a restaurant or shop where you can refill. Bring enough food for a 6 to 7 hour day on the bike.
Pricing
What the day costs
Private, 1 rider
CHF 499
Private guiding for the full loop, plus the return transfer from Zürich to Andermatt, the base rate for one rider, one guide, one car.
- 2 riders
- CHF 649 total
- 3+ riders
- On request
The second rider adds CHF 150. Groups above 2 need a second guide and vehicle, so those days are quoted individually.
What's included
- Private return transfer between Zürich and Andermatt
- A full day of private guiding across all three passes
- Route planning and real-time weather judgment calls
- Local knowledge of every climb, descent and coffee stop
- Help arranging a bike rental if needed
Not included: bike rental and meals along the way. Happy to help you arrange both.
FAQ
Booking the Furka, Nufenen & Gotthard day
We agree on a window rather than a fixed date up front, and I make the final call 24 to 48 hours out based on the forecast for all three passes. If conditions aren't safe up top, we simply move the day: no charge, no drama.
Road bike. The entire loop is paved, including the historic cobblestones on the Gotthard's Tremola side. Bring your own or arrange a rental in Andermatt.
This is one of the biggest days on offer: 105km and over 3'000m of climbing at altitude. If you're comfortable in the saddle for 6 to 8+ hours with sustained climbing, you'll manage fine at your own pace: this isn't a race, and we ride to what your legs give you that day.
The CHF 499 rate is for one rider riding privately. Bring a second rider and it's CHF 649 total for the two of you: the second person adds CHF 150. Beyond two riders, one guide and one car isn't enough, so groups of 3+ are quoted individually once I know your numbers.
The Nufenen. It climbs about 1'130 m over 13.5 km from Ulrichen at an average of 8.3%, and the upper half rarely drops below 8%.
The upper part of the Gotthard climb from Airolo follows the Tremola, the historic cobbled road. The gradient is a moderate 7% on average, but the cobbles make it feel harder. A road bike with 28 mm tyres or wider handles it fine.
Yes: the Furka, Grimsel & Susten loop, 120 km and around 3'700 m of climbing, also from Andermatt with the transfer from Zürich included.