Cycling in Switzerland

Although a couple of my best friends are from Switzerland, we never have discussed what the cycling is like over there.  But this great little guest post helped introduce me to what riding is like there, and I hope you enjoy it as well

Cycling in Switzerland

Just a stone’s throw away from capital city Bern, there are some of the most unique cycling routes in the whole of Europe. The Bern-Sud route contains so many twists, turns and sharp corners, not to mention steep inclines that even the most experienced cyclist might wonder how they’ll ever manage to navigate it in one piece!

At 42km, it’s not quite the Tour de France route, but it’s challenging nonetheless. Meandering over the Langenberg und Belpberg Mountains, the route takes in views of the magnificent Apline chain, the plains of Gurbetal and Aaretal and numerous side roads that run through the outskirts of Bern itself.

Velocity in the valleys

The route begins in the Biberze, moves through the Gibelegg and leads to Riggisberg. There, the Abegg-Stiftung Foundation exhibits precious examples of local art if you fancy a quick stop. Next, you’re on your way to Gurbetal and then on an upward climb towards Belpberg and Gerzensee, one of the most peaceful parts of the route.

Towards the end of your ride, you’ll take in the Aare waters, wealthy Munsingen and some of the Aaretal’s oldest villages. Next, you’ll be taking in floral Trimsteinmoos and the Weroble valley before you finish when Route 37 ends in Worblaufen, a district packed with industrial developments.

Staying off the beaten track

Although Bern and the surrounding environs have plenty of places to stay, the small town of Interlaken is less than 15 miles away from the Bern-Sud cycling route and is easily accessible by bike or train. It’s also got quite a bit going for it if you’re a keen cyclist who enjoys a little adventure.

Liz and Mike Cakebread, travel representatives based in Interlaken for Inghams tours, have experience of the area and all it can offer for tourists who want to explore this part of the world by bicycle, train, cable car or even by foot.

“Cruise round Lake Brienz with its emerald-green waters – stopping off at the Grand Hotel Giessbach to see the Giessbach Waterfalls then onto the wood carving village of Brienz.  If you have time, continue onto Switzerland’s largest open-air museum – Museum Ballenberg”, they said.

They also recommend trips to the Jungfraujoch railway station, the highest in Europe, and the Schiltorn, the revolving restaurant which famously featured in James Bond film ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’.