Valais Alpine Bike

The day starts at a leisurely pace in Leukerbad: the Torrent cable car takes you up to the Rinderhütte at an altitude of over 2,300 metres. The riding fun begins right at the mountain station: a flowing single trail affording panoramic views of the Rhone Valley hugs the south side of the Torrenthorn. It is smooth to ride and never too steep. The traverse through the hamlets of Oberu and Bachalp is interspersed with a few ascents. The last and slightly steeper climb also runs on a gravel road up to Niwenalp, where the next trail to Feselalp starts.

While on the trails, make sure you take the time to enjoy the magnificent backdrop. Most of the Valais's 4000-metre peaks soar high above the opposite side of the valley – from Mont Blanc to Weissmies. Another place to relish the tour is at the restaurant Trächu Hittu, renovated in 2021, at Untere Feselalp – perfect for a refuelling break with a delicious Valais Platter or cheese speciality.

The route continues on another picture-perfect single trail: the descent into the Rhone Valley leads via z'Opmisch Hubel along the forest edge to Brentschen. At Erschmatt, you can learn more about the history and making of Valais "Roggubrot" (rye bread). After the village, a rocky but fun descent down to Niedergampel begins. Following an optional stop at the pump track in Steg, continue along the Rhone on relatively flat terrain. Your destination is the Rilke village of Raron, where the famous poet Rainer Maria Rilke found his last resting place below the castle church.