Alpine Quad No. 1: Oberalp - Lukmanier - Nufenen - Furka

Tip
207.84 km long
Round trip
Difficulty: difficult
Condition: very difficult
Great panorama
racing bike
  • 12:25 h
  • 207.84 km
  • 4,777 m
  • 4,777 m
  • 294 m
  • 2,479 m
  • 2,185 m
  • Start: Andermatt
  • Destination: Andermatt

This epic circular route over four legendary Alpine passes offers long climbs, fast descents, and spectacular landscapes. With about 200 km and over 4,700 m of elevation gain, it is a real challenge for ambitious road cyclists.

The route starts in Andermatt with the first climb to Oberalp Pass. The gradient is moderate (average about 6%), the surface excellent – ideal for warming up. At the top, you will be rewarded with a great view of the red lighthouse, which symbolically marks the source of the Rhine. The descent to Disentis is fast and well developed. From there begins the long but steady climb to Lukmanier Pass, with an average gradient of 5–6% the gentlest of the four passes. However, strong headwinds can be a challenge. At the top, the view opens up to the Ticino mountain world before a magnificent descent to Biasca follows. From Biasca it is flat to Airolo, then the steep climb to Nufenen Pass – with ramps up to 13% and an average of 8–9%, the toughest section of the route. The last kilometres are high alpine, often windy. At the top, a grand view of the glaciers of the Valais Alps awaits. The descent to Ulrichen is technically demanding, with tight hairpins and partly rough surfaces. In Ulrichen begins the final climb to Furka Pass. The west side climbs steadily at 7–8%. The view of the switchbacks and the Rhone Glacier is spectacular and makes up for the effort. The descent to Andermatt is fast, winding and demands good line choice – a crowning finish to this alpine round.

Good to know

Pavements

Street
Asphalt

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Andermatt – Oberalp Pass – Disentis – Lukmanier Pass – Biasca – Airolo – Nufenen Pass – Ulrichen – Furka Pass – Andermatt

Tour information

  • Cultural Interesting

  • Loop Road

  • Nature Highlight

  • Stop at an Inn

Equipment

  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Sufficient drinks and food
  • Bike light (for tunnels and poor visibility)

Directions & Parking facilities

Thanks to good accessibility from all four cardinal directions, Andermatt is the perfect starting point for your route in summer.

Parking options are available in Andermatt.

The starting point Andermatt is conveniently accessible by the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway. The current timetable can be found at: SBB Timetable.

Additional information

Author

Andermatt-Urserntal Tourismus GmbH

Organization

Région de vacances Andermatt

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

Three photo stops worth making on the route:

  • Lighthouse, Oberalp Pass
  • View of Valais glaciers, Nufenen Pass
  • Hotel Belvédère, Furka Pass

Safety guidelines

  • The passes are closed in winter.
  • Keep an eye on the weather forecast – weather can change quickly in the Alps.

Nearby

Contact

Alpine Quad No. 1: Oberalp - Lukmanier - Nufenen - Furka
6490 Andermatt