Valais Alpine Bike

The stage begins with the cable-car journey to Lauchernalp. Those who want to warm up their legs can pedal uphill using their own muscle power. Either way: arriving at the top, make sure you take in the views of the towering Bietschhorn before the day's thrilling part begins. The Bietschhorn Bike Trail is a flowing, relatively flat high-altitude route past several of the Lötschental's lovely Alpine hamlets. Even before Faldumalp, the beautiful "Maria zum Schnee" wooden chapel catches the eye, proudly standing in front of the Bietschhorn and above the Lötschental. From here, the view extends across the entire valley, from the reservoir all the way to the Lötschenlücke. A photo stop is well worth it before the route gets more strenuous again.

Next comes a climb over the tour's highest point at 2,250 metres to Oberi Meiggu. Here, the trail gets steep and a bit more technical before dipping into the forest. At Underi Meiggu, the terrain levels off again. Following a section across open meadows, you ride at level height towards Rüezilöiwinu, smoothly up and down through the forest and some meadows above Jeizinen. Continue on your way to Engersch, past Erschmatt with its rye museum, and through Feschel with its protected village centre.

The descent starts at Guttet. Easy to spot on the way: the massive, round parabolic mirrors of the Brentjong satellite radio station and the tour's next stop. The town hall and the castle with its glass dome designed by Mario Botta are impressive. Along the sunny slopes of the Rhone Valley, you pass through the two vine-growing villages of Varen and Salgesch. The tour ends in sunny Siders, surrounded by vineyards.