Classic Climbs: Switzerland

Ride the most revered passes of the Swiss Alps, including Furka, Gotthard, and Nufenen

Trip Style

Classic Bike

Tour Duration

6 Days / 5 Nights

Activity Level

Level 4

Bikes

Trek Domane SL 7
Trek Electric-Assist Checkpoint+ SL6 AXS

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Starting from

$5,199.00 per person

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Ride Switzerland’s most iconic alpine passes—from Gstaad to Andermatt—on a bike tour featuring Furka, Gotthard, and Nufenen.

This is Swiss Alps cycling at its purest—where smooth climbs, big elevation, and glacier-fed descents define each day. Begin in the valley town of Gstaad and head into the high mountains, linking legendary passes like Col de la Croix, Susten, Furka, and the cobbled switchbacks of the Tremola. Between summits, you’ll roll through wildflower meadows, along turquoise lakes, and into quiet alpine villages. Evenings bring hearty mountain cuisine and time to unwind. With expert support and local insight, this cycling vacation through Switzerland is a true high-mountain classic.

Trip Wows
  • Climb Switzerland’s hardest pass—Nufenen—and enter a world of high alpine beauty, glacial air, and raw mountain majesty

  • Experience the charm of Gruyère, with its medieval village and cheese-laden traditions, nestled between epic climbs

  • Spin up the legendary Tremola cobblestones of Gotthard Pass, a historic route that winds like a ribbon through the heart of the Alps

  • Fuel your ride with a classic Swiss fondue experience, featuring local Alpine cheeses like Gruyère and Emmental—rich, hearty, and well-earned after a day of climbing

  • Ride Switzerland’s iconic Big Three—Furka, Grimsel, and Susten—in one unforgettable loop straight out of a pro rider’s dream

Conquering the Swiss Alps one climb at a time.

The cobbled switchbacks of Gotthard Pass

Climb Gotthard Pass via the Tremola—4,000 feet (1,220 m) of gain over historic cobbles and 24 switchbacks. A ride of grit, history, and alpine beauty.


What Guests are Saying

Switzerland’s legendary climbs make this trip unforgettable. Riding up through endless green valleys and crisp alpine air is pure cycling bliss. Quiet roads, epic views, and iconic mountain passes—this is Swiss cycling at its finest.

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Elena R., Trek Travel Trip Designer

Riding through equally challenging and gorgeous mountains makes every pedal turn worth it. Trek's team makes sure you are hydrated, fueled and ready to go - all day, every day. When you're home, you'll miss both the incredible sights you've seen, as well as the service and camaraderie you received from your guides. Not to mention you'll be the only one in the office that got back from vacation in BETTER shape than when you left...Worth every penny.

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Jean, Trek Travel Guest

It was one of the greatest "bucket list" experiences of my life, and definitely well-worth the time, training and money. I met some wonderful new friends, and our guides were exceptional.

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Karen, Trek Travel Guest

I've rarely enjoyed suffering so much. Thank you so much for a wonderful experience.

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Duncan, Trek Travel Guest


Great Ride

Nufenen Pass

Climb into the wild beauty of the Alps on this 8,130-foot (2,478 m) ascent—the highest paved pass entirely in Switzerland. Glacial air, sweeping alpine terrain, and raw mountain grandeur make this a true high-mountain classic.


Dates & Pricing

Book early for the best price

  • Guaranteed

  • Join Waitlist

  • Private

  • Limited Availability


Itinerary
Activity Information

Hotels
Gstaad, Switzerland
Hotel Gstaaderhof
Explorer

Hotel Gstaaderhof blends contemporary alpine style with genuine family hospitality in the heart of chic Gstaad. This 66-room chalet-style retreat has been thoughtfully updated with Nordic-inspired design, a cozy wellness area, and two inviting dining venues—including the acclaimed Müli restaurant. After a day of unforgettable riding, unwind in sleek, serene rooms or swap stories in the wood-paneled lounge over a well-earned drink.

Andermatt, Switzerland
Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen
Explorer

Located in the alpine village of Andermatt, Radisson Blu Reussen is a sleek, modern retreat designed for riders and outdoor lovers alike. Enjoy spacious rooms with mountain views, a 25-meter indoor pool, and a full wellness spa. Guests unwind with locally inspired cuisine at the on-site restaurant or a drink at the cozy BärBar—all just steps from Switzerland’s most iconic terrain. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and adventure.


Bikes & Gear
Ride the Best Bikes in the Industry
New in 2023 Domane SL 7 Road
Trek Domane SL 7

Experiencing your cycling vacation of a lifetime is not complete without a world-class bike and the Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 is the best on the road. Its carbon frame with road-smoothing IsoSpeed, responsive disc brakes, and Shimano Di2 electronic shifting deliver incredible comfort without sacrificing performance. Standard carbon wheels make this bike lighter and faster than ever.

