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This fascinating race will be taking place along a spectacular stretch of landscape. The wonderful scenery between the Aare, Bernese Alps, Seeland and the Bernese Jura makes Bern Switzerland’s most diverse canton. Let ‘Le Tour’ be your inspiration, and experience a range of scenic, cultural and gastronomic highlights – all Made in Bern.
Bern
The Swiss capital of Bern offers breathtaking views over the Bernese Alps. Virtually no other city has preserved its historic features in the way that Bern has.
The architectural treasures of the old town, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, never cease to captivate. The lively alleyways and arcades with their delightful cafés create a unique atmosphere and are largely responsible for Bern’s cosmopolitan charm. Bern has plenty to be explored: the Parliament Building and Parliament square (Bundesplatz), which has a popular water feature in summer, Bern’s landmark Clock Tower (Zytglogge), the BearPark, the river Aare, the minster, top-class museums and much more besides. Examples of medieval construction stand alongside world-famous architecture and design in Bern.
Great names like Albert Einstein made Bern their home. And other international celebrities, including the first Bond Girl Ursula Andressand the cyclist and Olympic winner Fabian Cancellara have their roots in Bern.
If you look beyond the city borders, the regions of Emmental, Gantrisch Nature Park, Oberaargau and Laupen as well as the wider regions opposite, are just waiting to be discovered with their charming, undulating landscapes, ancestral palaces, typical Bernese farmhouses, regional and yet world-renowned products such as Emmental cheese and a wide range of outdoor activities.
Gstaad
With over 500 kilometres of GPS tours for mountain bikers, roadbikers and e-bikers, signposted routes and specialised Bike Hotels, two-wheel fanatics can enjoy full and easy access to this famous and beautiful holiday destination.
For example, Gstaad has a huge variety of mountain biking routes ranging from steep ascents to easy flat stretches and beautiful single track through magnificent mountain forests.
Gstaad Saanenland is our insider’s tip for road bikers. From May to October, the range of exciting routes is immense – including wide mountain passes, narrow side roads, and stretches that cross the cantonal border.
Check out the specialised bike hotels too!
Jungfrau Region
The three famous peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau – and 160 km of mountain bike trails – make the UNESCO World Heritage area of the Jungfrau region a mountain mecca for cyclists. The resorts of Grindelwald, Wengen, Mürren, Lauterbrunnen and the Haslital have loads to offer all year round, but if you’re feeling especially strong, try the Alpenbrevet, starting from Meirengen on 27 August 2016 – the toughest road cycling challenge in Switzerland. The longest route of this annual event is 276 km and crosses five alpine passes!
Interlaken/Thun
Interlaken is an ideal base for a variety of cycling holidays in the region, with excellent access to pleasant cycling trips along the lake shores or more challenging mountain bike tours high in the mountains. And if you don’t fancy doing all the work yourself, a rented electric bike puts many a scenic ascent within the grasp of even the youngest or oldest of mountain lovers.
For a different way to tackle the descents, pedal-less scooter-bikes are great fun for all the family. One racy downhill run starts at the Niederhorn-Vorsass cable station and takes you haring down mountain roads through wonderfully quiet scenery to Beatenberg.
Kandersteg
With its imposing high peaks topping off beautiful mountain scenery, the natural paradise of the Kander Valley is hard to beat. A circuit around Lake Oeschinen is a must for any active traveller here – on two legs or two wheels – as is a visit to the Blausee Nature Park.
And for speed seeking downhill riders or lovers of jumps and ramps, the freeride route from Sunnbüel to Kandersteg is an adrenalin-surging, leg-pumping trail to challenge any biker. A number of jumps, banked turns and wooden ramps have been built on this hugely enjoyable 4.7 kilometre trail.
Heart Route
For cycle lovers who prefer to take their time, the ‘Herzroute’ offers heart-warming encounters with nature, weaving through rolling hills, lush meadows, and beautiful forests.
The aim of the Herzroute is not to get from A to B by the most direct route, but to experience the twists and turns of Switzerland as it once was, and at your own pace.
And with modern electric bikes the Herzroute can be enjoyed by all abilities and ages. Points for rental and battery changing are conveniently dotted along the way.
From Langnau, the Herzroute leads through the peaceful open countryside of the Emmental. The beautiful scenic vantage points are highlights in this primeval Swiss landscape, while the historic old town of Burgdorf is the ideal place to round off an enjoyable excursion. Length: 45 km, of which 7 km are unsurfaced.
Bike hotels
Hotel Kernen, Schönried
Smashing family-owned hotel with great bike-friendly facilities and close to mountain railways.
Hotel Lauberhorn, Grindelwald
A specialist mountain bike hotel offering secure storage, a workshop, wash-point, free laundry service and GPS rental.
Congress Hotel Seepark, Thun
4-star-superior hotel on the lake with superb transport connections, guided tours, hotel bike rentals, packed lunches, and safe bike parking.
For more go to bern.com
