Valley of Angels

Ride and Recharge.

VALLEY OF ANGELS
5 days / 4 nights (or go custom)

SPRING & SUMMER 2024
contact us for pricing

START/FINISH
Engelberg, Switzerland

TOTAL DISTANCE*
Custom

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN
Custom

MAIN HIGHLIGHTS
Glaubenberg, Ächerlipass, Bürgenstock, Lake Lucerne

RIDER LEVEL
Intermediate / Advanced

*Distances and elevation gains are flexible. Depending on individual and group strength, this will be adjusted accordingly.

The best kept secret.

With smooth, near-perfect pavement, Swiss roads are amongst the best in the world. You will be expertly guided over the most well-hidden routes and climbs in the region.

The Valley of Angels trip is made for the climbers, or “grimpeurs” as the French call them.
Challenge yourself or have an easy coffee spin. In either case, at the end of the day you’ll be enjoying a nice glass of wine or beer and sleeping in a cozy hotel.
This is a trip for riders to come together, share adventures and have a few laughs with friends and like-minded riders.

Your playground.

Day-to-day itinerary.

  • Wednesday | optional 50 km - 1000 m

    Welcome to Switzerland! Or: ‘Grüezi’ as they say in this part of the country. We have an warm-up ride to shake out the legs and introduce you to Engelberg.

    Check-in hotel from 15:00 hours. Early arrival? No problem, your luggage is safely stored in the hotel. Wander around the town, meet the other riders and get comfortable on the terrace overlooking the mountains.

    Enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant, Brasserie Konrad, before your head hits the pillow for a good night sleep.

  • Thursday | 85 km - 1500 m

    After having slept like a baby we indulge ourselves with the legendary Ski Lodge breakfast. Wake up with fresh brewed coffee from The Roastery Engelberg; the best specialty coffee in the region.

    Get enough fuel in for the day, we’ll be heading down into the valley to explore some local roads and climbs.

    Let yourself go and follow the guide, soak up all beautiful scenery and breathe in that fresh mountain air.

  • Friday | 100 km - 1800 m

    We head out down and through the Valley of Angels. Today we’ll see all the parts of the beautiful Vierwaldstättersee (or Lake Lucerne). Steady climbs and stunning views are on the menu, followed by hairpin descents and rolling hills.

    Lunch will be in a local restaurant, fuel up for the last climb back into Engelberg: your new home-away-from-home.

    Tonight we let the chefs surprise us and enjoy a delicious well-earned meal. Grab your rest, tomorrow is a big day!

  • Saturday | 130 km - 3400 m

    This is the Queen Stage. With 130 km in distance and 3400 m of climbing this is one beautiful day. A short warm-up leads us to the Ächerlipass, a notorious climb in the area with an average slope of 9% and a maximum slope of 16%.

    Next up we head over the Glaubenberg, this climb has some of the best views of the valley. Lunch is at the top with delicious local dishes (expect pasta, potato and cheese).

    With the toughest behind us, we calm down with winding roads, smooth pavement and majestic views.

    The last climb up to Engelberg earns you bragging rights and post-ride beers. Tonight is your celebration dinner!

  • Sunday | optional 50 km & 1000 m

    This is where we enjoy our last cup of amazing coffee together, it’s time to say goodbye, or ‘Auf Wiedersehen’, until we meet again!

    Head out for an optional ride to spin out the legs for a recovery ride through Engelberg. You’re more than welcome to sleep in and enjoy a late check-out, just let us know in advance.

    If you’re planning on extending your stay or travels, let us know if we can help with reservations or a few recommendations.

Ready to Ride?

Where you’ll eat & sleep.

Ski Lodge, Engelberg. Simply the best.

A place with mouth-watering cuisine and local wines, a cozy bar for sharing stories and passionate staff who love service as much as they love mountains. Did we mention they serve the best breakfast ever?

In the hotel restaurant, Brasserie Konrad, you'll have dinner and indulge in the region's culinary secrets. The chefs gather inspiration from the Swiss Alps and their Nordic roots and are passionate about using local produce. Switzerland boasts some of the best cheese, meat, and wine in the world – and they'd love to share this with you!

Enjoy a deep, dreamy and blissful sleep in the comfortable beds, ensuring you'll fully recover and be ready for more days of adventurous cycling in the fresh mountain air.

Sidetrack Cycling Dinner

What’s included?

  • Personal , professional guide/trainer for all days

  • All lodging

  • All daily guided rides and GPX

  • All breakfasts and dinners*

  • Professional ride nutrition & water bottles

  • Safe and secure bike storage including work stand and tools

  • Welcome Pack

  • Customisable, flexible itinerary

    *Alcohol is not included in trip pricing, but a cold beer is always waiting at the end of the day!

Please note:

  • Transport to/from destination not included

  • Lunches not included

Want to know more on what’s included and what isn’t?

A little slice of cycling heaven.

Highlights.

Sights.

You’ll be surrounded by major mountain summits; Titlis in the south (3238 m), the famous Hahnen mountain (2606 m), and the Reissend Nollen (3003 m). Join us in uncovering Switzerland’s best kept secrets.

Food.

Käseschnitten, raclette, traditional fondue, rösti, local meats, Älplermagronen, gipfeli, chocolate and local, homemade cheeses. The local cheesemaker in Gerschnialp is one the best in Switzerland, be sure to pick up a piece for the homefront.

Drinks.

Local craft beers, Swiss ales and lagers. Delicious, fresh wines from nearby regions; Valais, Ticino and typical regional drinks like Glühmost and warming Schümli Pflümli and Holdrio, made with fresh plums and berries.

How to get there.

Car.

The drive from Amsterdam (our home base) to Engelberg is around 8,5 hours. The distance is 865 km or 537 miles.
There’s free parking in front of the hotel, based on “first come, first served”.

Share a car and make it easier on yourself and the environment.
We use Waze as our navigator through Europe. Quick and easy.

Train.

Why drive when you can take the train? It’s just as fast and you can arrive completely relaxed.
We book our tickets through DB Navigator.
There’s a great connection with only 2 changes which brings you to the doorstep of the hotel in just 8 hours and 45 minutes. The train station is literally across the street from the hotel.
You can take your bike in a “soft bag” on the trains.

Plane.

Prefer flying? You can either land at Basel Euro Airport (short bus ride to the train station Basel) or in Zürich (train station at the airport).
Excellent connections with breathtaking views take you to your destination and final stop: Engelberg.
Plan your train tickets in Switzerland on the SBB website. Look out for the sweet deals called “Super Saver” tickets.

"In my experience as a cyclist, being in nature and enduring pain during a climb reminds me of who I am, what I am capable of and what I want. No more autopilot, just me."

– Dirk Spits