Swiss Alps
- The best cycling in the Swiss Alps: enjoy five spectacular mountain stages
- Conquer bucket list Swiss climbs: the Furka, Grimsel, Susten, Oberalp, Lucomagno and Nufenen passes
- Cycle the pristine cobblestone Tremola road of the St Gotthard pass
- Enjoy the spectacular Grosse Scheidegg and Lake Brienz loop
- Ride at your own pace with our full support, plus optional extra climbs each day if you'd like more of a challenge
- Savour wonderful Swiss hospitality and comfortable hotels
- Easy travel arrangements with direct transcontinental and European flights to Milan Malpensa
- Fantastic support from two customised support vans and two expert, proactive guides focused on making your holiday the very best it can be
Days on the bike
Quote
Excellent - Marmot should be a case-study in how to deliver customer satisfaction. Excellent pre-holiday support with clear communication, whilst on holiday; great routes supported by top-class guides who genuinely care about what they are doing.
Introduction
Switzerland boasts some of the best cycling in Europe. Combine breathtakingly beautiful mountains, pristine villages, and ambitious road-building projects with luxury chocolate, alpine cheese, and warm hospitality, and you've got the perfect formula for an incredible road cycling holiday! High passes are dotted all over this spectacular mountainous country, but most of the iconic and famous road climbs are concentrated in a small area to the east of the Eiger. It is a mecca for road cyclists and your playground for this five-day cycling holiday.
We've crafted this truly superb cycling tour so that our Classic route takes in all the iconic climbs. Those wanting more of a challenge get to tick off some of them from both sides - after all, there is a constant debate in the cycling world about which side is best! The climbs in this part of Switzerland are long with significant altitude gain, so our Classic route is a considerable challenge; the daily average is 80 km with 2020 m ascent. However, the rides can be made more manageable with a tactical lift in our support van at the start of each day. With a daily average of 104 km with 2800 m ascent, our Challenge route will satisfy your need for big rides.
This is your holiday, and we're here to support you as an individual. As with all our tours, we don't insist that everyone ride as a group; you are free to ride at the speed you like, stop when you want, and make the days your own. With our expert support team in customised vehicles, we'll provide you with all the moral, nutritional, and mechanical support you require. All you have to do is eat, sleep, and cycle – we do the rest!
For long-haul travellers, exploring the Italian lakes is a pleasant option if arriving a few days before the start of the tour.
For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 5 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 6 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 5 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included (evening meals on all nights for 2026)
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
- Marmot Tours x Stolen Goat cycling kit available exclusively from our online shop
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Dinner on one night in Meiringen, so you are free to explore the local restaurants
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! Weather in the mountains can be highly changeable, and sometimes extreme. You’re likely to encounter a range of conditions and temperatures during your trip. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from the cold and rain. This is particularly important for the long descents that you’ll encounter on this trip.
Fitness
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly. Please get in touch if you’d like further guidance.
Hotels
We stay in comfortable 3* hotels, with the exception of our hotel in Innertkirchen, which is a comfortable, family-run hotel in the perfect location but is un-starred. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
We move on most nights of this trip, so opportunities to use hotel laundry facilities (where they exist) are limited. However, we can help dry your hand-washed kit, so consider bringing some hand-wash detergent with you.
Dietary requirements
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Timings
Your day will usually start with breakfast from around 08:00 with set off time at around 09:00 to 09:30. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:00. Dinner is usually served at 19:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench). See FAQS for more detail.
Travel documents
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
Departure Dates & Prices
We are pleased to offer some tempting discounts off the basic trip cost (not including extras such as single rooms or bike hire):
- Book & pay your deposit more than 6 months in advance of the start of your holiday for our 5% early bookers discount
- Get a group of 10+ people together for a 7.5% group discount and, as the group organiser, receive a £150 voucher for your next holiday
- Be rewarded for your loyalty by receiving a 10% discount from your third Marmot Tours road cycling holiday onwards
Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday.
Map
Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival day
Your cycling holiday starts and finishes in Bodio, the gateway to the mountains, in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland.
We offer transfers from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), a journey of 1 hr 30 min. It's also possible to travel independently by train as our hotel is within easy walking distance of Bodio railway station.
Once hire bikes have been set up or you've assembled your own bike, you'll be able to meet your fellow riders at our welcome briefing, before enjoying a lovely dinner.
Day 1: Bodio to Sedrun
Here we go! The Swiss National Cycling route to the Passo del Lucomagno/Lukmanier Pass (1915m) is the perfect way to start your holiday. Starting from an altitude of just 300 m, this 41 km climb is never steep, and the wonderful scenery constantly evolves. The small towns give way to villages and alpine meadows dotted with farmsteads, which in turn give way to open mountainsides. The pass itself is adorned with a large reservoir reflecting the surrounding high peaks of this lesser-known pass.
Your reward for climbing is the descent into the German-speaking part of Switzerland and onto the village of Sedrun, where we spend the night in a charming hotel.
For those wanting more of a challenge today, the climb up to the reservoir of Lai da Nalps (1967m) in the heart of the mountains is a fantastic addition to your day's riding.
Classic : 73 KM with 2060m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 91 KM with 2730m ascent [ride profile]
Day 2: Sedrun to Meiringen
Today is pretty spectacular! The climb to the Oberalp Pass (2044m) is a delightful way to start the day and the natural beauty of the mountains is broken only by the occasional Glacier Express train snaking its way to the pass.
