One Week in Switzerland
The ultimate Swiss cycling experience: Albula, Engadin, Splügen, San Bernardino, Gotthard, Furka, and Grimsel.
Tour Overview
Experience the ultimate Swiss cycling adventure with this epic one-week tour that takes you through the most beautiful regions and over the most iconic mountain passes in Switzerland.
Starting in the picturesque Engadin valley, you'll tackle the beautiful Albula Pass before heading to the Italian-speaking Ticino region via the challenging Splügen and San Bernardino passes. The historic cobblestone Tremola road up the Gotthard Pass offers a unique cycling experience, followed by the mighty Furka and Grimsel passes.
This comprehensive tour showcases the incredible diversity of Switzerland's landscapes, from the lush valleys of Graubünden to the rugged terrain of central Switzerland. With challenging climbs, thrilling descents, and unforgettable scenery throughout, this is truly the cycling holiday of a lifetime.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in St. Moritz
Arrive in the elegant town of St. Moritz in the Engadin valley. Bike fitting and briefing for the week ahead.
Day 2: St. Moritz to Chiavenna
Ride over the beautiful Maloja Pass and descend into Italy to the town of Chiavenna. (70-80km, 1,000-1,200m elevation)
Day 3: Chiavenna to Splügen
Tackle the challenging Splügen Pass as you head back into Switzerland. (50-60km, 1,800-2,000m elevation)
Day 4: Splügen to Airolo
Ride over the San Bernardino Pass and through the beautiful Leventina Valley to Airolo. (100-120km, 1,500-2,000m elevation)
Day 5: Airolo to Andermatt
Conquer the historic Tremola road up the Gotthard Pass to reach the mountain village of Andermatt. (40-50km, 1,200-1,500m elevation)
Day 6: Andermatt to Meiringen
Epic day tackling both the Furka and Grimsel passes. (80-100km, 2,200-2,600m elevation)
Day 7: Departure from Meiringen
Final breakfast and departure, or optional extension to explore more passes in the region.
Highlights
- ✓Albula Pass (2,315m)
- ✓Splügen Pass (2,115m)
- ✓San Bernardino Pass (2,066m)
- ✓Gotthard Pass (2,106m)
- ✓Furka Pass (2,429m)
- ✓Grimsel Pass (2,164m)
Fitness & Difficulty
The most demanding tour in the programme and a true bucket-list challenge for strong, experienced cyclists. You'll ride seven consecutive days with frequent passes and substantial daily climbing, often 1,500–2,500 m. A high level of endurance fitness and prior multi-day riding experience are essential. Train with consecutive long days and plenty of climbing in the months before your trip.
Best Season to Ride
Because this week-long tour crosses several of the highest passes in Switzerland, the ideal window is from early July to mid-September, when all the passes — including the Splügen, San Bernardino, Gotthard, Furka and Grimsel — are reliably open and snow-free. Booking within this peak window gives the best combination of warm weather and accessible high roads.
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 1'200–2'200 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
Do I need to be a very experienced cyclist for the one-week tour?
Yes. This tour links many of Switzerland's hardest passes over seven consecutive days, so a strong endurance base and previous multi-day cycling experience are important. I can adjust daily distances and add rest options where needed.
Is luggage transported between each hotel?
Yes. As a point-to-point tour, luggage transport between your hotels is offered so you only ride with what you need for the day.
Can the route be shortened or customised?
Absolutely. The itinerary is a framework — I tailor distances, passes and rest days around your fitness, goals and available time.
Before You Go
Two essential guides for planning any Swiss cycling holiday:
Plan Your Trip: Related Reading
- 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.
- Traveling with Your Bike on Swiss Public Transport
Switzerland's integrated public transport system is perfect for cyclists. Learn how to transport your bike on trains, buses, and boats, understand ticket options, reservations, and get tips for seamless multi-modal travel.
- 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.
- Self-Guided Cycling in Switzerland: How to Plan the Perfect Trip
Self-guided cycling lets you ride Switzerland's legendary passes at your own pace. Here is how to plan routes, choose a base, organise luggage transport and decide between guided and self-guided.
Other Tours You Might Like
- Long Weekend in Engadin
Conquer the beautiful Albula, Flüela, Bernina, and Julier passes in the picturesque Engadin region.
- Long Weekend in Goms
Experience the legendary passes of Nufenen, Furka, and Grimsel in this challenging but rewarding tour.
Tour Details
Duration
7 days
Difficulty
Challenging
Location
Multiple regions
Distance
500-600 km
Elevation Gain
12,000-15,000m