Transalp Swiss – From Appenzell to Lake Maggiore 5 stages – 290 km – 6150 m elevation gain – Level 2-3
- Great panorama Best scenic trails through the fantastic Swiss mountains
- Via Mala We experience the legendary Rhine gorge on our bikes
- Lago Maggiore Arrival at sophisticated city Locarno on Lake Maggiore
Itinerary
First day – Arriving at Appenzell/Switzerland
You'll receive all travel documents about 14 days before departure. They contain the exact hotel address and further information. Please arrive by about 6:00 p.m. You'll meet your group and the guide. After discussing the tour, the group will go to dinner together.
Second day – From Appenzell to Wildhaus – 42 km, 1500 m elevation gain
We'll wake up in the most beautiful Heidi country. The spectacular flanks of the white Santis massif want to be conquered by us. But we'll reach Schwägalp faster than expected. Riding through lush alpine meadows, with the imposing cliffs of Santis in view, we'll ride down- and then uphill on our way to Wildhaus. By now we know why Swiss cheese tastes so good.
Third day – From Wildhaus to Chur – 79 km, 1250 m elevation gain
There's no more beautiful way to start the day: wide sweeping views over the Rhine Valley. We'll swiftly whiz down into the sleepy, once fashionable spa town of Bad Ragaz. After the lunch break, the Kunkelspass will challenge us. Graubünden lies below us with one of the oldest cities in Switzerland: Chur.
Fourth day – From Chur to Thusis – 40 km, 1450 m elevation gain
In the morning we go uphill on a nice gravel road. The ascent to the quaint mountain pasture of Alp Fops on the legendary Panorama trail is a delight. The descent to Thusis on the "old Schin" path is one of the best mountain bike downhills in the Alps. We'll spend the night in Thusis.
Fifth day – From Thusis to San Bernardino – 57 km, 1650 m elevation gain
We'll start the day with the storied path through the "Via Mala" gorge. Steadily, the trail climbs to the valley of the Hinterrhein river. We'll roll past ancient houses. The San Bernardino Pass has always been an important trade route, but our route turns its back on the traffic. In the afternoon, we will reach the 2066 meter high pass plain. Ticino lies ahead. We'll stay the night in San Bernardino.
Sixth day – From San Bernardino to Locarno – 72 km, 300 m elevation gain
We'll reach the sunny side of the Alps, greetings from Italy. The descent on small, initially tricky paths seems to have no end. We'll take a break in a traditional "grotta" (cave), then we'll quickly head for Lake Maggiore. We'll stay in Locarno, right on the lake, where we'll celebrate with a farewell dinner.
Seventh day – Departure
After breakfast, the bikes are loaded onto the bus. Return trip by bus back to Appenzell. Upon arrival, everyone travels home individually.
My tip for Transalp Swiss
„Everybody always wants to head for Lake Garda – I certainly don't share that feeling. The Transalp Swiss tour goes through Alpine landscapes that, fortunately, not everybody is familiar with. The starting point in the Appenzell region is simply sensational. And everybody ends up loving the trails at Lenzerheide. On the historic 'old Schin' path, we'll descend all the way down to the 'Via Mala'. It's impressive the way the Rhine has dug its way out of the Alps. And our arrival in the exclusive resort of Locarno on Lake Maggiore is impressive as well.“
Travel information
Level 2-3:
Physical fitness
Riding technique
Arrival: Arrival by car or by train Appenzell/Switzerlnd.
Type of route: Forest and gravel paths, paved secondary roads, trails.
Daily distance: 300-1650 m elevation gain, 40-79 kilometers
Total distance: 6150 m elevation gain, 290 kilometers
Included in the price: Guided tour with 6 overnight stays and half board (breakfast buffet, multi-course dinner menus) in good 3- or 4-star hotels in a double room, sometimes with wellness areas. Luggage transport, return transfer in a comfortable bus.
Minimum number of participants: 8 people
Single Room Supplement:
optional € 190
Detailed Itinerary
Travel dates 2024
Your guides
Adrian Schröder Tour guide
Jochen Meyer Tour guide
Oliver Gross Tour guide
