If conquering Switzerland’s most iconic mountain passes, exploring Austria’s Alpine valleys, experiencing the dramatic beauty of the Grossglockner, and riding some of Europe’s smoothest and most scenic roads sounds like your perfect adventure, then this tour is absolutely for you. We ride six legendary Swiss passes in a single day, trace the shores of Austrian mountain lakes, tackle historic cobbled sections, and discover the perfection of Bavarian tarmac. It’s a true delight for riders and pillions alike.
Eleven days. Four countries. Six passes in one day. One unforgettable journey through the heart of the Alps.
DAY 1: FOLKESTONE TO FRANCE – A SOGGY START
A slightly soggy start to the day, waiting to board the train at Folkestone. Similar weather greeted us on the other side as we headed to our first coffee stop of the day.
Fortunately, the rain eased as we travelled on towards lunch—though threatening skies still loomed above. Quick photo stop at Circuit de Reims-Gueux, then on to our first overnight stop.
Fingers crossed for clearer weather tomorrow as we head towards Germany and the Black Forest. 🤞
DAY 2: ACROSS FRANCE TO THE BLACK FOREST – APPLE STRUDEL SAVES THE DAY
A morning of mist and drizzle greeted us as we headed across France on day two. A hint of drying roads after lunch as we headed to the northern Vosges, but we were fooled again.
Nevertheless, some great roads to test our wet weather riding skills. Then onto the Black Forest for our next overnight stop, where apple strudel saved the day. 😋
B500 tomorrow, then on into Bavaria. 👍
DAY 3: B500 & BAVARIAN PERFECTION
An interesting start to the day with thick fog on the B500—views were limited, to say the least.
The fog cleared as we headed down to our first coffee stop, and there was even the threat of sunshine. 🌞 A few showers here and there through the day, but this didn’t dampen spirits as we headed across the stunning Bavarian countryside.
We utilised the fabulous smooth tarmac of the back roads. They really do know how to build roads in Germany—not a pothole in sight.
We arrived at our hotel—a stone’s throw from the Austrian border—in time for a beer on the terrace before a great meal in the hotel restaurant.
Onwards to Austria tomorrow, and the weather is improving day by day. 🥳
DAY 4: INTO AUSTRIA – SUNSHINE RETURNS
What a difference a day makes!
We woke to a morning of sunshine for our ride to Austria. Wet weather gear packed away 👍 and off we went.
A beautiful morning for riding as we headed to the Alps. Coffee stop by Lake Walchensee, then on to Austria via an entertaining private toll road. The group split up after morning coffee, giving everyone the opportunity to travel at their own pace, meeting back up again at our lunch stop in the ski resort of Gerlos.
Last push to our hotel, where we stay for the next two nights, arriving in time for a dip in the hotel pool. 👌
DAY 5: GROSSGLOCKNER VS. EAGLE’S NEST – THE GREAT SPLIT
Choice of ride-outs today: either Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest or the Grossglockner.
Bob and Biz headed off to the Eagle’s Nest while the rest of us tackled the Grossglockner. The weather gods weren’t on either team’s side today—wet weather gear back on again!
Even though it was a little damp, the tarmac on the Grossglockner is so good it inspires confidence even in challenging conditions. We had a coffee stop at Riders Point—which means going up a cobbled section of road. Challenge accepted and met. Then onto the glacier for a quick photo stop before Team Grossglockner decided to head back to the hotel for the rest of the day.
Team Eagle’s Nest returned later in the day reporting an excellent time was had, even if a bit damp.
Heading to Switzerland tomorrow and the western side of the Alps. Offerings have been made to the weather gods, so we hope they are sufficient and acceptable. 😁👍
DAY 6: WESTWARD TO SWITZERLAND – THE WEATHER GODS DELIVER
Heading to Switzerland today, and our offerings to the weather gods must have been accepted 👍—the sun was definitely trying to put its hat on.
Damp roads to start, but these soon dried as we headed west towards Switzerland. Coffee stop at a ski gondola station, which was very busy with walkers and mountain bikers heading up for a day’s adventures.
Our own adventure continued. After a little motorway to get us past Innsbruck, we stopped for lunch at a cool American-themed restaurant. Onwards to Switzerland, through the border checkpoint, and onto the sublime Swiss roads. Even the normal roads are excellent—sweeping bends and great views.
We had our last coffee stop on the Flüela Pass, arriving at our hotel in good time for everyone to relax before our evening meal.
More Swiss passes tomorrow. Stay tuned. 😁👍
DAY 7: SWISS PASS EXTRAVAGANZA – FOUR IN ONE DAY
Superb riding weather as we left our hotel and headed further west across Switzerland. A full day of riding amazing Swiss passes ahead of us.
Starting with the San Bernardino, which took us towards Italy, followed by the Lukmanier Pass for our lunch stop at the top—an excellent road for those who like sweeping bends. Followed by the Oberalpstrasse and finally the Furka Pass, which took us to our hotel for the next two nights.
A highlight day of the tour so far for the group.
And yet more passes to come tomorrow. 👍😃
DAY 8: THE LEGENDARY SIX-PASS LOOP
Nufenen Pass 👍. Tremola Pass 👍. Furka Pass 👍. Grimsel Pass 👍. Susten Pass 👍. St. Gotthard Pass 👍.
What a day!
The highlight day of the tour for everyone. The Swiss Alps are just amazing. 👌
DAY 9: FAREWELL ALPS – UNESCO BIOSPHERE & BIKE GREMLINS
Our morning started with another run up the Grimsel Pass as we headed north away from the Alps. 🙁
Our route took us across the UNESCO Biosphäre Entlebuch National Park, which has stunning scenery of a more “Heidi” feel—for those old enough to remember the TV series!
Bob’s bike was having a few gremlins, so we decided to head straight to the hotel after lunch, while the rest of the group continued on the planned route across the lowland hills between Switzerland and France.
A great day’s riding followed by a fantastic meal in our hotel.
Northwards again tomorrow as we head across the Vosges and on into the Ardennes for our last overnight stop.
DAY 10: VOSGES, VERDUN & INTO THE ARDENNES
Our penultimate day on tour started with a ride across the Vosges on the D417—already a great road, now made even better as it’s been resurfaced for the recent Tour de France.
A threat of rain as we headed on, but we managed to avoid it. The weather brightened up as we left our lunch stop and headed towards Verdun for our last stop of the day.
Ardennes-bound from here and our last overnight stop.
An excellent final evening meal, including escargot for some 🐌, followed by a couple of beers on the hotel terrace by the Semois River.
Final push to Calais and the Eurotunnel tomorrow—back to the UK.
DAY 11: ARDENNES TO CALAIS – THE FINAL RUN
Our final day on tour.
As we left our hotel in the heart of the Ardennes, we followed the meandering Semois River’s path on lovely roads, crossing back and forth between Belgium and France. The morning riding was perfect—cool, clear, and quiet.
Coffee stop by the Meuse River, then the final push northwest towards Calais. The roads flattened out as we approached the coast, but the company remained excellent.
We arrived at the Eurotunnel with plenty of time to spare. Bikes loaded. Goodbyes said. Promises to keep in touch.
Eleven days.
Four countries.
Six passes in one day.
One unforgettable journey through the heart of the Alps.
The Grossglockner challenged us. The Tremola’s cobbles tested us. The six-pass loop reminded us why we ride.
But mostly, it was the people—riders who became friends, strangers who became travelling companions, moments shared over apple strudel, escargot, and countless kilometres of perfect Alpine tarmac.
Brilliant roads. Improving weather. Wonderful company.
What a tour.