Climbing into adventure: The racing bike paradise of Andermatt
Cycling Mecca Andermatt
The sun is just breaking over the peaks of the Ursern Valley as you start pedalling. The road winds its way up the pass in endless hairpin bends, the air is clear and fresh, and your heart is pounding with every metre - not just with exertion, but with anticipation.
Here, in Andermatt, every road bike adventure begins like a film with the greatest excitement, always surrounded by the majestic Alps. It is no longer a secret what unique options Andermatt offers for racing cyclists. If you ask Fabian Cancellara what he thinks of Andermatt, he says: "Andermatt has a special place in my heart. The surrounding region is a Mecca for road cycling." But what exactly makes it so magical?
Always legendary
Andermatt lies on a high plateau in the canton of Uri, in the heart of Switzerland, surrounded by an impressive mountain backdrop. The famous Furka, Gotthard, Oberalp and Susten Alpine passes rise up all around. This makes the village a perfect and incomparable starting point for mountain pass journeys. The village of 1600 people can be reached in four hours from Munich and five hours from Milan.
Andermatt's potential for road cycling was recognised early on. Since it was first organised in 1933, the Tour de Suisse, one of the most prestigious and important stage races, has crossed the Alpine passes around Andermatt several times. Nowhere else can you find so many steep climbs, rapid descents and iconic hairpin bends in such a small space. Swiss legends such as Ferdy Kübler and Hugo Koblet fought thrilling duels here and offered fans spectacular moments. The Gotthard (44 times) and the Lukmanier (38 times) are the most travelled passes in the Tour de Suisse, with the Furka (23 times) and Nufenen (19 times) in fourth and ninth place respectively.
Base camp with real service
The Andermatt base camp not only impresses with its fantastic location, but also with its comprehensive range of services. Many accommodations have lockable cellars, service stations for bikes and special cycling packages. If something gets stuck on your bike or you want to spontaneously switch to a different model, the local sports shops are there to help. Culinary delights are also available: The restaurants and pubs in Andermatt - but also along the way - offer a diverse selection. From down-to-earth Swiss cuisine to Mediterranean or Asian specialities, there is something for every taste.
The true Andermatt classics
The variety of tours could hardly be greater. Nestled between majestic passes, Andermatt is the perfect hub for explorers. The routes can be extended as desired - you can easily climb three or four passes in a single day and return to Andermatt in the evening. We present the real classics here.
The Gotthard Pass | Full of history and stories
The Gotthard Pass connects the north and south of Switzerland and plays a central role in the country's history. The historic Tremola, the old pass road from Airolo, with steep hairpin bends and cobblestones, makes the pass a special challenge.
The Susten Pass | Pure panorama
The Susten Pass connects the Reuss Valley in Uri with the Hasli Valley and impresses with steep climbs, tight bends and breathtaking views of the Stein Glacier and Gadmental. Starting from Andermatt, you first ride downhill through the Schöllenen Gorge to Wassen at the foot of the pass.
The Oberalp Pass | Soft but spectacular
The Oberalp Pass connects Andermatt with Sedrun in the Surselva region of Graubünden. The gentle ascent offers magnificent views of the Ursern Valley and the Gemsstock. The turquoise-coloured Oberalpsee invites you to linger, and the lighthouse symbolises the nearby source of the Rhine at Lake Toma.
The Furka Pass | King of the Alpine roads
Before you tackle the ascent, you can enjoy a leisurely roll-in on the 11 km long, flat stretch from Andermatt to Realp. The Furka Pass has a rugged character, characterised by the high peaks all around. With the James Bond curve and the Belvédère, the tour takes you past two iconic spots.
Let's go
There are places you visit and places you experience. Andermatt definitely belongs to the second category. Between passes steeped in history, wide valleys and bold high mountain scenery, a road bike area unfolds that challenges, rewards and lingers for a long time. Every tour tells its own story, every descent offers new perspectives. Anyone who rides here not only collects metres in altitude, but memories for life. And perhaps that's the real magic of this region: you'll want to come back before you've even arrived.
Good to know
The pass roads around Andermatt are very busy during the high season in July and August. The crossings are important transfer routes for tourists. It is therefore advisable to stay outside the high season for road cycling. Depending on the snow conditions, the passes usually open in May, whereby the Susten Pass is the highest pass and often remains closed for longer (see right-hand side).
Insider tips
Shop and workshop
Bikewelt Gisler
High-service road bike and mountain bike specialist
Hotels
Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen
Centrally located, modern alpine ambience, comprehensive service
Hotel Piz Badus
Quiet, stylish house in the centre of Andermatt
Restaurants
Restaurant Alp-Hittä
Chic ski hut ambience, on the Oberalp, hearty regional cuisine
Restaurant Spycher
Popular meeting place in the centre of Andermatt, pizza and more