Following a great descent to Andermatt for coffee (and chocolate), it is decision time: have you got the energy to take on the north side of the Sankt Gotthard Pass/Passo del San Gottardo (2107m)? This punchy 12 km climb includes 2 km of cobbles, and while you'll get to take on the more famous south side later in the week, this is a thoroughly worthwhile addition to the day.
Back on the Classic route, we descend northwards to Wassen and turn west over the incredible Susten Pass (2224m). This climb has everything you could possibly want, and it really showcases the magnificent beauty of the Swiss mountains. For the next 28 km you can enjoy a beautiful descent before the final few km to our hotel in Meiringen, where we spend the next two nights.
Classic : 85 KM with 2120m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 110 KM with 2860m ascent [ride profile]
Day 3: Day ride from Meiringen
You're in for a treat: today's ride is considered by many to be one of Europe's (if not the world's) best road cycling loops.
Surrounded by Alpine pastures and the sheer cliffs of the Eiger, the Grosse Scheidegg (1962m) pass is in a mind-blowingly beautiful setting. However, the cherry on the cake is that the upper section of the road is closed to regular traffic, making this (challenging) climb a true delight. The tranquillity is only broken by the sound of cow bells and the distinctive horn of the occasional public bus.
We enjoy the climb from the east and then descend to Interlaken for lunch. Here, we pick up a great road that undulates around the northern shore of Lake Brienz for 15 km before heading back through the green meadows to our hotel in Meiringen.
Our Challenge route takes you up a wonderful, quiet, but challenging climb to the Berghaus Männlichen (2223m) from Grindelwald, for a closer look at the Eiger.
There is the option of an easier day by returning directly from the Grosse Scheidegg so you can explore the spectacular Aareschlucht gorge.
**NEW FOR 2027 TOURS:** Tonight's dinner is not included, giving you the opportunity to try out some of the fine restaurants in town.
Classic : 81 KM with 1560m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 95 KM with 2970m ascent [ride profile]
Day 4: Meiringen to Ulrichen
Hairpin bends dominate today's ride and come in many forms - tight, stacked, sweeping, and even elevated on stilts! The Grimsel Pass (2164m) and Furka Pass (2429m) are two of the most spectacular mountain passes in the world and a marvel of Swiss ingenuity.
The road to the Grimsel Pass makes for a characterful climb with ever-changing gradients and scenery. The final part crosses a barren granite landscape broken only by vast opal-coloured reservoirs. From here, you can see the zig-zag road leading to the Furka Pass on the other side of the valley.
The Furka Pass is another fantastic bucket list climb that was immortalised by a car chase in the James Bond film Goldfinger in the 1960s. You'll no doubt recognise the iconic, but now closed, Belvedere Hotel! From here, we descend, pass close by the source of the Rhône and follow it to our sport-focused hotel in Ulrichen.
Today's Challenge route involves descending to Realp and taking on the Furka Pass (2429m) again from the east. Oof!
Classic : 70 KM with 2370m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 95 KM with 3270m ascent [ride profile]
Day 5: Ulrichen to Bodio
We've saved the best until last: today is a spectacular day! Our route takes you over the second-highest pass in the Swiss Alps and finishes with the most unique climb in this incredible region.
Snow-capped peaks and rugged rock formations accompany you on the challenging climb to the Nufenen Pass/Passo della Novena (2480m). From the top, the view down the valley towards Italy way off in the distance hints at the spectacular descent ahead of you as you head back to our starting point in Bodio (321m).
There is, however, road cycling's most remarkable climb to conquer first - the Tremola Road to the Sankt Gotthard Pass / Passo del San Gottardo (2107m). This incredible road was cut into the mountainside and surfaced with cobbles in the 1830's. The Swiss have since superseded it with a new road and a tunnel that takes most of the traffic, but amazingly, they still maintain the upper 5 km of cobbles! Once at the top, you jump on the new road and get to enjoy the beautiful smooth tarmac and sweeping bends back into the valley.
Those wanting a serious challenge can take on the south side of the Grimsel Pass (2164m) first thing in the morning.
Road cycling really does not get better than this and this is an epic day to end what's sure to be an unforgettable tour.
Easier : 69 KM with 1150m ascent [ride profile]
Classic : 97 KM with 2090m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 131 KM with 2930m ascent [ride profile]
Day 6: Departure day
Even though your road cycling holiday in the Swiss Alps may be over, we're certain the memories will last a lifetime.
We offer transfers from Bodio to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), a journey of about 1 hr 30 min, at specified times in the morning.
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 5 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 6 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 5 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included (evening meals on all nights for 2026)
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
- Marmot Tours x Stolen Goat cycling kit available exclusively from our online shop
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Dinner on one night in Meiringen, so you are free to explore the local restaurants
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! Weather in the mountains can be highly changeable, and sometimes extreme. You’re likely to encounter a range of conditions and temperatures during your trip. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from the cold and rain. This is particularly important for the long descents that you’ll encounter on this trip.
Fitness
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly. Please get in touch if you’d like further guidance.
Hotels
We stay in comfortable 3* hotels, with the exception of our hotel in Innertkirchen, which is a comfortable, family-run hotel in the perfect location but is un-starred. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
We move on most nights of this trip, so opportunities to use hotel laundry facilities (where they exist) are limited. However, we can help dry your hand-washed kit, so consider bringing some hand-wash detergent with you.
Dietary requirements
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Timings
Your day will usually start with breakfast from around 08:00 with set off time at around 09:00 to 09:30. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:00. Dinner is usually served at 19:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench). See FAQS for more detail.
Travel documents
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
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