#01
Susten–Grimsel–Furka "High Triple"
Andermatt or Meiringen
Loop from Andermatt
One of the purest Swiss high-alpine classics: glacier views, granite, long ramps, a thoroughly alpine feel. Compact, yet big.
approx. 120 km3,570 m upfrom mid-June
Key Facts
Tours
18
Distance
75–267 km
Climbing
up to 6,800 m
Region
Swiss Alps
Season
May – October
Status
2 / 18 done
Signature18
Own photo
#02
Furka–Nufenen–Gotthard "Starter Triple"
Andermatt
Loop from Andermatt
Probably the most iconic compact loop: the Furka with the Belvédère bend, the Nufenen as the highest road pass entirely within Switzerland, then the Gotthard with the cobbled Tremola.
approx. 106 km3,100 m upfrom early June
Photo: Adrian Michael, CC BY-SA 3.0
#03
Oberalp–Lukmanier–Gotthard "Long Triple"
Andermatt
Loop from Andermatt
Longer and more rhythmic, crossing from Graubünden into Ticino. Less drama per kilometre, but a beautiful endurance signature.
approx. 155 km3,340 m upfrom late May
Photo: Roy Egloff, CC BY-SA 4.0
#04
Susten–Grimsel–Nufenen–Gotthard "Alpine Quad"
Andermatt
Loop from Andermatt
The big hammer in central-Alps format: four true high passes, beautifully round, very hard.
approx. 163 km4,990 m upmid-June – September
#05
Oberalp–Lukmanier–Nufenen–Furka (Alpenbrevet Gold)
Andermatt
Loop from Andermatt
Epic long distance with clear logic: out over Oberalp and Lukmanier, up the Nufenen, back over the Furka. Less sawtooth, but a very long day.
approx. 208–215 km4,800–5,000 m upmid-June – September
#06
Alpenbrevet Platinum: Susten–Grimsel–Nufenen–Lukmanier–Oberalp
Andermatt
Loop from Andermatt
The ultra signature: five passes, one enormous day. Only sensible with stable form, stable weather and good support.
approx. 267 km6,800 m uplate June – September
Photo: Daniel Schwen, CC BY-SA 4.0
#07
Albula–Flüela Classic
Davos
Loop from Davos
A Graubünden classic with Tour de Suisse character: the Albula scenically magnificent, the Flüela rougher and more high-alpine.
approx. 112 km2,590 m upfrom late May
Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0
#08
Albula–Julier (Alpen-Challenge short)
Lenzerheide or Tiefencastel
Loop from Tiefencastel
A beautifully rounded road-bike signature: Albula valley, Albula pass, a touch of Engadin, back over the Julier. Sporting, yet well controllable.
approx. 115–122 km2,750–2,900 m upfrom late May
Photo: Luca Gerber, CC BY-SA 4.0
#09
Albula–Maloja–Splügen (Alpen-Challenge long)
Lenzerheide
Loop from Lenzerheide
One of the strongest near-border loops: Albula, Engadin, Maloja, Bergell, a short Italian section, then Splügen and the Viamala.
approx. 189 km4,400 m upmid-June – September
Scheideggwetterhorn 3361 m,
Wetterhorn 3692 m behind to the left
#10
Grosse Scheidegg–Lake Brienz
Interlaken or Meiringen
Loop from Meiringen
No monster climbing totals, but maximum scenery per kilometre: Wetterhorn, close to Eiger and Jungfrau, a narrow road with little traffic. Perfect as an early-season test.
approx. 80 km1,500–1,600 m upmid-May – October
Photo: böhringer friedrich, CC BY-SA 2.5
#11
Klausen–Pragel–Ibergeregg
Schwyz, Flüelen or Altdorf
Loop from Schwyz
Wilder and more rustic: the Pragel steep and raw, the Klausen big and classic, the Ibergeregg a stubborn finale. On weekends the Pragel road is closed to motor vehicles.
approx. 140–144 km3,350–3,580 m uplate May – October
Photo: Harriet Graham, CC BY 2.0
#12
Pragel–Sattelegg–Ibergeregg
Schwyz
Loop from Schwyz
A pre-alpine signature: not as high, but full of character — steep, green, edgy. A good option while the highest passes are still closed.
approx. 118 km2,350 m uplate May – October
#13
Col de la Croix–Pillon–Mosses
Aigle or Les Diablerets
Loop from Aigle
A western-Switzerland signature with its own character: less dramatic than Furka or Nufenen, but beautiful, rhythmic, French-Swiss.
approx. 98–114 km2,360–2,530 m upMay – October
Photo: Christian David, CC BY-SA 4.0
#14
Martigny–Forclaz–Émosson
Martigny
Loop from Martigny
Short, steep, very distinctive: the Forclaz, narrow side roads, the Émosson dam wall, Mont Blanc atmosphere. More climbing day than loop.
approx. 75 km2,800 m uplate May – mid-October
#15
Great St Bernard + Champex
Martigny or Orsières
Loop from Martigny
Historically immensely strong: the hospice, a border pass, the long Valais ascent. Adding Champex gives the tour a proper loop character.
approx. 105–125 km3,000–3,600 m uplate June – September
Photo: Friedrich Böhringer, CC BY-SA 3.0 AT
#16
Ofen–Forcola–Bernina–St. Moritz
Zernez or St. Moritz
Loop from Zernez
Not maximally hard, but very much its own thing: the Engadin high plateau, national-park feel, the Livigno border character, Bernina panorama.
approx. 108–124 km1,500–2,100 m upJune – October
Photo: Wladyslaw, CC BY-SA 3.0
#17
Ofen–Umbrail–Stelvio–Val Müstair
Sta. Maria or Zernez
Loop from Zernez
A route of superlatives: the Umbrail is Switzerland’s highest paved pass road, the Stelvio the grand iconic stage of hairpins.
approx. 90–137 km2,100–3,900 m upmid-June – September
#18
San Bernardino–Splügen Double
Splügen or Thusis
Loop from Thusis
Less crowded than Furka or Gotthard, historically and scenically strong: the Rheinwald, the old San Bernardino, Splügen, Italian influence. More long-distance ride or two-day signature.
approx. 220 km3,870 m upJune – October
If this resonates, get in touch.