Mountain Biking in Andermatt
Mountain Biking in Andermatt: Trails, Mountain Passes and Alpine Freedom
Andermatt is the official home of Tudor Pro Cycling, the team founded by double Olympic champion Fabian Cancellara. That says a great deal. Those who saddle up here do so in a region that treats cycling not as a leisure pursuit but as a way of life. Four of Switzerland's most celebrated alpine passes begin here, and the trail network stretches from family-friendly valley routes to technically demanding singletrails at over 2,000 metres. And when the day is done, you return to The Chedi Andermatt.
Mountain Biking in Andermatt at a Glance
Look forward to a cycling experience that unites alpine grandeur with refined relaxation:
- Official home of Tudor Pro Cycling, founded by Fabian Cancellara
- Four legendary alpine passes on the doorstep: Gotthard, Furka, Oberalp and Susten
- Routes for every ability, from gentle valley rides to technical singletrails
- Panoramic trails with sweeping views towards the Furka, Gotthard and Oberalp passes
- Premium E-mountain bike hire, including helmet, available directly at The Chedi Andermatt
- Flexible route planning thanks to mountain bike transport on the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway and PostBus
- Professional infrastructure: bike wash stations, workshops and secure storage
- Exclusive post-ride recovery at The Spa of The Chedi Andermatt across 2,400 square metres
The Ursern Valley: Mountain Biking at 1,447 Metres
Nestled between the Gotthard, Furka, and Oberalp Passes, Andermatt lies in the heart of the Ursern Valley, surrounded by high-alpine panoramas. This valley is particularly special for mountain bikers thanks to its combination of easy accessibility and authenticity. There are charming mountain villages and sweeping pass roads, not to mention the gentle ringing of cowbells. Yet the area is almost entirely free of tourist clichés. The Ursern Valley remains truly unspoilt.
The weather conditions around Andermatt mean that you can almost always find somewhere with dry conditions. Added to this are well-signposted routes for every skill level, as well as bike wash stations and repair shops. The Matterhorn-Gotthard Railway and PostBus connections easily transport bikes, allowing for flexible route planning. Thanks to the excellent public transport links, those who want to ride in just one direction have complete freedom to do so.
Reading tip: Discover why Andermatt is one of the most captivating retreats in the Alps during summer, and find inspiration in our recommendations for the finest summer activities in Switzerland.
The Most Beautiful Mountain Bike Routes Around Andermatt
Furka Höhenweg
The Furka Höhenweg, commonly known as the Urschner Höhenweg, is widely regarded as one of the finest panoramic routes in the region and an essential ride for any serious mountain biker. The tour begins at Andermatt railway station, follows the flat valley floor towards Realp and then climbs via well-maintained singletrails to Tiefenbach. From there, the route continues into the hollow of the Lochberg and undulates onwards to the Lutersee, where a sweeping panoramic view opens up towards the Furka, Gotthard and Oberalp passes. The crystal-clear mountain lake invites a brief rest before the route descends along the golf course path across the Reuss dam and back to Andermatt station.
A route for strong riders with an appreciation for silence, open space and alpine nature in its most original form.
Oberalp Pass to Andermatt
The descent from the Oberalp Pass through the idyllic Maighels high plateau down to Andermatt has long been considered a classic of the region. Alpine paths, expansive views and a natural rhythm that makes the ride itself the experience. Those travelling by E-mountain bike may also tackle the route in the opposite direction, ascending through the high plateau from below.
Göschener Valley
The wild and romantic Göschenertal offers a rewarding mountain bike tour away from the well-known pass routes. Narrow paths, quiet side valleys and the sense of unspoilt nature that characterises Andermatt feel particularly pronounced here. A route for those seeking not only panoramic views, but also solitude and Alpine tranquillity.
Arni Circuit
The Arni recreation area offers mountain bikers an impressive tour through species-rich dry meadows and rare orchids beneath the Geissberg. A route that demonstrates just how varied the landscape around Andermatt is beyond the great passes.
Glacier Bike Tour: Andermatt to Ulrichen
Those wishing to spend more than a single day in the saddle will find the eighth stage of the Glacier Bike Tour an unforgettable experience. From Andermatt, the route crosses the Furka Pass to the source of the Rhône in Valais, passing the Rhône Glacier before descending into the idyllic Goms valley. A 900-metre ascent over 12 kilometres to the Furka Pass summit, followed by a descent that is difficult to surpass. At the destination of Ulrichen, the Geschinersee awaits in fine weather, offering the chance to swim and recover. Those not planning a multi-day trip may ride the pass as a day tour and return to Andermatt by train.
