recommended route
Val d'Anniviers - Scenic & side valleys
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Cyclist on the Val D'Anniviers roadPhoto: David Carlier, Valais/Wallis Promotion - David Carlier
The climb from Sierre to Zinal lets cyclists discover the Val d'Anniviers – without doubt one of the most beautiful valleys in the canton of Valais – and pass through small villages full of charm such as Vissoie or Ayer. As a bonus, the finish in Zinal offers unrivalled views of the mountains and corries all around!
difficult
Distance 27.8 km
4:20 h
1,147 m
3 m
1,670 m
523 m
Setting out from Sierre, the road in the direction of Val d'Anniviers initially runs parallel to the mountainside before starting to climb in a series of spectacular switchbacks that recall some of the most legendary alpine passes. After passing through the village of Niouc, the gradient becomes more gentle. The road then snakes back and forth, hugging the spectacular cliffsides and passing through a series of avalanche galleries dug into the rock. The famous yellow post buses that criss-cross Switzerland are sure to notify you of their presence in the gorges with their characteristic three-tone horn. The old fortified village of Vissoie then appears, with the valley unfolding before you as far as Zinal. The climb becomes more gentle until you reach the end of the road at the exit to the village. From there, the stunning panorama is on no account to be missed.
Author’s recommendation
Thrills are guaranteed as you scale your way up the first hairpin bends from the valley and on the road cut into the rock at Niouc!
Difficulty
difficult
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Zinal, 1,670 m
Lowest point
Sierre, 523 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Forested/wild trail
0 km
Road
27.8 km
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).Tips and hints
More information:
- Zinal
Start
Sierre (526 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'607'330E 1'126'740N
DD
46.292036, 7.533768
DMS
46°17'31.3"N 7°32'01.6"E
UTM
32T 387065 5127540
w3w
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Destination
Zinal
Turn-by-turn directions
The climb from Sierre to Zinal takes cyclists from the Rhone valley with its sun-kissed vineyards to the majestic summits of the Alps and their millennia-old glaciers. The climb back out of the Val d'Anniviers is a sight to behold, with breathtaking panoramic views at every turn. From the village of Niouc to Vissoie, the crown jewels of Valais – five summits of more than 4,000 metres, with the famous Matterhorn in the middle - serve as a backdrop! On leaving Vissoie, the climb grows less steady, alternating between steeper parts and welcome flatter stages. A final effort is required to reach Zinal. Continue on to the end of the road at the exit to the village and admire, among others, the peaks of the Weisshorn, the Zinalrothorn and La Dent Blanche!
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Arrive in Sierre by train from all Swiss towns (SBB) or by the regional trains running on the Simplon line between Brig and St. Gingolph.Getting there
From the A9 motorway from Lausanne or Brig, take the Sierre Est (from Brig) or Sierre Ouest (from Lausanne) exit and access to the park + ride at the train station via Rue de la Plaine.Parking
Park and Ride at Sierre train station. Please follow the local car park routeing in Sierre.Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'607'330E 1'126'740N
DD
46.292036, 7.533768
DMS
46°17'31.3"N 7°32'01.6"E
UTM
32T 387065 5127540
w3w
///evening.foster.defends
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
Brochures:
- Road Cycling Map
Author’s map recommendations
SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1287 Sierre / 1307 Vissoie
Equipment
We recommend: bike in excellent working order, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.Reviews
Difficulty
difficult
Distance
27.8 km
Duration
4:20 h
Ascent
1,147 m
Descent
3 m
Highest point
1,670 m
Lowest point
523 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
- 1 Waypoints
- 1 Waypoints
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
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Rating
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