One of the classic cycling routes in Switzerland. Although the Aare Route starts in Gletsch in a high alpine region, the river has carved a bicycle-friendly way through the rock, with no climbs worth mentioning all the way to Lake Constance. You cycle through the cantons Berner Oberland and Swiss Mittel-Land, across the Three Lakes Country and into the southern Jura region. Enjoy charming provincial Switzerland, native farms and unspoilt nature along this popular and easy route.

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY 

1st day: Individual arrival in Interlaken

The city between the Brienzer- and Thunersee lakes is a popular starting point for visiting the Aare gorge and the mountains of the Berner Oberland.

2nd day: Interlaken – Thun – Bern, approx. 35 km + boat trip

A boat takes you over the Thunersee, then you cycle to Bern. Goethe thought it was the most beautiful Swiss city – it is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3rd day: Bern – Biel, approx. 50 km

Along the Aare and the Wohlensee lake to the bilingual city of Biel/Bienne which is famous for the Swiss clock and watch industry.

4th day: Biel – Solothurn, approx. 30 km 

In the morning there is enough time to stroll through the old town or enjoy the lake before you take the bikes and cycle to Solothurn, the capital of the canton of Solothurn.

5th day: Solothurn – Aarau, approx. 60 km

A scenic bike path through small towns and meadows to Aarau which used to be the capital of the Helvetic Republic in former times.

6th day: Aarau – Waldshut-Tiengen, approx. 50 km

On your way to the Rhine you pass the „moated castle of Switzerland“ through which almost half of Switzerland‘s water resources flow. In Koblenz the Aare flows into the Rhine which you follow upstream to Waldshut-Tiengen.

7th day: Waldshut-Tiengen – Schaffhausen, approx. 65 km

You pass the Rheinau monastery which is picturesquely located on an island. The closer you get to the Rhine Falls the louder you will hear the noise of the water falling down 23 metres.

8th day: Schaffhausen – Constance/Kreuzlingen, approx. 50 km

Along the Rhine through fishing towns to the well-known city of Stein am Rhein and along the Lower Lake to Constance in Germany.

9th day: Individual departure or extension of stay

RATING: Easy 

Paved cycle paths along the river; mainly flat or slightly downhill, with just a few small hills. Suitable for novice cyclists, families and experienced cyclists alike. Some stretches are along public roads in/out of the towns.

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AIRPORT / TRANSFERS

The nearest international airports are Zurich and Geneva, with regular rail transfers available directly from the terminals of each.

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SCHEDULE  & PRICE

Departure Dates 2016:    Daily from mid April to mid October

Season 1:   March 20 – May 12  &  October 4 – 23

Season 2:   May 29;- June 6;     August 24 – October 3

Season 3:   May 13 – 28;   June 24 – August 23

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Departure Dates 2016:    Daily from mid April to mid October

Season 1:   April 22 to 28  &  October 1 to 15

Season 2:   April 29 to May 19;   June 18 to 30;    August 27 to September 30

Season 3:   May 20 to June 17;   July 1 to August 26

This tour includes: 

• 8 nights accommodation in a double room with private facilities. The hotels we use on this tour are family run guesthouses and hotels of 3 star standard.
• breakfasts daily
• Luggage transport from hotel to hotel
• Boat trip from Interlaken to Thun
• Boat trip to the Rhine Falls rock
• Entrance Rosgartenmuseum in Constance incl. 1 coffee
• modern 21 speed hybrid bicycle with pannier, lock, tool kit
• 7-Days Service hotline
• Detailed travel material, maps, and route descriptions of places of interest

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A 5 night / 6 day version of this tour is also available, from Bern to Zurich, or from Meiringen to Biel. Contact us for details and price.