Nufenen Pass from Ulrichen

Route overview

This ride suits cyclists looking for a short but very steep climb with over 1100 m of elevation gain in 14.6 km.

Nufenen Pass from Ulrichen is a 14.6 km climb in Switzerland, gaining 1130 m up to 2476 m altitude.

Starting in Ulrichen at 1346 m, the route begins with a climb of 13.6 km that gains 1127 m at an average gradient of 8.3%, reaching a maximum of 10.4%. The highest point is at 2476 m around 14.2 km, near the top of the pass. The profile shows that half the elevation gain occurs in the first half of the climb. The road is almost entirely paved (98%) and predominantly a main road (97%), specifically the named road 413 for about 14 km. There are no cycle lanes along the 14.2 km of main road. The riding is mostly sustained climbing, with 12.3 km above 5% gradient, including 10.4 km over 8% and 1.7 km above 10%. Facilities at the start in Ulrichen include a supermarket, restaurants, a bar, a petrol station, toilets, water points, and bailout options. There is a restaurant and a kiosk near the finish at Nufenen-Passhöhe. The longest stretch without a café, shop, or water is 7.5 km between 0.6 and 8.1 km. Nearby peaks include Nufenenstock (2866 m) at 12.1 km and Chilchhorn (2784 m and 2789 m) at 13.5 km.

Highlights

• Nufenen Pass top at 2476 m
• Nufenenstock peak at 2866 m at 12.1 km
• Chilchhorn peaks near 13.5 km
• Sustained steep gradients over 10%

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Point to point

Riding time

1 h 03 min

Best months

Jun to Sep — daily highs of 16–21 °C in those months

Know before you go

• 7.5 km longest stretch without café, shop or water from 0.6 to 8.1 km
• 14.2 km main roads without cycle lane

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