Aare River, from the Swiss Alps to the Rhine
Switzerland Bike Tours
Biking on Switzerland’s famous cycle route number 8
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length5–8 days
- Prices fromCHF 954 Rates
Overview
The Aare Route, also known as national route number 8, is Switzerland’s first fully signposted long-distance bicycle route.
This itinerary gives you an excellent idea of the variety of landscapes that characterize Switzerland. The starting point lies in the midst of the Bernese Alps – but don’t panic! The action of the Aare river over millions of years has made this trail manageable for even the average cyclist.
The bike trail winds its way pleasantly through woods and meadows, along fertile fields, and through isolated villages where the charm of the countryside and the old way of life will enchant you. The beauty of Switzerland is on full display! Choose between various itineraries to suit every type of traveler.
Highlights
- Lakes formed by the Aare – Lake Thun, Lake Wohlen, and Lake Brienz
- The capital city of Bern
- The many small towns and villages of the Swiss Alps
- The Rhine River
- "Ambassadorial City" of Solothurn
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Itinerary
8-day: From Grimselpass to Bad Zurzach
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 ZurzachDay 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.7-day: From Interlaken to 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 ZurzachDay 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!Day 1: Arrival to Bern
Day 2: Bern - Biel, 31 mi. (50 km) | Ascent +470m/Descent -580m
Day 3: Biel - Solothurn, 18. mi. (30 km) | Ascent +90m/Descent -95m
Day 4: Solothurn - Aarau, 37 mi. (60 km) | Ascent +330m/Descent -445m
Day 5: Departure from AarauLooking for a different flavor? Check out our entire list of European bike tours or view all featured tours, news, and specials.
Map
Hotels & Bikes
This bike tour features two levels of accommodation.
For the itineraries starting in Grimselpass and Bern:
Category A: 3 and 4-star hotels
Category B: 3-star hotels
For the itinerary starting in Interlaken:
Category A: 4-star hotels
Category B: 3 & 4-star hotelsBicycles
Electric Bike
E-Bike Flyer C-series
- Aluminium frame
- Gearshift:
- built 2021: Shimano Nexus 8-speed hub gears
- built 2022: Shimano Nexus 5-speed hub gears
- Magura HS22 (hydraulisch) rim brakes
- SR Suntour NEX, 63mm suspension fork
- Panasonic 36V/250W mid-engine
- Panasonic Li-Ion-Mangan 15Ah/36V (540Wh) Battery
- Operating distance: max. 100 km
- 28" (size XS: 26") wheel size
- Weight limit 330lbs
- Front and rear mudguards
- Lights and hub dynamo
- Luggage rack
- Chain guard
- Frame lock
- Side stand
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for the tour & category selected
- Breakfasts
- Daily luggage transfers, 2 pieces per person weighing no more than 20 kg (discount available if traveling with only 1 piece)
- 27-Speed Tour de Suisse Touring Bike, with 1 saddle bag, service kit, air pump, & bike lock
- Boat ride Interlaken - Thun
- Carefully elaborated route descriptions
- Travel documents (1 x per room)
- Navigation app and GPS data
- 1 year SwitzerlandMobility Plus subscription
- Subsidy for arrival by train
- Service hotline
What’s Not Included
- Remaining meals
- Helmets (free of charge but must be reserved in advance!)
