Heida Loop
Overview
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Distance 19 km
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Ascent 880 m
Intro
The Heida Bike Loop is a spectacular all-mountain tour with quite a bit of exposure and exciting trail sections. Other highlights include the view of the Augstbord region and the Bernese Alps, the highest vineyard north of the Alps and typical Valais barns.
Description
The gondola ride to Staldenried overlooks the Visp Valley. Staldenried is one of the villages with the least precipitation in Switzerland and the treeline is the highest in the Alps. Together with Gspon it is also known as the «Sunshine Capital of the Visp Valley». The loop tour begins in the village centre with a climb of over 500 altitude meters along the road. Below the gondola, which continues to Gspon, the route takes several turns before it enters the forest. The latter is dense at first, then lighter and finally the buildings of Riedji appear across a meadow, with the trail still climbing gently. The hamlet is a good reason to stop. The open views westward of the Augstbord region and northward of the Bernese Alps with the stunning Bietschhorn are incredible.
After the stop the trail returns to the forest, first leading down to the Breiterbach River. Then the bike must be pushed up a steep path for about 80 altitude meters, but it’s worth the trouble. The following section to Unnerbrunnu (not suitable for heavy e-bikes) is very pleasant. It then descends on a paved road to Visperterminen. The village is known for the Heida white wine growing here in Europe’s highest contiguous vineyard. Terraced and with high dry stone walls, the vineyard climbs 500 altitude meters within a minimum of space. Impressive buildings are found in the heart of the village: rows of houses with marvellous barns, the church and the museum, which displays a typical Valais apartment from 1701 in its original layout.
After a short downhill the route continues over flat, open terrain to Chrachilbode where it gets a little dicey: The trail enters a very exposed area where those with less experience should push their bike. Back at Breiterbach River, the bike must be carried uphill to a narrow trail with another very exposed section. These exposed segments are marked with signposts. Back in Staldenried there is a choice to return with the gondola or take an easy trail to Neubrück.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Type |
All Mountain
|
|---|---|
| Start location |
Staldenried
|
| Destination |
Staldenried
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| Direction |
Round trip
|
| Ascent |
880 m
|
| Descent |
880 m
|
| Distance |
19 km
|
| Distance on tarred ways |
11 km
|
| Distance on natural surface |
3 km
|
| Singletrail (part of natural surface) |
5 km
|
| Technical requirements |
Difficult
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
| Signalization |
Signalisation in one direction
|
| More information | https://schweizmobil.ch/en/mountainbiking-in-switz... |
Quick Facts
Route number
