Swiss Alps

About the Route

The village of Andermatt is located in the heart of the Swiss Alps. It's the starting point for a bucket list loop that will take you up 3 legendary mountain passes.

Starting with the Furka: the ascent begins a few kilometres from Andermatt and takes you up to 2,429 metres in grandiose Alpine scenery. Fun fact: they were the setting for a famous car chase in the James Bond film Goldfinger.

Shortly after the summit, don't forget to stop and admire the view. You'll see the Furka road winding below and, in the distance, the switchbacks of the Grimsel Pass. One of the most iconic views in the Alps.

The descent takes you into the canton of Valais, to the foot of the second ascent: the Nufenen. Another giant of the Alps, at 2478 metres. The reward: you enter the Italian-speaking region of Ticino, the land of pizza and good coffee.

A combo to savour in Airolo: it's the foot of the last climb of the day, the Gotthard. It's perhaps the most beautiful, with its iconic switchbacks near the summit. They're even... cobbled!

Once at the summit, take a break at a food stand before letting yourself down back to Andermatt. You've come full circle.

Click here for more information on Switchback, Alain's website