recommended route
Vineyard Trail Sion to Leuk (stage 2)
Cycling
· Valais
-
Terraced vineyard, VarenPhoto: Frederic Huber, Valais/Wallis Promotion
The second stage of the Vineyard Trail takes you on a journey from the historical monuments of the capital of Valais through sunny vineyards to the heart of the town of Leuk.
moderate
Distance 55.3 km
4:57 h
1,241 m
1,274 m
889 m
483 m
Swap the urban landscape of the cantonal capital for peaceful vineyards, before reaching mountain trails with the promise of some stunning climbs. Traverse well-known regions such as St Léonard and its underground lake, experience the generous Sierre sunshine and Salgesch’s numerous red grape varieties, which make it the most important wine-growing region in Upper Valais.
Author’s recommendation
Leuk is also home to Switzerland’s oldest vine: a Cornalin planted in 1798. When you arrive at your destination, don’t forget to taste the wine made by local winemakers using this vine, known as Vitis Antiqua 1798.
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
889 m
Lowest point
483 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety 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
1306 Sion / 1286 St-Léonard / 1287 SierreStart
Sion (train station) (656 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'592'302E 1'120'397N
DD
46.234972, 7.338855
DMS
46°14'05.9"N 7°20'19.9"E
UTM
32T 371919 5121496
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Destination
Leuk (train station)
Turn-by-turn directions
Linking Sion to Leuk, the second stage of the Vineyard Trail climbs up through the Rhône Valley, bordered by impressive dry stone walls peppering the river’s right bank. From the foot of the historic Valère and Tourbillon castles, cycle through the heart of a huge diversity of grape varieties, red and white alike, taking in Valais’s undulating landscape and steep slopes. After all that effort, treat yourself to a relaxing tasting of local vintages or wind down at Leukerbad’s thermal baths.
Public transport
Arrive in Sion by train from all Swiss towns and cities (SBB) or by the regional trains Railway Mont-Blanc & St-Bernard Express.By road
From the A9 motorway from Lausanne or Sierre, take the Sion-East exit (number 27) , or the cantonal road. Routes that are open all year round: the Forclaz pass, the Great Saint Bernard tunnel, the Simplon pass. Passes that are open only during summer: Great St Bernard, Nufenen, Grimsel, FurkaParking
Follow the car-park routeing in Sion.Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'592'302E 1'120'397N
DD
46.234972, 7.338855
DMS
46°14'05.9"N 7°20'19.9"E
UTM
32T 371919 5121496
w3w
///reaction.cross.they
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
More information:
View this tour on SwitzerlandMobility:
Author’s map recommendations
SwissTopo Maps: 1306 Sion / 1286 St-Léonard / 1287 Sierre
Equipment
We recommend: bike in excellent working order, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.Difficulty
moderate
Distance
55.3 km
Duration
4:57 h
Ascent
1,241 m
Descent
1,274 m
Highest point
889 m
Lowest point
483 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
- 7 Waypoints
- 7 Waypoints
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
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