E-Mountain Biking: The Alps for Every Level
Those who prefer a more comfortable approach to the Ursern Valley's altitude will find the E-mountain bike an excellent companion. The motor assistance makes routes accessible that would otherwise lie beyond reach and allows the surrounding panorama to be enjoyed in full. The ascents to the great passes, which demand considerable effort from unassisted riders, become a rewarding experience for cyclists of every fitness level when undertaken on an E-bike.
The Chedi Andermatt offers premium E-mountain bikes for hire, including helmet. The concierge team is delighted to advise on routes and to recommend the most suitable option for your ability and interests.
Andermatt and Tudor Pro Cycling
As the official home of Tudor Pro Cycling, Andermatt has developed an infrastructure that goes well beyond that of an ordinary cycling village. Bike wash stations, professional workshops, secure storage facilities and a network of impeccably signposted routes make the region one of the most advanced cycling destinations in Switzerland. The same passes on which professionals train are open to guests of The Chedi Andermatt every day. The Gotthard with its historic Tremola cobblestone road, the Furka Pass with its legendary hairpin bends, the Oberalp with its wide high plateau: those who know these routes understand why Fabian Cancellara chose Andermatt as his home.
After the Trail: Return to The Chedi Andermatt
An active day in the high alpine air of the Ursern Valley calls for a fitting conclusion. At The Chedi Andermatt, 2,400 square metres of spa facilities await: the 35-metre indoor pool, the heated outdoor pool with mountain views, saunas, steam baths and exclusive spa treatments designed specifically for recovery after physical exertion. Tired muscles, fresh mountain air and the sight of the Ursern Valley peaks: this is the ending that a day on the trails of Andermatt deserves.
Reading tip: Discover all the ways to unwind and indulge in exclusive relaxation at The Spa at The Chedi Andermatt.
Alpine Ascent: Cycling and Luxury in One Stay
For those wishing to combine mountain biking with five-star comfort, The Chedi Andermatt offers the Alpine Ascent package. Two nights in a room of your choice, the Grand Breakfast Buffet at The Restaurant, one day of E-mountain bike hire including helmet, and a 60-minute The Chedi Alpine Massage per person. A complete retreat that places the day on the trail and the recovery afterwards in equal measure at the centre of your stay. Adrenalin and mountain air by day, stillness and deep relaxation by evening.
The package is available from two nights and from CHF 1,100. Early booking is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Biking in Andermatt
When is the best time for mountain biking in Andermatt?
The best time for mountain biking in Andermatt is from late May to October. The summer months offer fully accessible trails and pass roads, whilst June and September provide particularly pleasant temperatures and quieter routes. On clear days, the alpine landscape around the Furka, Gotthard and Oberalp passes reveals itself in its full splendour.
Which mountain bike routes are suitable for beginners in Andermatt?
For beginners in Andermatt, the family-friendly tour along the Ursern Valley floor is an ideal choice, as the majority of the route follows natural tracks. Those without experience of alpine trails are well advised to opt for an E-mountain bike: the motor assistance makes more demanding routes accessible and allows the surrounding scenery to be enjoyed without physical overexertion.
Can I hire an E-mountain bike directly at The Chedi Andermatt?
E-mountain bikes can be hired directly at The Chedi Andermatt, including helmet. The concierge team is on hand to advise on suitable routes and to assist with planning your day. As part of the Alpine Ascent package, one day of E-mountain bike hire is already included in the price.
How demanding is the ascent to the Furka Pass by mountain bike?
The ascent to the Furka Pass from Andermatt is physically demanding: approximately 12 kilometres with 900 metres of altitude gain to the pass summit at 2,429 metres. For experienced mountain bikers, the route is entirely manageable. By E-mountain bike, it is a rewarding experience for less seasoned riders as well. The descent via the Urschner Höhenweg is amongst the most memorable singletrail experiences the region has to offer.
Does the train carry mountain bikes?
The Matterhorn Gotthard Railway and the PostBus services in the region carry mountain bikes without difficulty. This enables flexible route planning, allowing riders to tackle a route in one direction and return comfortably by public transport. The concierge team at The Chedi Andermatt is happy to assist with planning such combined itineraries.
What does the Alpine Ascent package at The Chedi Andermatt include?
The Alpine Ascent package at The Chedi Andermatt includes two nights in a room of your choice, the Grand Breakfast Buffet, one day of E-mountain bike hire including helmet, and a 60-minute The Chedi Alpine Massage per person. The package is available from CHF 1,100 and combines an active day on the trails with exclusive recovery in The Spa.