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Electric Road
Trek Electric-Assist Checkpoint+ SL6 AXS

New in 2026! Trek’s Checkpoint+ SL6 AXS is a lightweight e-assist bike built for miles of fun. The TQ HPR60 electric-assist motor adds a quiet boost up to 15 or 28 mph (region specific), making climbs and long days easier. Carbon wheels and frame keep it quick and responsive, while 38 mm tires and IsoSpeed tech smooth rough terrain. With SRAM’s 12-speed AXS wireless shifting and disc brakes, every move is in your control.
Upgrade to the Checkpoint+ SL 6 AXS for $399 (3-6 day trips) or $599 (7+ day trips). Available in limited quantities. See specific trip dates for available bike options.

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Two cyclist and one rider

Trek Travel Guides

The World’s Best

From the moment you meet our guides, you'll understand the difference. You'll feel the genuine care they take to make your vacation perfect. From their expert support to sharing their favorite hidden spots, they tailor every moment to you.

Certified Guides

Additional Gear
  • Choice of Trek Travel Santini cycling jersey or technical t-shirt to keep
  • Trek Travel water bottle to keep
  • Cinch sack day bag to keep
  • GPS device with pre-loaded routes providing turn by turn directions
  • Trek front and rear lights
  • A flat pack containing a tube, levers, and a CO2 cartridge with inflator
  • Choice of Shimano SPD-SL single sided road pedals, Shimano SPD dual sided mountain pedals, or flat pedals
  • Trek helmet
  • Trek saddle
  • For the most comfortable ride, we recommend you bring your own saddle. If you prefer, you can bring your own pedals and helmet on the trip and our guides will install your gear on the first day during your bike fit.
2026-CY-Mens-Full_Flatlay-Classic

Trip Inclusions

Additional Details

Know Before You Go!

We want you to be fully prepared for your cycling vacation of a lifetime. This involves making sure that you choose the appropriate trip for you and that every aspect of your experience is flawless. Each Trek Travel trip is unique to ensure maximum enjoyment every time.

Your Trip Need to Knows:

  • Montreux Jazz Festival: Each summer, this world-renowned event turns Montreux into a lively cultural hub. During our trip dates, select concerts and activities are held, offering a rare chance to soak up the festival atmosphere. We recommend reserving your pre-trip stay early, as accommodations fill quickly.
  • Cycling conditions: Cycling in Switzerland is a dream: pristine roads, dramatic alpine views, and charming villages. Climbs are long and steep, and weather can change quickly, so riders should be confident on sustained ascents and in shifting conditions. Iconic passes like Furka, Grimsel, and Gotthard attract summer traffic, especially near scenic viewpoints. Drivers are generally respectful, but cyclists must be comfortable sharing the road.
  • E-Bikes: E-bike speeds vary worldwide due to local regulations, which determine how fast you can ride with assistance. See the E-bike speed chart to see the maximum speeds allowed in each region.
  • Currency: The official currency is the Swiss franc (CHF). While euros are accepted in many shops, restaurants, and hotels, change is given in francs. International credit and debit cards are also widely accepted.
  • Dining: When it comes to Swiss dining, think hearty mountain fare, rich local cheeses, and warm hospitality. Just keep in mind that service in Switzerland can be efficient—but also relaxed and unhurried, especially in alpine towns. Embrace the slower pace, savor each bite of fondue or rösti, and soak in the local charm. After all, great meals are part of the magic of the mountains!
  • Air conditioning: Local laws prohibit the use of air conditioners above 3,280 feet (1,000 m) elevation. Both hotels on this trip are located at high altitude and do not provide air conditioning. During summer months temperatures cool down at night and fans are also available for your comfort. It’s worth noting that in general, AC is not commonly used in Switzerland, thanks to the country’s cool alpine climate and energy-conscious culture.

Before and After Your Trip

FAQs

Switzerland's climate is moderate with no excessive heat, cold or humidity. From July to August the daytime temperature range is 65-82º F (18-28º C) but weather in the Alps can change very quickly, from blue skies and sunshine to sudden thunderstorms. Depending on the altitude the temperature range may vary. Remember to pack a sweater, good walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a windbreaker. Rain is always a possibility, so be prepared with wet-weather gear in order to best enjoy your vacation.
View our Packing List

To reserve your space on a trip, you can either call us at 866-464-8735 to speak with an expert Trip Consultant or book online any time by clicking the “BOOK THIS TRIP” icon near the upper right of each destination’s overview page.* Once you have submitted your reservation online, a Trip Consultant will contact you within one business day to answer any questions you may have and to confirm space, bike, and room availability on your desired trip. Your booking will be finalized once your no-risk deposit is paid. If you make a reservation more than 90 days prior to the trip, a $750 no risk deposit is due at the time of booking.** If you reserve your trip less than 90 days prior to the departure, the full balance is due at the time of booking. Once your booking is complete you will receive an email confirmation with important information pertaining to your trip.

