Gotthard Labyrinth Tour: An Epic Alpine Adventure with Hans Rey & Guido Tschugg
Photos & Film by Hoshi Yoshida
Story by Hans Rey
In September 2024, I embarked on an exhilarating alpine backcountry e-bike tour through the Disentis–Sedrun region of the Swiss Alps. With five passes, four cantons, three days, two riders, and one unforgettable journey ahead, we set out on the Gotthard Labyrinth Tour—a burgeoning multi-day mountain bike route still in development.
Though the full loop isn’t completed yet, and some sections remain under construction or repair, the call of adventure was too strong to resist. I was joined by Guido Tschugg, a German Rampage participant and former 4-Cross World Cup winner, riding his new Hepha e-bike. I opted for my GT eForce AMP+ with Shimano components. Along for the ride were Hoshi Yoshida, the photo/videographer from SR Suntour, and Remo Eberle, the MTB product manager from Disentis–Sedrun and a key architect behind the Labyrinth project. The goal of this project is not only to showcase the stunning alpine landscapes but also to navigate the remote valleys and breathtaking passes best experienced on a bike.
The route circumnavigates the Gotthard Mountain Massif in Switzerland (source: Wikipedia)
To conserve energy and battery life, we utilized various public transportation options along the route, including the iconic yellow Postauto bus, the red Matterhorn-Gotthard Bahn train, and the gondolas in Disentis–Sedrun. Since the full tour isn’t officially open yet, and with early snowfall complicating things, we had our own shuttle vehicle to assist us.
We began and ended our adventure in Disentis, near the source of the River Rhine. Day one kicked off at the Lukmaniar Pass, where we ascended to Passo del Uomo. The weather was foggy and chilly initially, but by the time we reached Passo del Sole, the skies cleared, revealing brilliant sunshine. This marked our entry from the German/Romanisch-speaking canton of Graubünden into the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino/Tessin.
The descent from Passo del Sole to Olivone is renowned as one of the area’s best rides. Spanning approximately 10 miles, it features a mix of wide-open alpine trails and technical forest path, including ancient Roman roads—perfect for modern fat-tire gladiators. We stopped for lunch at a local restaurant, recharging for about 45 minutes, knowing we still had much ground to cover.
The Route
Our next destination was the new Flow Trail at Nara Bike Park. With the chairlift operating only on weekends, we pedaled up a dirt road to the top. The trail, meticulously built, proved to be a blast, with multiple B-lines and predictable transitions. Rock features and kickers added to the fun, and we even paused for a photo op at a giant tree swing before descending the natural trails that led us to the bottom of the Blenio Valley near Acquarossa. Despite still being in Switzerland, the atmosphere felt distinctly Italian, highlighted by a delicious pizza we enjoyed in Airolo, where we spent the night.
The next morning, we shuttled straight to the Nufenen Pass, towering nearly 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). While the north side still bore traces of snow, we navigated down the valley on a natural trail that included some technical sections. We were now in the canton of Valais/Wallis. After a long descent, we took a lunch break in Ulrichen, where Remo picked us up for a scenic drive up the famed Furka Pass—one of the most picturesque routes in the Alps, popular with classic car enthusiasts and motorcyclists alike. We made a quick stop at the iconic Hotel Belvedere and the Rhone Glacier before exploring a trail currently being reshaped that led us back to our previous path—a worthwhile detour.
Hotel Belvedere (source: Wikipedia)
Our next stage took us along the Urschner Höhentrail from Tiefenbach to Andermatt. While it’s possible to stay in Tiefenbach, we opted to push on to Andermatt, which boasts a wider range of accommodations as a ski resort. I couldn’t resist ordering a classic Swiss dish—Raclette.
The following morning, we boarded the famous Red Train to the Oberalp Pass. It’s remarkable how this train operates as a bike shuttle, offering a stunning ride that runs every hour. Unfortunately, we had to bypass the upper part of the Oberalp Pass trail due to heavy snowfall. A unique lighthouse from the Netherlands marks the spot at the Oberalp Pass from where the River Rhine eventually flows into the ocean in Holland after its journey from the nearby source.
The ride from Oberalp Pass to Sedrun, and ultimately back to Disentis, was undoubtedly a highlight of our tour. Interestingly, the Labyrinth Tour doesn’t traverse the Gotthard Pass or Mountain; instead, it encircles it, weaving high above the valley through woods and cow meadows.
In Sedrun, we took the Cuolm da Vi Gondola to the summit, granting us access to the Disentis trail network. The Catrina Flow Trail is a must-ride, as is the singletrack leading to Bostg Mountain, nestled between the two towns and offering a variety of exciting trails to conclude our epic adventure. As Guido aptly noted, e-bikes are perfect for exploring these alpine backcountry trails.
We stayed at the Catrina Resort/Hotel in Disentis and celebrated our incredible journey with cocktails at the local Nangijala Bar. This region is undoubtedly worth a visit, and I highly recommend adding the Labyrinth Tour to your bucket list!
Tools by Fix Manufacturing used during this adventure
