Motorcycle Trip through the Alps

Motorcycle Trip through the Alps

After all, riding in the Alps isn't just a trip; it's the ultimate pilgrimage for any motorcyclist. The mountains that divide Europe hold the "Holy Grail" of motorcycle touring: perfect asphalt, endless curves, and landscapes that look like oil paintings.

So, if you are planning your motorcycle trip through the Alps, you need to know that this is not a weekend getaway. On the contrary, it is an 11-day immersion crossing borders between Italy, Switzerland, and France, defying gravity on legendary passes and resting in luxurious alpine villages.

In this definitive guide, we detail the official MotoNomads itinerary, explain why Big Trails are the kings of this territory, and then show you exactly what awaits you at every turn of this epic journey.

Why Are the Alps the Best Destination for Big Trails?

Before we start our engines, we need to understand the terrain. Since the Alps require a versatile machine, choosing the right motorcycle is crucial. For example, in a single day, you can go from the heat of the Italian valleys to the bitter cold of a mountain peak at an altitude of 2,500 meters.

In this context, this is where the BMW 1300 GS shines. On our Alpine Tour, we use the new generation of the German legend for three main reasons:

1 – Torque on Curve Exits: First, alpine roads are full of hairpin turns (sharp bends). So, you need an engine that delivers power at low revs to exit these curves safely and enjoyably, without having to downshift excessively.

2 – Comfort for Long Journeys: In addition, with daily averages between 230 km and 400 km, the ergonomics of a Big Trail prevent fatigue. Consequently, this allows you to end the day ready for a refined dinner, rather than looking for painkillers.

3 – Cutting-edge technology: Finally, riding modes that adapt to sudden rain or dry asphalt ensure that the only surprise of the trip is the beauty of the landscape.

The Detailed Itinerary: 2,000 km of Pure Adrenaline

To create the itinerary for the Motorcycle Tour through the Alps, we based ourselves on the official MotoNomads itinerary. Below, we detail the sections that make this experience something transformative, day after day.

Part 1: Leaving Italy and Arriving at Swiss Luxury

Section: Milan – St. Moritz (310 km) + Loop Ride

The adventure begins in Milan, the fashion capital. Soon after leaving the urban chaos behind, we set our compass northward. Entering Switzerland is marked above all by a drastic change in the landscape: the roofs become steeper, the fields take on a vibrant green, and the roads become asphalt carpets.

The destination is St. Moritz, the world's most famous winter playground, located in the Engadin Valley. In fact, arriving here by motorcycle is a privilege. The city exudes exclusivity, surrounded by crystal-clear lakes and snow-capped peaks.

  • What to expect on the road: Tunnels carved into the rock and, above all, the climb up the Maloja Pass, a dizzying sequence of curves that will test your technique and leave you breathless before you even reach the hotel.
  • The Loop Ride (Day 3): The next day, we take a 250 km loop through the Eastern Swiss Alps. It's time to explore passes such as the Julier Pass, where the wide, flowing road invites more dynamic riding.

Part 2: The Heart of the Swiss Alps and the Roof of Europe

Section: St. Moritz – Grindelwald (230 km) + Sightseeing + Loop Ride

Next, we cross deep Switzerland to enter the territory of giants: the Bernese Oberland. The Grindelwald region looks like something out of a movie, located at the foot of the infamous north face of the Eiger.

During your stay in this region, the experience goes beyond motorcycling.

  • High Point (Literally): On the day dedicated to tourism, we swapped our handlebars for rails and climbed up to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe. We left our bikes behind and took the cog railway to the highest railway station in Europe, at 3,454 meters. Without a doubt, the view over the Aletsch Glacier and the Ice Palace is something that no camera can do justice to.
  • The Legendary Passes Loop Ride (Day 6): The next day, we faced what many consider to be the best day of riding ever. We make a 230 km round trip covering the holy trio: Grimsel Pass, Furka Pass, and Susten Pass. In fact, it was on the Furka that James Bond starred in classic car chases. Without luggage on the bike, riding is easy and you feel like you are part of the mountain.

Part 3: The Elegance of the French Alps and Mont Blanc

Section: Grindelwald – Annecy (280 km) + Epic Loop Ride

We then cross the border again, this time into France. The cultural shift is instantaneous and fascinating. The orderly Germanic architecture of Switzerland gives way to rustic French charm, and the roads become more technical and challenging.

So, our destination is Annecy, known as the "Venice of the Alps." With its turquoise water channels running through the medieval historic center (Vieille Ville), it is the perfect place to park your motorcycle, take off your boots, and enjoy an authentic raclette or fondue.

  • The Great Challenge (Day 9): This is the most intense day of riding on the expedition. A 400 km Loop Ride through the Savoie region. So get ready to experience the true essence of French roads: abrasive asphalt, narrow gorges, and constant views of the Mont Blanc massif, the roof of Western Europe.
  • Free Day: Before that, we have a free day in Annecy to take a boat trip on the lake considered to be the cleanest in Europe or simply stroll through the cobbled streets.

Motorcycle Tour through the Alps – What's Included in a Premium Expedition?

Of course, taking a motorcycle trip through the Alps on your own requires complex logistics: booking hotels in three different languages (Italian, German, French), planning routes that avoid boring highways, and carrying luggage on the back of your bike.

On the other hand, on the MotoNomads tour, the experience is "Arrive & Ride," focused entirely on your enjoyment:

  • BMW 1300 GS motorcycles: Included, with full insurance and top case ready for use.
  • Support Vehicle: Your luggage travels in the support van. This means you can ride light, enjoying the performance of the motorcycle without any extra weight.
  • Brazilian Guide: Experienced, leading the group on another motorcycle and thus ensuring the smooth running of the tour, safety when overtaking, and communication at hotels.
  • Superior Category Hotels: After 300 km of winding roads, you deserve extreme comfort, a spa, and a breakfast fit for a king.

When is the best time to go?

Unfortunately, the window for crossing the highest Alpine passes is short. In winter and spring, passes such as the Furka, Grimsel, or Great St. Bernard are closed due to accumulated snow.

For this reason, our groups only travel during the European summer (June/July).

  • Temperature: Pleasant in the valleys (20°C to 25°C), ideal for riding with a ventilated jacket, and cool on the mountain tops (5°C to 10°C), where a thermal lining may be necessary.
  • Daylight: The sun sets after 9 p.m., allowing you to enjoy every second of the day without rushing to get there.

Conclusion: The Asphalt Is Calling

While reading about the Alps is inspiring, feeling the wind on your face as you skirt Lake Como or climb toward the eternal snows of Switzerland is living.

In short, a motorcycle trip through the Alps is more than just tourism; it is the validation of your entire experience as a motorcyclist. It is the moment when man, machine, and nature come into perfect harmony on the most beautiful roads on the planet.

Are you ready to write this chapter in your story?

Don't put off until 2027 what you can experience now. Places for the next group are limited (maximum of 10 motorcycles to ensure exclusivity). Click here to see the available dates for the MotoNomads Alpine Tour.

Finally, I invite you to learn more about our journey and get a feel for the atmosphere of this trip by watching our documentary below: The History of MotoNomads and the Revolution in Motorcycle Tourism.