Cyclists.com

Simplon Pass from Brig

Brig, SwitzerlandRoad

Routed from the map This classic road was traced on OpenStreetMap and measured against the terrain model; no member has recorded it yet. Ridden it? Add your recording and photos.

20 km
Distance
1,395 m
Elevation gain
Moderate
Difficulty
Paved
Surface
Download GPXMap

Elevation profile

Total ascent
1,395 m
Distance
20 km
Elevation (m)05001,0001,5002,0002,5000 km5 km10 km15 km20 kmHighest point2,049 m at 18.3 kmStart0 kmFinish20 km

Route overview

Suitable for cyclists prepared for a steep, sustained climb over 19.6 km with 1395 m elevation gain.

19.6 km climb from Brig to Simplon Pass in Switzerland with 1395 m gain on mostly paved roads.

The route starts in Brig and immediately begins climbing, covering 18.2 km and gaining 1362 m to reach an elevation of 2049 m at the top. The average gradient is 7.5% with a maximum of 20.2%. The first half of the climb accounts for 42% of the elevation gain, with a total of 90% climbing, 6% descending and 4% flat. The road surface is predominantly paved (96%) with 4% gravel or unpaved, and 1% unmapped. The 19.6 km route runs on a mix of road types: 10.9 km on main roads (all without a cycle lane), 4.7 km on minor roads, 2.9 km on quiet streets, and 0.7 km on paths. The longest named roads are the 9S (10.9 km) and Simplonstrasse (3.9 km). There is a 5.1 km stretch without cafés, shops, or water between 14.1 and 19.2 km. Starting in Brig, there are several refreshment and resupply options including cafés, fast food, and a bike shop. A bailout station is at Brig Bahnhofplatz. Along the climb are places such as Naters, Ried-Brig, Schallberg, Rosswald, Berisal, Rothwald, and Kulm at the finish. Water points are available at 2.5, 5.8, 10.7, and near the finish at 19.5 km. Toilets are located near the start and at 19.1 km. Notable stops include the café Kaffee Klatsch near the start, and restaurants Schutzhaus at 14.1 km and Simplonblick at the finish. A viewpoint is near Kreuz at 2 km and the Ganterbrücke attraction near 9.4 km.

Highlights

  • Climb of 18.2 km with 1362 m gain
  • Maximum gradient 20.2%
  • Views at Kreuz viewpoint (2 km)
  • Restaurants at 14.1 km and finish

Along the route

Measured from the recorded track and OpenStreetMap.

Places passed

  1. Ried-Brig 2.5 km
  2. Schallberg 7.2 km
  3. Rosswald 8.8 km
  4. Berisal 10.8 km
  5. Rothwald 14.1 km

Climbs

ClimbStarts atLengthGainAverageMaxTop
Brig climb0 km18.2 km1362 m7.5 %20.2 %2049 m

High point 2049 m at 18.2 km; low point 686 m.

Brig climb · starts at 0 km

18.2 km at 7.5% · 1362 m
800100012001400160018002000ELEVATION (M)8.2%9.8%10%7.3%7.6%6.9%4.8%6.5%7.4%6.3%7.9%5.6%8.1%6.6%4.9%9.4%0 km123456789101112131415161718.4 kmDISTANCE (KM)Brig climb · 2,028 mSTEEPEST 10.3%
< 4%4 – 7%7 – 10%> 10%

What this ride is like

Measured from OpenStreetMap along the track and the elevation profile.

Roads
56% main road · 24% minor road · 15% quiet street · 4% path
Main roads
10.9 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
Fast roads
2.7 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
Main roads used
9S (11 km), Simplonstrasse (4 km)
Surface
Paved throughout
Gradient
90% climbing · 6% descending · 4% flat
Steep sections
15.1 km over 5% · 7.5 km over 8% · 3.9 km over 10%

Along the way

Within a few hundred metres of the track, from OpenStreetMap. Opening hours change — treat this as where to look, not a promise.

Food, water and shops

  1. 0 kmHenzen · bike shop · 120 m off route
  2. 0 kmApotheke F. Marty · pharmacy · on the route
  3. 0.1 kmKaffee Klatsch · café · on the route
  4. 0.1 kmz'Bioradiesli · convenience store · 40 m off route
  5. 0.3 kmToilets · on the route
  6. 2.5 kmBrunnen · drinking water · 70 m off route
  7. 5.8 kmDrinking water log · drinking water · on the route
  8. 10.7 kmDrinking water · 160 m off route
  9. 14.1 kmRestaurant Schutzhaus · restaurant · on the route
  10. 19.1 kmToilets · 70 m off route
  11. 19.2 kmSimplonblick · restaurant · 120 m off route
  12. 19.5 kmDrinking water · 150 m off route

Need to bail out?

  • 0 km — Brig Bahnhofplatz (station), 290 m off route

Whether bikes are carried depends on the service — check before relying on it.

Worth a stop

  • 2 km — Kreuz (viewpoint)
  • 9.4 km — Ganterbrücke (attraction)

At the start

  • Kaffee Klatsch · café · 80 m
  • Ganter Café · café · 50 m
  • Commerce · restaurant · 10 m
  • Vorrei · ice cream · 50 m
  • Britannia Pub · pub · 30 m

At the finish

  • Simplonblick · restaurant · 230 m

Stay after this ride

  • Simplon Hospiz · hotel · 650 m from the finish
  • Monte Leone · hotel · 920 m from the finish
  • Hotel Post · hotel · 3.1 km from the finish

Practical information

Surface
Paved
Route shape
Point to point
Riding time
1 h 24 min

Know before you go

  • 10.9 km on main roads without cycle lanes
  • 2.7 km on roads with speed limits 80 km/h or higher
  • 5.1 km without café, shop or water from 14.1 to 19.2 km
  • Maximum sustained gradient 20.2%

Routes are for inspiration. Roads, surfaces and conditions change — check locally and ride within your limits.