Cycling routes

Cycling routes

Zwischbergen, Gondo - Scenic & side valleys

And yes, you are still on Swiss territory!  On the fringes of Valais, close to the border with Italy, this wonderfully concealed valley is well worth the detour... 

Flowers in the Simplon region. - Silvano Zeiter, Valais/Wallis Promotion

The road opposite Gondo along the Italian border is built on a terrace that eventually opens onto the Zwischbergental, a superb, unspoilt valley 16km in length. The climb up to this remote valley on the south side of the Simplon Pass is both challenging and surprising: those who venture there appear to have stumbled into a place out of time. An absolute must if you happen to find yourself in the area!

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Turn-by-turn directions

On leaving Gondo, the road that climbs up towards the Zwischbergental is dominated by the summits of the Weissmies and Lagginhorn. This stretch of the route, once used by smugglers crossing the Moncera pass, was also a crucial passageway during the two world wars. The environment here is remarkable: vast forests, mountain pastures carpeted with flowers and refreshing mountain lakes await you. This valley is definitely worth the detour!

Start: Gondo (854 m)
Destination: Zwischbergen (1873 m)

Author's recommendation

Don’t forget to take some form of identification with you.

Technical information

  • Altitude

    1873 m 838 m

  • Ascent

    1035 m

  • Descent

    17 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: 3 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 3 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 4 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Landscape

    Bewertung: 4 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

Public transport

To get to Gondo, take the post bus from Brig via Simplon pass to Gondo or take the train from Brig to Iselle di Trasquera (simplon tunnel), where you change to the connecting bus to Gondo. 

Approach

From Brig, take the cantonal road number 9 up to the Simplon pass and then to Gondo. The village is situated just before the italian border. 

Parking

Follow the local car park routeing in Gondo. 

Equipment

We recommend: bike in excellent working order, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.

Safety information

Strictly respect the Swiss traffic rules. Please note that you are running the tour at your own risk and all liability is refused. Please be considerate to plants and animals. For your own safety, wear an helmet every time you ride a bike. Emergency numbers: 144 Ambulance / 117 Police / 1414 Helicopter Rescue (Rega).

Additional information

Don't forget to take your passport with you. 

Maps

SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1309 Simplon