- Tourist tax, if applicable (to be paid at each hotel)
- Travel Insurance
- Bike Protection
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Grimselpass to Bad Zurzach
Arrival possible daily from June 15 to September 29, 2024
From Interlaken to Bad Zurzach
Arrival possible daily from March 30 to October 13, 2024
Bern to Aarau
Arrival possible daily from March 30 to October 13, 2024
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2024
8-day: Grimselpass to Bad Zurzach
Season 1: September 14 to September 29, 2024
Season 2: June 15 to September 13, 2024Category A Category B Season 1 $ 3194 £ 1621 $ 2,924 € 1934 Ft 789631 kr 287860 ₪ 7865 ¥ 320525 Mex$ 42381 NZ$ 3515 kr 23172 zł 8438 S$ 2779 kr 22530 CHF 1789 $ 2,096 $ 3044 £ 1545 $ 2,787 € 1844 Ft 752555 kr 274344 ₪ 7496 ¥ 305476 Mex$ 40391 NZ$ 3349 kr 22084 zł 8041 S$ 2648 kr 21473 CHF 1705 $ 1,998 Season 2 $ 3319 £ 1685 $ 3,039 € 2010 Ft 820528 kr 299123 ₪ 8173 ¥ 333067 Mex$ 44040 NZ$ 3652 kr 24078 zł 8768 S$ 2888 kr 23412 CHF 1859 $ 2,178 $ 3141 £ 1594 $ 2,875 € 1902 Ft 776390 kr 283032 ₪ 7733 ¥ 315151 Mex$ 41671 NZ$ 3456 kr 22783 zł 8296 S$ 2732 kr 22153 CHF 1759 $ 2,061 Single supplement $ 777 £ 394 $ 711 € 470 Ft 192001 kr 69994 ₪ 1912 ¥ 77937 Mex$ 10305 NZ$ 855 kr 5634 zł 2052 S$ 676 kr 5478 CHF 435 $ 510 $ 545 £ 276 $ 499 € 330 Ft 134621 kr 49076 ₪ 1341 ¥ 54645 Mex$ 7225 NZ$ 599 kr 3950 zł 1438 S$ 474 kr 3841 CHF 305 $ 357 7-day: Interlaken to Bad Zurzach
Season 1: April 6 to April 26 | September 28 to October 13, 2024
Season 2: March 30 to April 5 | April 27 to September 27, 2024Category A Category B Season 1 $ 2785 £ 1414 $ 2,550 € 1687 Ft 688555 kr 251012 ₪ 6859 ¥ 279497 Mex$ 36956 NZ$ 3065 kr 20206 zł 7358 S$ 2423 kr 19646 CHF 1560 $ 1,828 $ 2543 £ 1291 $ 2,328 € 1540 Ft 628527 kr 229129 ₪ 6261 ¥ 255130 Mex$ 33735 NZ$ 2797 kr 18444 zł 6716 S$ 2212 kr 17934 CHF 1424 $ 1,668 Season 2 $ 2882 £ 1463 $ 2,638 € 1745 Ft 712390 kr 259701 ₪ 7096 ¥ 289172 Mex$ 38236 NZ$ 3171 kr 20905 zł 7612 S$ 2507 kr 20327 CHF 1614 $ 1,891 $ 2650 £ 1345 $ 2,426 € 1605 Ft 655010 kr 238783 ₪ 6524 ¥ 265880 Mex$ 35156 NZ$ 2915 kr 19221 zł 6999 S$ 2305 kr 18689 CHF 1484 $ 1,739 Single supplement $ 784 £ 398 $ 718 € 475 Ft 193766 kr 70637 ₪ 1930 ¥ 78653 Mex$ 10400 NZ$ 862 kr 5686 zł 2070 S$ 682 kr 5529 CHF 439 $ 514 $ 445 £ 226 $ 407 € 269 Ft 109904 kr 40065 ₪ 1095 ¥ 44612 Mex$ 5899 NZ$ 489 kr 3225 zł 1174 S$ 387 kr 3136 CHF 249 $ 292 5-day: Bern to Aarau
Season 1: April 6 to April 26 | September 28 to October 13, 2024