*Please note that select trips cannot be booked online at this time. For those trips, please call a trip consultant at 866-464-8735.

**Deposit amounts vary for all Race, Cross Country, Special Edition, Ride Camp, and Self-Guided tours. Please confirm deposit amounts for all trips with your Trip Consultant at time of booking.

When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation email is immediately sent out. One week prior to the trip start, you’ll receive an email containing your trip start meeting location reminder and any last-minute information that you’ll need to know. You will also receive instructions to download the Ride with GPS app before your trip to provide you the day to day plan and daily route guides.

With one person booked on a date, the trip becomes guaranteed.*

In the case where trips are at one or two guests, we will contact you prior to final payment to give you the following options:

Pay a small trip fee of $500 per person for two guests or $1000 for one guest, which ensures your preferred trip date will run. If there are three or more guests before departure date, the fee will be refunded in full.

or

Switch to a different trip or different departure date. Should there be any difference in trip price between your original trip and the new one, you will be expected to pay the difference, or we will refund you accordingly.

Offer only valid if Trek Travel contacts a guest to discuss these specific options. Trips with fewer than three guests may operate with only one guide. The guide will support all rides with a Trek Travel van. If you would like to discuss the option of having two guides, please speak with your trip consultant.

The small trip supplement for Ride Camps is as follows – for two guests an additional $250 or for one guest an additional $500.

*Cross Country, Race, and Special Edition trips as well as a small number of select departures have a minimum guest count to guarantee. Please check with your Trip Consultant for more information.

Unforeseen events may make it necessary to cancel or modify a trip. Our Guest Services team will update you with any changes. We reserve the right to cancel departures in cases of force majeure or the failure of third parties—such as hotels—to honor their reservations, in which case all payments received to date will be refunded, which constitutes full settlement. Trek Travel is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled trips, such as airline tickets, or for costs that are incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations, or illness. We strongly encourage Travel Protection for complete coverage.

We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your tour.

Read our Cancellation Policy

Our Trip Consultants are available to assist and can answer your questions. Please call us at 866-464-8735.

Trek Travel recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help safeguard you and your travel investment against the unexpected. We offer a travel protection plan through Arch RoamRight that provides coverage for unforeseen events that could affect your ability to travel with us.
Learn more about our Travel Protection

We've collaborated with a specialized travel agency committed to delivering tailored vacation planning, ensuring your entire Trek Travel journey is nothing short of unforgettable. Learn more about our Travel Services

Sharing the joy that comes with wow moments

Trek Travel guides are dedicated to making moments that last a lifetime, and we invite you to thank them with a trip gratuity. These are customary and at your own discretion, to recognize service, hospitality, and the little extras that surprise and delight. For this trip, we recommend between $240-$300 per guest and, of course, you may choose to give more if your guides made your trip an unforgettable experience.

Like everything else about your vacation, the Trek Travel team is here to make this experience easier for you. While local currency is preferred, you may also tip through the following options:

Via PayPal (please have this account set up in advance when possible) or with your guest services representative on the phone before or after the trip.

Gratuities will be divided among the guide team, so feel free to leave your gratuity with whomever you choose at the end of your trip.

You cannot put a price on a wow. But you can show your thanks for an exceptional experience.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to the most common questions that don't necessarily pertain to a specific trip. See FAQs

Want to learn more about our trips? Watch our recorded Guide-Led Virtual Events—just visit our Trek Travel Youtube Channel and search for your trip.


Guaranteed Trips

Our trips are guaranteed to run once we have one confirmed booking on the trip. Click here to view our full guarantee policy.

Trek Travel reserves the right to cancel trips with zero guests, therefore you must book with Trek Travel before making travel arrangements for the trip. We are not responsible for travel arrangements made prior to confirming your Trek Travel Trip. Select trips are not guaranteed.

Sold Out/Waitlist

This trip is currently sold out, but you may be added to the waitlist in the case of availability.

Limited Availability

If a date is marked with Limited Availability, there are few spots left to book. We will secure additional rooms from our hotels before confirming your reservation.

Looking to travel with a small group? Ask our trip consultants about private trips and learn more.

Private

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

Hotel Differences

Trek Travel offers three hotel levels to match your style. Luxury hotels provide elegant, thoughtful touches with exceptional hospitality. Explorer hotels blend modern amenities with local charm in unique settings. Comfort hotels are casual and conveniently located near Trek Travel activities.

Activity Levels

Level 1:

Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Level 2:

Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Level 3:

Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Level 4:

Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic Bike:

Explore beautiful destinations with a curated blend of guided activities, local cuisine, handpicked accommodations, and itineraries to suit every traveler, from laid-back adventures to luxurious escapes.

Gravel:

Venture off the beaten path to unforgettable places, with fully-supported routes that combine gravel and paved roads in classic Trek Travel style.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Hiking & Walking:

Step into adventure with carefully designed routes, unparalleled hospitality, and deep-routed local connections.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Self-Guided:

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself