Nufenentrail

15.22 km long
Difficulty: difficult
Condition: easy
Great panorama
Mountain bike tour
  • 1:05 h
  • 15.22 km
  • 35 m
  • 1,147 m
  • 1,347 m
  • 2,494 m
  • 1,147 m
  • Start: Nufenenpass (2,478 m / 8,136 ft)
  • Destination: Ulrichen (1,347 m / 4,419 ft)

Starting from the second highest Alpine pass in Switzerland – the Nufenen – this descent impresses with its varied character. Sometimes technically demanding over rocky terrain, then again flowy over alpine meadows, the trail winds its way through breathtaking scenery into Obergoms with the final stop in Oberwald.

At the start on the Nufenenpass, there is a magnificent view of the snow-covered peaks of the Bernese and Valais Alps. You can already get a first glimpse of the upcoming descent: from above some sections of the trail are clearly visible. At first, the trail makes a detour across the cantonal border into Ticino before continuing on Valais soil. The uppermost section leads through a high alpine landscape: over rocky terrain, past dry stone walls and other relics of Roman times. A look into the distance is worthwhile. Apart from the beautiful view over the whole valley, in good visibility the peaks of the Finsteraarhorn as well as Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau can be seen in the background. There follow flowy sections over soft alpine meadows and forest ground. They are interrupted by short, more technically demanding sections. The crossings of the Nufenen pass road offer ideal rest pauses.

Goms Tourismus
Goms Tourismus

Good to know

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

The trail runs along the mountain stream Ägene and the pass road out of the valley. The fauna and flora change during the descent: At the top of the pass it is often windy and fresh even in high summer; the landscape is rocky and barren. As you go down, it gets warmer and the landscape more colorful, the ground softer and the trail flowier. Upon reaching the valley, follow the Rhone route between Ulrichen and Oberwald. This stage is especially suitable for experienced mountain bikers, as the focus is on enjoying the descent.

Tour information

  • Cultural Interesting

Equipment

Well-sprung mountain bike with perfect brakes. Cycling gloves, helmet and knee pads at your own discretion. Backpack with repair materials and mobile phone for emergencies.

Preparation for the mountain bike route

Directions & Parking facilities

By train (Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn) from Brig in 1 hour 15 minutes to Ulrichen train station.

There is a parking lot in Ulrichen.

By PostBus from Ulrichen.

Runs from late June to mid October (Ulrichen, train station -> Nufenen pass height).

Bike reservation 0848 100 222 mandatory by 4 p.m. the day before.

Additional information

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

After the descent, it is worth stopping at one of the restaurants in Ulrichen.

Safety guidelines

The mountains, a place of joy to share and respect. The mountain world is a place to meet and experience unforgettable moments together – whether by bike or on foot. To ensure that all users can benefit from it, it is essential to share this space with respect for nature and agriculture. Respectful behavior allows everyone to enjoy their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules.

Being properly on the way

Assess your own skills and fitness well. Riding the various routes is fundamentally at your own risk.

Map

Swiss National Map 1:25 000, sheet 1250 Ulrichen, ISBN: 978-3-302-01250-6

Nearby

Location and Contact

Nufenentrail
3988 Obergesteln