recommended route
Zwischbergen, Gondo - Scenic & side valleys
Cycling
· Valais
-
Flowers in the Simplon region.Photo: Silvano Zeiter, Valais/Wallis Promotion
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...
moderate
Distance 11.8 km
2:18 h
1,035 m
17 m
1,873 m
838 m
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!
Author’s recommendation
Don’t forget to take some form of identification with you.
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Zwischbergen, 1,873 m
Lowest point
Gondo, 838 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Road
11.8 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
Don't forget to take your passport with you.Start
Gondo (854 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'654'183E 1'116'272N
DD
46.195731, 8.140532
DMS
46°11'44.6"N 8°08'25.9"E
UTM
32T 433684 5116153
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Destination
Zwischbergen
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!
Note
all notes on protected areas
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.Getting there
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.Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'654'183E 1'116'272N
DD
46.195731, 8.140532
DMS
46°11'44.6"N 8°08'25.9"E
UTM
32T 433684 5116153
w3w
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Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
Brochures:
Author’s map recommendations
SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1309 Simplon
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
11.8 km
Duration
2:18 h
Ascent
1,035 m
Descent
17 m
Highest point
1,873 m
Lowest point
838 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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