Fuorn Pass, Umbrail, Stelvio, Reschenpass
It’s finally that time of the year when it’s warm enough to go and ride those stunning mountain passes. One of those beautiful adventures you can undertake starts and ends either in the town of “Susch” or “Zernez” I, for that matter chose Zernez but it absolutely doesn’t matter as this is a loop.
This rout will take you through three different countries, and climb four mesmerizing passes.
Fuorn Pass
After having set off from either “Susch” or “Zernez” you start climbing the Fuorn Pass, which in German is called “Ofenpass” and “Fuorcla dal Fuorn” in Romansh, the local language, spoken by approximately 60’000 people in the Engadin area. The main road takes you through what is most likely the most remote part of Switzerland and also a large portion of the Swiss National Park. The pass peaks at 2149 meters above sea level and from the top the view down the valley is a rural sight.
Umbrail Pass
Having descended “Fuorcla dal Fuorn” and ridden through “Val Müstair” the quiet and twisty Umbrail pass awaits you, which is actually the highest paved mountain pass on Swiss ground, towering 2503 meters above sea level. Even on week-ends this road is not overcrowded and if there is traffic it’s hard for motor bikes or cars to drive fast as the road is narrow and overtaking is near impossible. Therefore Umbrail is one of the hidden gems in Switzerland leading through old forests all the way up to rock faces with alpine views.
Stelvio Pass
Although the second pass is now behind you, you’re not done climbing yet, as those legs will have to push you to the top of the absolutely iconic Stelvio pass. Once over the top and the weather allows for it you get greeted with this unique view. Standing up there and at this insane spaghetti road with 46 hairpin bends is definitely a sight to behold. But on a completely different note: always make sure to check the weather very carefully before you ascend and descend Stelvio pass, as you might have to bring a few layers of extra clothing. After all, you’re 2759 meter above sea level.
Reschensee & Reschenpass
Descending Stelvio Pass feels neverending – in the best way possible. Carving those hairpin bends must be one of the most rewarding feelings one can possibly get on a road bike.
Once in “Prad am Stilfser Joch” you’ll start riding across the “Vinschau” area passing the historic town of Glurns, which would is perfect for a coffee break. Exiting this picturesque town you start ascending the last pass of the day – Reschenpass – crossing from Italy into Austria while doing so. You’ll come across a perfect bike path that takes you along “Haidersee” and “Reschensee” and if you watch the other side of Reschensee closely, you might spot a church tower peaking out of the reservoir that Reschensee is.
The road down Reschenpass is yet another one that’s just perfect. The surface quality is good, there is only little traffice and there is good visibility even around the hairpins – and then agian … there are the views. At the bottom of this road the route will take you back onto swiss soild, entering Switzerland through its most easterly town of Martina.
Unterengadin
Once in Martina the last stretch of the route has begun, which is going to take you through “Scoul” back to “Susch” or “Zernez”. Except for a short leg through Scoul you’ll follow the main road, which features perfect surface quality yet you won’t get that dreamy feeling you experienced riding a long Haidersee and Reschensee. Nonetheless, as this is a remote area of Switzerland even the main road is rather quiet and therefore perfectly suitable for riding on a road bike.
Stats / Difficulty
Distance: 166km
Elevation gain: ~4’000m
Duration: 7 – 10h
Endurance level: Experienced or Expert
Map
GPX Download
Download GPX – Of Marmots and PassesYou can import the .gpx file into any one of your prefered apps such as Strava, Komoot, Garmin Connect, … and change the route from there if you’d for example like to start from another location.