Alte Bettlerküche

Overview

Alte Bettlerküche is a Category 2 Swiss climb that trades brute ferocity for patience. Across 17 km it lifts you from a valley start at 444 m to a summit of 1076 m — a net gain of 632 m — while the barometer logs a total ascent of 616 m once the small dips and false flats are counted. The average gradient of 3.73% reads gently on paper, and much of the road genuinely is, but that number hides a sharpest pitch of 13.83% that will catch anyone who has settled too comfortably into a rhythm. This is a climb of long, sustained effort punctuated by a handful of moments that demand respect.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The gap between the 3.73% average and the 13.83% maximum tells the whole story. Over 17 km a truly even climb at 3.73% would gain almost exactly the 632 m of net elevation you see here — so on balance the mountain delivers what it promises. But averages are made of extremes. Expect stretches that sit well below the mean, where you can hold pace and even recover, offset by ramps that spike toward the low double digits and briefly toward that 13.83% ceiling. The 16 m difference between net gain (632 m) and total ascent (616 m) confirms the profile is broadly one-directional: you keep going up, with only minor respites rather than genuine descents to break the effort.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this long, discipline beats bravado. Anchor your effort to your FTP and resist the temptation to chase the shallow early kilometres too hard — you will want that reserve when the gradient bites toward 13.83%. Aim to ride the sustained sections just under threshold, then accept a short, controlled surge over the steep ramps rather than blowing your pacing plan to hold a fixed speed. If you are not sure where your threshold sits, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you plan the day. With 17 km of climbing ahead, a steady, repeatable effort will get you to 1076 m faster than an ambitious start you cannot sustain.

Gearing

The 3.73% average does not require anything exotic, but the 13.83% pitches change the calculation. A compact 34-tooth inner ring is the sensible foundation. Pairing 34×32 gives most riders enough range to spin the sustained middle sections and survive the steep ramps without grinding. If you climb at a lower cadence, carry extra weight, or simply value your knees on a 17 km effort, step up to 34×34 for a genuine bail-out gear on the 13.83% moments. Either way, prioritise a low enough ratio to keep your cadence smooth all the way to the 1076 m summit.

Summary

Alte Bettlerküche rewards riders who pace intelligently and gear conservatively: a long, mostly moderate ascent with just enough steep punctuation to punish a reckless start. Settle in, protect your threshold, and let the 17 km come to you.

Length: 17 km
Average gradient: 3.73%
Max gradient: 13.83%
Start: 444 m
Summit: 1076 m
Net gain: 632 m
Total ascent: 616 m
Category: 2