Aare River, from the Swiss Alps to the Rhine

Day 1: Arrival in Grimselpass
Day 2: Grimselpass - Iseltwald, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 3: Iseltwald - Bern, 46 mi. (75 km)
Day 4: Bern - Biel, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 5: Biel - Solothurn, 18. mi. (30 km)
Day 6: Solothurn - Aarau, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 7: Aarau - Bad Zurzach, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 8: Departure from Bad Zurzach

Day 1: Arrival at Grimselpass
Welcome to Switzerland! There is no better place to start this incredible bike tour than in Grimselpass, an imposing dam surrounded by a mountain world of rock and ice. Jaw-dropping panoramas await around every corner. This is the source of the Aare River, the longest river in the country, your guide for the next several days. 

Day 2: Grimselpass - Iseltwald, 31 mi. (50 km) | Ascent +405m/Descent -1,975m
You'll start with a steep descent into the Aare valley before reaching Meiringen. Here you can visit the Sherlock Holmes museum and stroll around this typical town. Be sure to try some meringue, as Meiringen is believed to be the birthplace of this tasty treat. At the shore of the Lake of Brienz, there is another hill to conquer before reaching Iseltwald, your destination of the day.

Day 3: Iseltwald - Bern, 46 mi. (75 km) | Ascent +620m/Descent -690m
Cycling the quiet shores of Lake Brienz, you will soon reach Lake Thun and the town of Interlaken nestled in between. Interlaken is a hub for adventure seekers who come from all over to explore the Alps. The dominant peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau are a constant presence. You will continue by boat to Thun, the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. You'll continue in the wide Aare Valley until reaching Bern, the capital of Switzerland. 

Day 4: Bern - Biel, 31 mi. (50 km) | Ascent +470m/Descent -580m
From Bern, you'll pass Lake Wohlen, a birding paradise. The river will lead you into the Seeland and then to Lake Biel. The town of Biel-Bienne, where you'll hear German and French spoken equally, is a famous watch-making center. Most are familiar with the prestige and precision of Swiss-made watches, and Biel is where you'll find the headquarters for the most prominent brands. 

Day 5: Biel - Solothurn, 18. mi. (30 km) | Ascent +90m/Descent -95m
Today's route is short so you have enough time to spend in the old town or on the lake at the beach. Solothurn is the capital of the canton of the same name and is considered to be Switzerland's most beautiful Baroque town. The number eleven has particular significance here: there are 11 churches and chapels, 11 fountains, 11 towers, and 11 steps. Be sure to stop in any of the numerous riverfront cafes to try the tasty sweet: Solothurner Torte.

Day 6: Solothurn - Aarau, 37 mi. (60 km) | Ascent +330m/Descent -445m
The River Aare, which has increased considerably in size, is what shapes the landscape in this region. Villages, fields, and a magnificent castle accompany you on your way to Aarau, which still bears features dating back to the 16th century from when the town was once the capital of the Helvetic Republic. Walk through the town - and keep looking up! This town is famous for its lovely gables. 

Day 7: Aarau - Bad Zurzach, 31 mi. (50 km) | Ascent +335m/Descent -375m
Finally, you will arrive at where the Aare meets the Rhine river in Koblenz, Switzerland. Hugging the border of Germany, you will pass gabled houses, wetlands, and wildlife. Soon you arrive to the spa town Bad Zurzach. Consider booking an extra night in this Swiss village, to have time to relax in the thermal baths after your bike tour. 

Day 8: Bad Zurzach departure
This incredible bike tour comes to an end in Bad Zurzach.

Day 1: Arrival in Interlaken
Day 2: Boat ride to Thun, Thun - Bern, 28 mi. (45km)
Day 3: Bern - Biel, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Biel - Solothurn, 18 mi. (30 km)
Day 5: Solothurn - Aarau, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 6: Aarau - Bad Zurzach, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Departure from Bad Zurzach

Day 1: Arrival in Interlaken
Welcome to the adventure capital of Switzerland! Surrounded by the Bernese Alps and situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, this small city is as scenic as they come. If you arrive early, be sure to take in the views from Harder Kulm or enjoy a boat ride on Lake Thun.

Day 2: Boat ride to Thun, Thun - Bern, 28 mi. (45km) | Ascent +500m/Descent -565m
Your ride begins in the wide Aaretal (Aare Valley). You'll pass large villages, open fields, & lush meadows, all while being accompanied by the powerful river Aare. Soon you arrive in the capital of Swizterland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Bern. The Bern Cathedral with its towering viewing platform, the impressive Houses of Parliament (Bundeshaus) just a stone's throw from the train station, & the elevated rose garden are just a few of the highlights that await you in this city. 

Day 3: Bern - Biel, 31 mi. (50 km) | Ascent +470m/Descent -580m
From Bern, you'll pass Lake Wohlen, a birding paradise. The river will lead you into the Seeland and then to Lake Biel. The town of Biel-Bienne, where you'll hear German and French spoken equally, is a famous watch-making center. Most are familiar with the prestige and precision of Swiss-made watches, and Biel is where you'll find the headquarters for the most prominent brands. 

Day 4: Biel - Solothurn, 18 mi. (30 km) | Ascent +90m/Descent -95m
Today's route is short so you have enough time to spend in the old town or on the lake at the beach. Solothurn is the capital of the canton of the same name and is considered Switzerland's most beautiful Baroque town. The number eleven has particular significance here: 11 churches and chapels, 11 fountains, 11 towers, and 11 steps. Be sure to stop in any of the numerous riverfront cafes to try the tasty sweet Solothurner Torte.

Day 5: Solothurn - Aarau, 37 mi. (60 km) | Ascent +330m/Descent -445m
The River Aare, which has increased considerably in size, is what shapes the landscape in this region. Villages, fields, and a magnificent castle accompany you on your way to Aarau, which still bears features dating back to the 16th century from when the town was once the capital of the Helvetic Republic. Walk through the town - and keep looking up! This town is famous for its lovely gables. 

Day 6: Aarau - Bad Zurzach, 31 mi. (50 km) | Ascent +335m/Descent -375m
The River Aare, which has increased considerably in size, is what shapes the landscape in this region. Villages, fields, and a magnificent castle accompany you on your way to Aarau, which still bears features dating back to the 16th century from when the town was once the capital of the Helvetic Republic. Walk through the town - and keep looking up! This town is famous for its lovely gables. 

Day 7: Departure from Bad Zurzach
Your tour comes to an end! Consider extra nights in Bad Zurzach or Interlaken!