Mattstettetürli

Overview

Mattstettetürli is a category-3 climb in Switzerland that rewards riders who like a rhythm they can settle into. Over 3.8 km it rises from a start elevation of 548 m to a summit at 751 m, a net gain of 203 m. The average gradient sits at 5.32%, firmly in the range where a fit rider can stay seated and turn a consistent tempo without ever being forced into the red. It is not a wall, and it is not a drag — it is the kind of mid-length ascent that lets you measure your form honestly.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The headline number to respect is the 8.49% maximum. That figure is meaningfully steeper than the 5.32% average, which tells you the climb is not perfectly uniform: somewhere along the 3.8 km there is a pitch that ramps up by more than three percentage points above the mean. Expect the road to breathe — stretches close to or below the average that let you recover, punctuated by a steeper kick toward that 8.49% peak. There is a small quirk worth noting: the net elevation gain of 203 m slightly exceeds the total ascent of 181 m, a sign the profile trends upward cleanly rather than sawing between climbs and dips. In short, this is an honest ascent where almost every metre of vertical is earned going up.

Pacing Notes

For a climb of this length, the smart approach is to anchor your effort to a percentage of your FTP rather than chasing the steepest ramp. At 3.8 km, most riders will be on the climb long enough that pacing discipline pays off: hold a controlled tempo through the shallower sections and only lift your effort as the gradient builds toward the 8.49% pitch. Going too deep early leaves nothing for that steeper kick. If you are not sure what your current FTP is, run the numbers through the FTP estimator first, then set a target you can sustain across the full 203 m of climbing. Treat the max gradient as the place to spend a little extra, not the place to blow up.

Gearing

With a 5.32% average and pitches touching 8.49%, this climb does not demand ultra-compact gearing, but you will thank yourself for a forgiving low end. A 34×32 setup is a sensible baseline for most riders and will carry you over the steeper section without cadence collapsing. If you prefer to spin, tip the weight of your legs, or expect to ride this after fatigue has set in, a 34×34 gives you an extra margin of comfort on that 8.49% ramp. Either choice keeps you seated and rhythmic across the 3.8 km rather than grinding.

Summary

Mattstettetürli is a well-mannered category-3 climb: long enough to test your pacing, steep enough in one place to demand respect, but never punishing. Settle in, meter your effort, and let the 203 m of gain come to you.

Length: 3.8 km
Average gradient: 5.32%
Max gradient: 8.49%
Start: 548 m
Summit: 751 m
Net gain: 203 m
Total ascent: 181 m
Category: 3