Mountainbike : Self-guided Glacier Bike Tour 09 days

09 days-08 nights

Self-Guided Tour

Level: Medium

Bike: Electric Bike

Book now

Print PDF

Two cyclists riding on a winding mountain road at sunset, overlooking a lush green valley with mountains in the background.

A cyclist riding a bike on a narrow mountain road with a stone bridge over a rocky river below, surrounded by steep cliffs.

The essentials at a glance

This Self-guided mountain bike tour leads from St. Moritz to Zermatt through spectacular Swiss Alpine landscapes. The route crosses three mountain passes - Albula, Oberalp, and Furka - passing through the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway area, the Rhine Gorge, and ending at the iconic Matterhorn. Daily distances average 37 km with medium difficulty. Includes daily luggage transfers, digital navigation app, and SwitzerlandMobility-Plus subscription.

One of the most impressive Bike Rides in the Alps

As you travel along the route of the Glacier Express, the world’s slowest express train, you’ll be struck by the ever-changing beauty of the landscape, the impressive sights and rich culture along the way. When you are familiar with the Swiss-German dialects spoken in Graubünden and Valais, you will also recognize the contrast encountering Rumantsch, Switzerland's fourth official language besides German, French, and Italian.

All those details you would miss when travelling a faster way. The Glacier Bike Tour follows the route of the Glacier Express, taking you into the midst of the land and the people of the three cantons it crosses. Experience the whole variety of Switzerland on this multi-day bike tour from St. Moritz to Zermatt.

Itinerary

Contemplete St. Moritz
The lovely lake landscapes in the Engadine valley are a magnificent opener to this tour. The first stage takes you through Albula, where you can observe otherwise shy Alpine animals, such as marmots, in their natural habitats. With the most wonderful views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rhaetian Railway and an exciting destination at the end … the Glacier Bike Tour definitely starts with a bang!
approx. 36 km (Singletrails: 0 km)
600 m
1'020 m
The Bike Kingdom – the largest uninterrupted biking area in Grisons – is on the agenda for the second stage of the Glacier Bike Tour. Before you even get here, though, there’s no doubt you’ll have already checked a range of records, landmarks and experiences off your list.
approx. 37.5 km (Singletrails: 3.5 km)
810 m
710 m
From almost 2,000 metres above sea level down into Graubünden’s sun-kissed orchard and through the tiny town of Fürstenau, you eventually arrive in Thusis – one of Medieval Europe’s most significant transit towns. It’s here where you’ll spend the night.
approx. 32.5 km (Singletrails: 1.5 km)
500 m
1'270 m
Up to the highest heights, from the convergence of the Albula and Vorderrhein rivers and on to where the the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein rivers also converge. This stage leads along an isolated path over the Heinzenberg ridge west of Thusis, through wide meadows, pastures and forests and on to the (highly recommended) mountain inn.
approx. 33 km (Singletrails: 1 km)
1'070 m
1'120 m
This stage of the tour leads into one of the most impressive landscapes in the Alps. From the spectacular Rhine Gorge, through old villages and Walser Alpine landscapes to Ilanz, the first town on the Rhine.
approx. 37 km (Singletrails: 1.5 km)
1'120 m
1'090 m
The Glacier Bike Tour leads through the Surselva today, from the Rhine town of Ilanz to the monastery village of Disentis. The route climbs gently but steadily along the river, but you won’t find it boring or monotonous at all – the route is just as varied as the countryside and culture you’ll experience along the way.
approx. 31.5 km (Singletrails: 0 km)
490 m
50 m
The origin of the Rhine, a change of canton and a rollercoaster of altitudes await you on the Oberalp Pass. This stage leads into the wild landscape of the second pass on the Glacier Bike Tour, into the next canton. Uri and Andermatt await you on the other side.
approx. 33 km (Singletrails: 2.5 km)
1'100 m
800 m
Enjoy Andermatt highlights
970 m
1'050 m
After a unforgetable trip, it is time to go back or extension

Map of Switzerland showing the Glacier Bike Tour route from Zermatt to St. Moritz in red, with major city labels and lakes. There is a graphic design of a train, mountains, and a sun on the right, with the text "Glacier Bike Tour" and a mountain and road motif.

Tour character

This multi-day tour is perfect for e-mountain biking. As the routes involve a great deal of altitude change, this can be made more enjoyable with electric assistance. The tours themselves lead along natural paths, asphalt and easy trails. Technically, this tour is no problem for experienced bikers.

Two people wearing helmets and sunglasses outdoors with mountains and a snowy peak in the background.

A scenic landscape featuring an old stone castle with red roofs in a grassy field, surrounded by autumn-colored trees, with a mountain range topped with snow in the background and a blue sky with white clouds.

A promotional banner for Glacier Bike Tour featuring mountain scenery, cyclists, and logos of Switzerland and the European Union.

Pricing options for St. Moritz and Zermatt with optional extra nights. St. Moritz: double room for $210, single supplement for $127. Zermatt: double room for $240, single supplement for $130.

Payment option: You can pay it in 2 installments - We can invoice you monthly. The total amount costs MUST be paid 60 days prior to departure.

Category: Middle-class hotels,

4* hotels in Lenzerheide, Bonaduz & Zermatt (mostly certified bike hotels)

Prices per person in Double Room - currency: CHF & USD

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a small sitting area, a mounted TV, and a balcony with a view of houses and mountains.

Services & Information

Included:
- Accommodation as mentioned incl. breakfast
- Guide/Leader tour
- Daily luggage transfers (1 piece of luggage per person, max. 20 kg)
- Costs for luggage pick-up at the station (direct arrival and departure only)
- Subsidy for arrival by train
- Carefully elaborated route description
- Digital travel documents incl. navigation app
- SwitzerlandMobility-Plus subscription for one year
- Service hotline
Note:
- Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
Arrival/Departure:
- Arrival in St. Moritz using public transport.
- Departure from Zermatt using public transport.
Arrival by train
For every bike, biking or hiking tour in Switzerland, you will receive an SBB coupon per participant, which you can use to deduct CHF 10.- from the ticket price for traveling by train. The reduction can be obtained in the SBB online store or in the SBB app.
On many trips, we use the luggage counters at the stations at the beginning and at the end to hand over the suitcases. You can conveniently combine this right away when you arrive by train. If you are a GA owner, you can provide this information when booking. We will credit you the amount on the invoice. If you don't need the coupon for the trip itself, you can use it during the year. Unfortunately, a retroactive refund is not possible for administrative reasons.
Travel documents "digital"
We reduce the amount of printed documents. You will receive instructions to help you find your way around using the Eurotrek Travel Guide App. We provide you with further information online.
In advance you will receive a small package of documents with the following contents:
- Your travel program
- Luggage tags
- Description of how to use the app
- Any vouchers
The Glacier Bike Tour / Eurotrek Travel Guide App will help you find your way around. In addition to your digital map, you will find further information about your booked trip. The app is also available offline, simply download the trip in advance.