4.9
(24)
232
riders
03:12
28.9km
1,070m
Mountain biking
This difficult 17.9-mile mountain biking loop from Airolo offers panoramic views of the Bedretto Valley and Gotthard Pass.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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5.41 km
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Tip by
11.8 km
Highlight • Trail
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13.5 km
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28.6 km
Highlight • Restaurant
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28.7 km
Highlight • Structure
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28.9 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
18.6 km
5.06 km
4.56 km
669 m
Surfaces
14.8 km
5.21 km
4.56 km
4.00 km
318 m
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Elevation
Highest point (1,910 m)
Lowest point (1,180 m)
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Weather
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Friday 29 May
28°C
13°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Yes, this route is a circular loop that starts and ends in Airolo, making it convenient for planning your ride.
The trail is generally rated as medium-easy to medium-difficult for mountain biking. While the technical demands are often easy to medium, the significant elevation changes mean a good level of physical fitness is required.
You'll encounter diverse terrain, including high-altitude gravel paths, natural pavement, and some singletrack sections with roots and stones. The route also features forest paths and eventually transitions to asphalt roads, particularly on the descent from Passo della Novena.
The best time to ride this trail is typically during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn, when the alpine pastures are green and the weather is most favorable for high-altitude biking. Always check local weather conditions before you go.
The trail typically starts from Airolo. Parking is generally available in the village. You also have the option to take the Airolo–Pesciüm Cable Car to bypass the initial climb to Alpe Pesciüm, which can be a strategic choice for some riders.
While specific regulations for dogs on this exact trail are not detailed, generally, dogs are permitted on Swiss mountain trails. It's always recommended to keep them on a leash, especially in alpine pasture areas, and to be mindful of wildlife and livestock.
No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to ride the Strada degli Alpi da Airolo – giro ad anello, as it is part of the public Swiss cycle-excursion network.
The route offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Bedretto Valley, Leventina Valley, and the Gotthard Pass. You'll pass through picturesque larch forests, alpine villages like Ronco, and near the Gottardo Cheese Dairy. The trail itself features sections like the Alpi Trail and Strada Degli Alpi (Bedretto Valley).
Yes, sections of this route overlap with other official trails. You will encounter parts of the 13-Alpine Passes Trail and the 03-Sentiero Cristallina, among others.
Absolutely. To avoid the steady initial climb towards Alpe Pesciüm, you can take the Airolo–Pesciüm Cable Car. This allows you to start your ride at a higher elevation, saving energy for the rest of the loop.
Yes, the route passes by the Gottardo Cheese Dairy, which can be a good spot for a break and to sample local products. Additionally, charming alpine villages along the way may offer other amenities.
A tour with a fantastic view of the Gotthard massif. Perfect for a family tour😍. Since the cable car wasn't open yet, we enjoyed the whole mountain to ourselves (and lots of marmots...) on our own.
If you love your bike, you push it 🚵♂️🌞🍀🔨🥇 Immediately after starting at the cable car, the search for the route began. As I later noticed, Komoot sent me on a new downhill in the wrong direction. (Tour tailored and note placed on map). 🍀 The climb to Alpe di Pesciüm is not very spectacular and not really recommended because of the intersection and oncoming traffic with the new trails. Next time I will definitely take the cable car. 🚡 The "Stüba" restaurant on "Pesciüm" was unfortunately closed, so there was plenty of space for food from the backpack. After work comes pleasure. 🚵♂️🤩🍀 Strade degli Alpi is very beautiful and can be described as S0 except for two or three places. After Ruino, Komoot wanted to direct me onto an S1. Two hikers advised me against it because the path was buried. I recommend that you follow the SM390 marking. This path has a few more meters of elevation, is very beautiful and (S0-1) everything is easy to ride. The trail 🚵♂️ 🔨 🌞 🍀 from Cristallina to Valleggia is the absolute highlight of this tour. Beautiful with (for me) a short, tough pushing section. The descent to Bedretto can be ridden with concentration but quickly. Shortly after Bedretto, Komoot sends me back onto a trail that is very beautiful at first, but is suddenly closed due to flooding and destruction of the trail by the Ticino. An exciting adventure with sensational images will remain in my memory and I hope that it will start again soon. 🚵♂️ 🔨 🌞 🍀 🥇
Wonderful tour in Bedretto. First take the cable car up. The upper mountain path is beautiful but still strenuous due to the steep climbs. In Ronco there was a fine mid-morning snack. The downhill to Airolo is super nice but be careful, no!!!! Bike path.