Season 2: March 30 to April 5 | April 27 to September 27, 2024Category A Category B Season 1 $ 1839 £ 934 $ 1,684 € 1114 Ft 454623 kr 165732 ₪ 4528 ¥ 184540 Mex$ 24401 NZ$ 2023 kr 13341 zł 4858 S$ 1600 kr 12972 CHF 1030 $ 1,207 $ 1703 £ 865 $ 1,559 € 1032 Ft 421078 kr 153504 ₪ 4194 ¥ 170923 Mex$ 22600 NZ$ 1874 kr 12357 zł 4499 S$ 1482 kr 12015 CHF 954 $ 1,118 Season 2 $ 1918 £ 973 $ 1,756 € 1161 Ft 474044 kr 172812 ₪ 4722 ¥ 192423 Mex$ 25443 NZ$ 2110 kr 13911 zł 5065 S$ 1668 kr 13526 CHF 1074 $ 1,258 $ 1775 £ 901 $ 1,625 € 1075 Ft 438733 kr 159940 ₪ 4370 ¥ 178090 Mex$ 23548 NZ$ 1953 kr 12875 zł 4688 S$ 1544 kr 12518 CHF 994 $ 1,165 Single supplement $ 498 £ 253 $ 456 € 302 Ft 123145 kr 44893 ₪ 1227 ¥ 49987 Mex$ 6610 NZ$ 548 kr 3614 zł 1316 S$ 433 kr 3514 CHF 279 $ 327 $ 366 £ 186 $ 335 € 222 Ft 90483 kr 32986 ₪ 901 ¥ 36729 Mex$ 4856 NZ$ 403 kr 2655 zł 967 S$ 318 kr 2582 CHF 205 $ 240 Extra Options
Electric bike rental
Grimselpass to Bad Zurzach $ 252 £ 128 $ 230 € 152 Ft 62235 kr 22688 ₪ 620 ¥ 25262 Mex$ 3340 NZ$ 277 kr 1826 zł 665 S$ 219 kr 1776 CHF 141 $ 165 Interlaken to Bad Zurzach $ 232 £ 118 $ 212 € 141 Ft 57380 kr 20918 ₪ 572 ¥ 23291 Mex$ 3080 NZ$ 255 kr 1684 zł 613 S$ 202 kr 1637 CHF 130 $ 152 Bern to Aarau $ 195 £ 99 $ 178 € 118 Ft 48111 kr 17539 ₪ 479 ¥ 19529 Mex$ 2582 NZ$ 214 kr 1412 zł 514 S$ 169 kr 1373 CHF 109 $ 128 Extra nights
Cat. A Cat. B Grimselpass double/twin $ 259 £ 131 $ 237 € 157 Ft 64000 kr 23331 ₪ 637 ¥ 25979 Mex$ 3435 NZ$ 285 kr 1878 zł 684 S$ 225 kr 1826 CHF 145 $ 170 $ 259 £ 131 $ 237 € 157 Ft 64000 kr 23331 ₪ 637 ¥ 25979 Mex$ 3435 NZ$ 285 kr 1878 zł 684 S$ 225 kr 1826 CHF 145 $ 170 Single supplement $ 107 £ 54 $ 98 € 65 Ft 26483 kr 9654 ₪ 264 ¥ 10750 Mex$ 1421 NZ$ 118 kr 777 zł 283 S$ 93 kr 756 CHF 60 $ 70 $ 107 £ 54 $ 98 € 65 Ft 26483 kr 9654 ₪ 264 ¥ 10750 Mex$ 1421 NZ$ 118 kr 777 zł 283 S$ 93 kr 756 CHF 60 $ 70 Bern double/twin $ 205 £ 104 $ 188 € 124 Ft 50759 kr 18504 ₪ 506 ¥ 20604 Mex$ 2724 NZ$ 226 kr 1490 zł 542 S$ 179 kr 1448 CHF 115 $ 135 $ 195 £ 99 $ 178 € 118 Ft 48111 kr 17539 ₪ 479 ¥ 19529 Mex$ 2582 NZ$ 214 kr 1412 zł 514 S$ 169 kr 1373 CHF 109 $ 128 Single supplement $ 125 £ 63 $ 114 € 76 Ft 30897 kr 11263 ₪ 308 ¥ 12542 Mex$ 1658 NZ$ 138 kr 907 zł 330 S$ 109 kr 882 CHF 70 $ 82 $ 80 £ 41 $ 74 € 49 Ft 19862 kr 7241 ₪ 198 ¥ 8062 Mex$ 1066 NZ$ 88 kr 583 zł 212 S$ 70 kr 567 CHF 45 $ 53 Aarau double/twin $ 223 £ 113 $ 204 € 135 Ft 55173 kr 20113 ₪ 550 ¥ 22396 Mex$ 2961 NZ$ 246 kr 1619 zł 590 S$ 194 kr 1574 CHF 125 $ 146 $ 205 £ 104 $ 188 € 124 Ft 50759 kr 18504 ₪ 506 ¥ 20604 Mex$ 2724 NZ$ 226 kr 1490 zł 542 S$ 179 kr 1448 CHF 115 $ 135 Single supplement $ 107 £ 54 $ 98 € 65 Ft 26483 kr 9654 ₪ 264 ¥ 10750 Mex$ 1421 NZ$ 118 kr 777 zł 283 S$ 93 kr 756 CHF 60 $ 70 $ 71 £ 36 $ 65 € 43 Ft 17655 kr 6436 ₪ 176 ¥ 7167 Mex$ 948 NZ$ 79 kr 518 zł 189 S$ 62 kr 504 CHF 40 $ 47 Interlaken $ 230 £ 117 $ 211 € 139 Ft 56938 kr 20757 ₪ 567 ¥ 23112 Mex$ 3056 NZ$ 253 kr 1671 zł 608 S$ 200 kr 1625 CHF 129 $ 151 $ 177 £ 90 $ 162 € 107 Ft 43697 kr 15930 ₪ 435 ¥ 17737 Mex$ 2345 NZ$ 194 kr 1282 zł 467 S$ 154 kr 1247 CHF 99 $ 116 Single supplement $ 134 £ 68 $ 123 € 81 Ft 33104 kr 12068 ₪ 330 ¥ 13437 Mex$ 1777 NZ$ 147 kr 971 zł 354 S$ 117 kr 945 CHF 75 $ 88 $ 80 £ 41 $ 74 € 49 Ft 19862 kr 7241 ₪ 198 ¥ 8062 Mex$ 1066 NZ$ 88 kr 583 zł 212 S$ 70 kr 567 CHF 45 $ 53 Bad Zurzach double/twin $ 230 £ 117 $ 211 € 139 Ft 56938 kr 20757 ₪ 567 ¥ 23112 Mex$ 3056 NZ$ 253 kr 1671 zł 608 S$ 200 kr 1625 CHF 129 $ 151 $ 212 £ 108 $ 195 € 129 Ft 52524 kr 19148 ₪ 523 ¥ 21321 Mex$ 2819 NZ$ 234 kr 1541 zł 561 S$ 185 kr 1499 CHF 119 $ 139 Single supplement $ 98 £ 50 $ 90 € 59 Ft 24276 kr 8850 ₪ 242 ¥ 9854 Mex$ 1303 NZ$ 108 kr 712 zł 259 S$ 85 kr 693 CHF 55 $ 64 $ 18 £ 9 $ 16 € 11 Ft 4414 kr 1609 ₪ 44 ¥ 1792 Mex$ 237 NZ$ 20 kr 130 zł 47 S$ 16 kr 126 CHF 10 $ 12 Discounts
When traveling with only one (1) suitcase, the following discounts apply per person:
Grimselpass to Bad Zurzach $ 375 £ 190 $ 343 € 227 Ft 92690 kr 33790 ₪ 923 ¥ 37625 Mex$ 4975 NZ$ 413 kr 2720 zł 990 S$ 326 kr 2645 CHF 210 $ 246 Interlaken to Bad Zurzach $ 312 £ 159 $ 286 € 189 Ft 77242 kr 28158 ₪ 769 ¥ 31354 Mex$ 4146 NZ$ 344 kr 2267 zł 825 S$ 272 kr 2204 CHF 175 $ 205 Bern to Aarau $ 187 £ 95 $ 172 € 114 Ft 46345 kr 16895 ₪ 462 ¥ 18812 Mex$ 2487 NZ$ 206 kr 1360 zł 495 S$ 163 kr 1322 CHF 105 $ 123 Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate
This self-guided bike tour is rated moderate. The route is perfectly signposted and takes place mostly on trails far from car traffic. Some of the route takes place on “natural” or dirt paths, but most is asphalted. While this tour is predominately flat, there are stages with steep uphills. You’ll find the elevation gain/loss in the day-to-day itinerary.
Airport Info
Fly to Bern International Airport (BRN) or Zurich (ZRH)
Local Travel
Train travel in Switzerland is safe, convenient, & efficient! The SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) offers a CHF 10.00 discount on the ticket price for anyone participating in a hiking or biking tour. The reduction can be obtained on the SBB website or on the SBB App when you buy your ticket.
Climate
This area of Switzerland has a humid continental climate characterized by warm summers and cold winters. June to August is the peak season for tourism as temperatures are quite pleasant. The Aare River is a popular spot in summer as locals and tourists swim and raft.
Day of Rest
The stages of this itinerary can be shortened or bypassed entirely via train. Certain train cars are designated for passengers with bicycles.
Remarks
It is possible to add an extra night before, after, or during your tour.
Important to know
Travel Documents
Each traveler must ensure that you comply with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Tour Operator
This tour is run by EuroTrek.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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