Staffelegg

Overview

Staffelegg is a category 4 climb that covers 6.8 km and rises from a start elevation of 386 m to a summit at 620 m. That works out to 234 m of net elevation gain across the whole ascent, with the profile logging 216 m of total ascent — a near-perfect match that tells you this is an honest, steadily rising road with very little in the way of false flats or descents to break the rhythm. The average gradient is a moderate 3.43%, and the steepest ramp tops out at 7.26%. As category 4 climbs go, this one sits firmly in the "sustainable" bracket: long enough to feel like a real effort, but never so severe that it forces you out of the saddle for extended stretches.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The story of Staffelegg is written in the gap between its average and its maximum. With a 3.43% average and a 7.26% peak, the steepest sections are roughly double the mean — meaning the climb is not uniform, but it is not wildly punchy either. Expect the road to trade gentler stretches against the sharper ramps that push toward 7.26%. Because the net gain (234 m) so closely tracks the total ascent (216 m), there is almost no downhill relief hidden in the middle. You climb from the first metre and keep climbing to the last. That consistency makes the gradient predictable: settle in early, because the road rarely gives you a free moment to recover.

Pacing Notes

At 6.8 km, Staffelegg is short enough to attack but long enough to punish a poor start. The smart approach is to hold a steady effort just below your threshold on the gentler stretches, then absorb the ramps toward 7.26% by letting your cadence drop slightly rather than surging. Anchor your pacing to your FTP — riding at a controlled percentage of it will keep you out of the red on the steeper pitches near the top. If you are not sure where your threshold sits, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you plan the effort. With only 234 m of gain to manage, most riders can hold a strong tempo the whole way without needing to conserve for a long summit finish.

Gearing

Given the 3.43% average and the 7.26% maximum, Staffelegg does not demand extreme gearing, but comfort matters over 6.8 km of continuous climbing. A compact chainring paired with a mid-range cassette is ideal. A 34×32 will handle the steepest ramps comfortably for most fit riders, giving you enough spin to keep cadence up when the road tilts toward 7.26%. If you prefer to protect your legs or ride at a lower intensity, a 34×34 buys you extra headroom on the sharper pitches without ever feeling over-geared on the gentler lower slopes. Either setup lets you stay seated and smooth for the full climb.

Summary

Staffelegg is a well-behaved category 4 climb: 6.8 km of steady, honest gradient with a moderate 3.43% average and a manageable 7.26% peak. The tight match between its 234 m net gain and 216 m total ascent confirms a road that climbs without tricks. Pace it just under threshold, gear sensibly, and it rewards a smooth, controlled effort.

Length: 6.8 km
Average gradient: 3.43%
Max gradient: 7.26%
Start: 386 m
Summit: 620 m
Net gain: 234 m
Total ascent: 216 m
Category: 4