For decades, cycling in the Dolomites has held a near-mythical status among road cyclists. Names like the Stelvio, Sella Ronda, and Passo Giau are etched into cycling folklore, thanks to the Giro d’Italia and their unmistakable jagged peaks. Yet just a few hours west, across the Swiss border, lies a lesser-known but equally spectacular cycling destination: Andermatt and the surrounding Swiss Alps.

Both regions offer world-class mountain riding, pristine scenery, and legendary climbs. But for cyclists seeking space, solitude, and a more relaxed riding experience, Switzerland—and Andermatt in particular—offers something increasingly rare in modern Alpine cycling: freedom from crowds.

Cycling in the Dolomites: iconic climbs and global appeal

There is no denying the appeal of the Dolomites. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the region spans dramatic limestone peaks and deep valleys that create some of the most visually striking landscapes in Europe.

It is also enormously popular. The wider Dolomites region attracts an estimated 10 million visitors annually, reflecting its global status as a tourism magnet. For cyclists, this popularity brings both advantages and challenges. The roads are maintained, infrastructure is good, and routes are well known. Famous circuits like the Sella Ronda allow riders to link multiple passes in a single ride.

However, the flip side is increasingly visible. Popular climbs and valleys can become congested, particularly during July and August. Some sites in the Dolomites have recorded peak daily visitor numbers, raising concerns about overcrowding and its impact on visitor experience. In fact, certain resorts have begun introducing visitor caps after peak-season congestion reached unsustainable levels.

For many cyclists, this means sharing roads with significant tourist traffic—cars, motorbikes, buses, and other riders—especially in peak summer.

Cycling in Switzerland: world-class riding without the crowds

Switzerland, by contrast, offers an entirely different cycling experience.

The country’s Alpine geography is far more dispersed. Rather than concentrating visitors in a single mountain cluster, Switzerland offers dozens of major Alpine regions, from Valais and Graubünden to central Switzerland and the Bernese Oberland. This distribution creates something invaluable: space.

Even in peak summer, it is entirely possible to ride for hours on immaculate mountain roads with minimal traffic. Switzerland’s commitment to infrastructure is evident everywhere—from perfectly surfaced roads to clear signage and seamless connections between valleys and passes.

For cyclists, this translates into uninterrupted riding and a stronger sense of immersion in the mountains.

Andermatt: the ultimate base for Alpine cycling

At the centre of Switzerland’s cycling network lies Andermatt, a small Alpine village uniquely positioned at the crossroads of some of Europe’s greatest climbs.

Within a single day’s ride, cyclists can tackle:

• Furka Pass

• Grimsel Pass

• Gotthard Pass

• Oberalp Pass

• Nufenen Pass

These climbs are available directly from Andermatt’s doorstep, eliminating the need for transfers or complex logistics. This makes it uniquely suited to cycling. Riders can leave their hotel and immediately begin climbing high-mountain passes, often encountering only a handful of vehicles along the way.

Road quality and riding experience: Switzerland sets the standard

One of the most noticeable differences between the Dolomites and Switzerland is road quality.

Switzerland’s roads are consistently exceptional. Smooth tarmac, gentle camber, and regular maintenance make descending as enjoyable as climbing. This reflects the country’s broader investment in infrastructure and transportation.

Traffic levels are also significantly lower on many routes, particularly outside weekends and peak tourist corridors. Switzerland’s Alpine roads were historically built for strategic transport, resulting in wide, well-engineered ascents with consistent gradients. This makes climbs like the Furka and Grimsel not only visually spectacular, but also highly rideable and safe.

The psychological difference: riding alone in the mountains

Beyond infrastructure and statistics, there is something harder to quantify: the feeling of riding in solitude.

In Switzerland, it is common to climb for an hour without encountering another cyclist or vehicle. The experience becomes quieter, more immersive, and more personal. This solitude enhances everything: the rhythm of climbing, the sound of tyres on tarmac, and the sense of connection with the landscape.

It is this experience—more than any single climb—that defines cycling in Switzerland.

Dolomites vs Switzerland: two world-class destinations, different experiences

The Dolomites remain one of the world’s great cycling destinations. Their dramatic landscapes and historic climbs have inspired generations of riders.

But Switzerland offers something equally powerful—and increasingly rare: space, quiet, and freedom. With its immaculate roads, interconnected passes, and lower concentrations of visitors, regions like Andermatt represent one of the last truly under-explored frontiers of Alpine cycling.

For cyclists seeking iconic climbs without the crowds, Switzerland is not just an alternative to the Dolomites, it is the next chapter.

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