Nufenenpass: Airolo - Ulrichen

Tip
37.21 km long
Difficulty: difficult
Condition: difficult
Great panorama
racing bike
  • 2:30 h
  • 37.21 km
  • 1,339 m
  • 1,133 m
  • 1,142 m
  • 2,478 m
  • 1,336 m
  • Start: Airolo train station
  • Destination: Ulrich train station

The effort over the Nufenenpass (2478 m above sea level) is gladly accepted for the strong panorama that the valley offers with its forests, its colors, and untouched nature.

The pass road through the quiet Bedretto Valley into Upper Valais was only built in 1969. The well-developed Nufenenpass is, after the Umbrail, the second highest Swiss Alpine pass. The cycling route starts in Airolo in the canton of Ticino. Through the idyllic Bedretto Valley, you ride past dense fir forests and lush meadows along the Nufenenpass road. The winding pass road to the pass height fascinates with a breathtaking mountain backdrop. Upon arrival, road cyclists enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view over snow-covered mountains. Not only road cyclists appreciate the diverse nature in the Bedretto Valley, ibexes also clearly feel at home here. 

From the height of the Nufenenpass at 2,478 m above sea level, it descends into the canton of Valais towards Ulrichen. Here, too, you enjoy a great view while feeling the cool breeze during your ride. 

Good to know

Pavements

Street

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Airolo - Nufenenpass - Ulrichen

Tour information

  • Cultural Interesting

  • Nature Highlight

  • Stop at an Inn

  • Summit

Equipment

  • Clothing appropriate to the weather
  • Drink and food supplies
  • Bicycle light

Directions & Parking facilities

Airolo lies directly on the A2 motorway at the Gotthard and has its own highway exit, making it very easy to reach. 

There are various parking options in and outside the village of Airolo. Alternatively, you can also drive by car towards the Nufenenpass and park at one of the designated parking spots. 

Airolo is very well connected by public transport. The timetable is as follows:  SBB timetable

Additional information

Author

Andermatt-Urserntal Tourismus GmbH

Organization

Région de vacances Andermatt

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

  • Keep an eye out for ibexes, which can sometimes be observed directly from the road with a bit of luck.

Safety guidelines

  • The Nufenenpass is closed in winter.
  • Cyclists should watch the weather forecast in advance, as parts of the route are located above 2000 m above sea level and light snowfall can occur in extreme cases.

  • Pay attention to the weather forecasts. In the Alps, weather can change rapidly. 

Contact

Nufenenpass: Airolo - Ulrichen
6780 Airolo