Literary cycle tour

Where is Leukerbad? You can easily find it on any map – and then forget it again straight away.Or you could take your time and discover it for yourself: by cycling there, you can become part of the landscape. You can connect the supple physicality of your body with the stony cold of the Gemmi, with the power of the surrounding peaks. You can gather in the views along the way, hear your heart beating in your old ribs, find an extraordinary way of perceiving the world and leave the valley with all its musings far below you.If these lines seem rather cryptic to you, you’re already right at the heart of the matter: in its September 2025 issue, Reportagen magazine explored the question of what happens to the human psyche when taken on intense cycling trips. Lukas Bärfuss and Urs Mannhart set off on their bikes to find out. To mark the festival’s anniversary year, Urs Mannhart – who is involved in both ultra-cycling and nature writing – will now be offering a cycle tour from Sierre to Leukerbad, featuring literary interludes.Please note: this is a challenging ride. The tour is aimed at anyone who feels confident tackling a 1,250-metre climb by bike (no e-bikes, please).Route: Sierre/Siders – Leuk – Albinen – LeukerbadMeeting point: 9.30 am, Sierre railway stationRequirements: 27 km, 1,250 metres of elevation gain, mostly on narrow, partly steeply ascending, tarmac side roads. A GPX file of the route will be provided.Pure cycling time approx. 3½ to 4½ hoursArrival in Leukerbad approx. 4 pmA packed lunch (incl. 500 ml drink) and luggage transport from Sierre to Leukerbad are included. The packed lunch will be handed out at the starting point. Literary stops along the way. Coffee break in Albinen.Cost: CHF 70Finisher’s prize: Anyone who completes the tour provides impressive proof of eternal youth and receives a 3-day pass at the U30 rate of CHF 90 (redeemable at the festival office).Places are limited. Tickets are available online in advance only. The cycle tour will take place in (almost) all weather conditions.Required equipment:a lightweight, sporty bike with a gear ratio suitable for hills, ideally a road bike or a lightweight MTB (no e-bikes)two brakes in perfect working ordercycling helmetrain jacketlong-sleeved shirtpossibly a windbreakerWater bottles; ideally 2 x 500ml or moreSnacks for sudden hunger pangs that can’t waitPuncture repair kit: tyre lever, small pump, spare inner tube/tubeless kitSunscreen, lip balmSmall rucksack or lightweight bike bag to carry a packed lunch, spare clothes and repair kit, etc.Return journey together: Joint return journey on Sunday, 28 June 2026 after the final reading, approx. 3.30 pm to Leuk. Binding registration for the return journey is required when purchasing tickets to ensure luggage transport can be arranged.Individual return journey: If you need to transport your bike on the bus or train from Leukerbad, you are responsible for a