Long Weekend in Goms
Experience the legendary passes of Nufenen, Furka, and Grimsel in this challenging but rewarding tour.
Tour Overview
This challenging but incredibly rewarding tour takes you through the beautiful Goms valley and over three of Switzerland's most iconic mountain passes.
Starting in the charming village of Ulrichen, you'll tackle the mighty Nufenen Pass, Switzerland's highest paved mountain pass, before descending into the Italian-speaking Ticino region. The next day brings the historic Furka Pass with its breathtaking views of the Rhône Glacier, followed by the majestic Grimsel Pass.
With stunning alpine scenery, challenging climbs, and exhilarating descents, this tour offers the perfect long weekend escape for experienced cyclists looking to conquer some of Switzerland's most famous passes.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Ulrichen
Arrive in the charming village of Ulrichen in the Goms valley. Bike fitting and briefing for self-guided tours.
Day 2: Nufenen Pass Loop
Cycle over the Nufenen Pass to Airolo, then return via the same route or optional detour through scenic valleys. (60-80km, 1,800-2,200m elevation)
Day 3: Furka and Grimsel Passes
Epic day tackling both the Furka and Grimsel passes in a loop from Ulrichen. (70-90km, 2,200-2,600m elevation)
Day 4: Departure or Extension
Departure after breakfast or extend your stay to explore more of the region.
Highlights
- ✓Nufenen Pass (2,478m)
- ✓Furka Pass (2,429m)
- ✓Grimsel Pass (2,164m)
Fitness & Difficulty
This is a challenging tour built for fit, experienced road cyclists. Expect 1,800–2,600 m of climbing on the bigger days, with sustained ascents of 10–13 km at gradients around 7–9%. You should be comfortable riding several hours in the saddle and tackling back-to-back mountain days. To prepare, build long climbing rides into your training and practise pacing on extended ascents rather than short, sharp efforts.
Best Season to Ride
The high passes of the Goms — Furka, Grimsel and Nufenen — are typically open from mid-June to early October. July and August offer the most stable weather and the warmest descents, while September brings quieter roads and crisp, clear mountain air. Snow can linger on the Nufenen, Switzerland's highest paved pass, well into June, so early-season trips are best planned for the second half of the month.
What's Included
- ✓Personalized tour consultation and planning
- ✓Cyclist-friendly hotel bookings
- ✓Detailed GPX route files
- ✓Luggage transport between hotels (optional)
- ✓On-route cycling accompaniment by Michael (optional)
- ✓Local restaurant and attraction tips
Price
From CHF 400–800 per person. Price includes: personalized route consultation, hotel bookings in cyclist-friendly accommodation, GPX files and detailed route maps, and optional luggage transport between hotels. Not included: flights, bike rental (can be arranged), and meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride all three passes in one day?
The classic Furka–Grimsel loop from Ulrichen combines two passes in a single big day. The Nufenen is usually ridden separately as its own out-and-back, but very strong riders can link all three with careful pacing and an early start.
Is the Goms suitable for first-time Alpine cyclists?
The Goms is best suited to riders with previous climbing experience. If it's your first season in the Alps, I can shorten stages, add rest days or suggest a more moderate region such as the Jura before stepping up to these passes.
Where do the tours start and how do I get there?
Tours are based in Ulrichen, which is easy to reach by train via Brig with a direct connection through the Goms valley. I'll include the exact arrival logistics in your personal route plan.
Before You Go
Two essential guides for planning any Swiss cycling holiday:
Plan Your Trip: Related Reading
- How to Travel to Switzerland with Your Bike
Planning to bring your bike to Switzerland? This guide covers all transportation options, from flying with your bike to train and car travel, with practical tips to make your journey smooth.
- Essential Things to Know When Cycling in Switzerland
Switzerland offers incredible cycling experiences, but there are specific rules and considerations to be aware of. Learn about traffic regulations, mountain safety, weather preparedness, and local cycling etiquette.
- Legendary Swiss Alpine Cycling Passes
From the historic cobblestones of Gotthard Pass to the breathtaking views of Furka Pass, this guide explores Switzerland's most legendary alpine cycling routes, their history, challenges, and what makes each one special.
- Swiss Cycling Legends: The Heroes of the Mountains
From Ferdi Kübler and Hugo Koblet to Fabian Cancellara and current stars, discover the fascinating stories of Swiss cycling legends who conquered the world's toughest races and left an indelible mark on cycling history.
Other Tours You Might Like
- Weekend in Airolo
Explore the historic Gotthard Pass (Tremola), Oberalp Pass, and Lukmanier Pass in the beautiful Ticino region.
- One Week in Switzerland
The ultimate Swiss cycling experience: Albula, Engadin, Splügen, San Bernardino, Gotthard, Furka, and Grimsel.
Tour Details
Duration
3-4 days
Difficulty
Challenging
Location
Goms, Valais
Distance
180-220 km
Elevation Gain
5,000-6,000m