Road or Gravel
Swissneyland: Where alpine switchbacks are your playground. Most rides are pure road territory and a race bike rewards you with every metre of elevation.
But the Alps have layers and some roads tell older stories. Cobblestones worn smooth by centuries, gravel tracks that disappear into high terrain, gradients steep enough to make you rethink your gearing. That’s where the gravel bike earns its place.
The Tremola, the historic cobblestone descent of the Gotthard, is one of those roads. Laid stone by stone centuries ago, it demands respect and the right tyres. The Chinzig Chulm (Kienzigpass) goes further still, part of the route is genuine gravel, a forgotten historical track through high terrain that feels like a different era entirely. Back in Napoleon’s time, Suvorov sends his regards. And then there are climbs like the Pragelpass, where the gradient from one side becomes so savage that the gravel bike’s lower gearing isn’t a luxury, It’s the difference between grinding and flowing.
Direction matters here too. Many of these loops ride differently depending on which way you go. The angle of the sun in the morning or evening, the view opening up at just the right moment, the rhythm of a steep climb versus a technical descent, sometimes the route only truly works one way. These details are noted where they make a difference.
Come with an open mind about which bike to bring. The mountains will tell you soon enough.
Top Rides & Loops
Pragel – Kienzig – Klausen
Pragelpass
Klausenpass