An Alpine Getaway: From Bern to the Gantrisch Mountains. A 5-day guided gravel bike tour.
364 Google reviews
Discover the region of Berne on an all-inclusive gravel bike tour, in a small group and guided by a certified guide. Travel with peace of mind — we take care of everything.
5 days of cycling adventure between the Emmental and the Gantrisch massif. This unique gravel itinerary takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the canton of Bern: rolling green hills, deep forests, unspoiled alpine pastures, and spectacular alpine panoramas. Each stage is carefully designed to combine the joy of gravel riding with discovery, featuring gourmet stops, charming villages, and handpicked accommodations.
From Langnau im Emmental to the shores of Schwarzsee, let yourself be carried by the diversity of terrain and the beauty of Swiss landscapes. With steady climbs, playful descents, and flowing sections, this trip offers a complete nature immersion in an authentic and preserved environment.
Whether you are passionate about gravel riding, a fan of bikepacking adventures, or simply looking for an active and scenic escape, this journey is an invitation to explore, challenge yourself, and slow down.
✨ Team’s favorite: arriving at Schwarzsee, nestled in the heart of the mountains… before a final panoramic ride back to Berne
In a small group, ride through lush valleys and alpine passes while sharing authentic moments.
Ride through the heart of Swiss landscapes, breathe the pure Alpine air, and encounter the local wildlife — a truly unique human experience.
Traditional Alpine chalet: cozy comfort and authentic atmosphere in the heart of the Swiss Alps.
Shared pause on the gravel trails: conversation and camaraderie among adventurers amid Alpine landscapes.
Encounters with local wildlife on the gravel trails: cows, marmots, ibex, and chamois.
Majestic panorama of the Swiss Alps: green valleys and snow-capped peaks.
Crystal-clear alpine lakes reflecting snow-capped peaks: pure beauty and alpine serenity.
Sunrise over the Swiss mountains: golden light illuminating the Alpine landscapes.
Friendly break in a typical Alpine village: warm exchanges and immersion in local culture.
Cobblestone streets and traditional façades: immersion in the authentic charm of a Swiss Alpine village.
Village eateries: traditional dishes, a friendly atmosphere, and immersion in local culture.
Suspended moments at the summit: contemplation, conversation, and camaraderie amid the Alpine ridges.
Gravel riding along the Bernese Alps ridges: breathtaking views and one-of-a-kind sensations.
Traditional chalet and flower-lined streets: a suspended moment in the beauty of Swiss villages.
Mountain-top village: tranquility, breathtaking landscapes, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Exploring the Swiss alpine pastures: gravel paths winding through lush green meadows.
Hear from those who’ve lived the experience – and come ride with us!
364 Google reviewsI was lucky enough to take part in a trip to Switzerland — an amazing experience! The organization was flawless from start to finish, the equipment provided was top-notch, and the lodge, charmingly rustic as we love them, added a real touch of authenticity. A perfectly balanced adventure of sports, nature, and camaraderie. I highly recommend it!
Vincent. R
The organisation is exemplary in its professionalism, with constant attention paid to every detail and every participant. The support team is attentive, caring and passionate, creating a friendly and reassuring atmosphere.
The guides are highly skilled, offering outstanding technical and mental support, even for those who are new to gravel biking or are not used to this type of bike. The bikes are of impeccable quality, as is the logistical support.
Emmanuel. C
I have been fortunate enough to take part in five GravelUp trips: in Switzerland, Oslo, around Mont Ventoux, in the Grands Causses and in Nice. Each experience has been exceptional. The gravel routes are magnificent, perfectly chosen and suitable for all levels. The organisation is flawless, with a team that is both professional and friendly. The accommodation and restaurants are always of a high standard. A friendly atmosphere and team spirit are guaranteed! GravelUp is the benchmark for real cycling adventures.
Julian. A
A wonderful experience in Switzerland at Gantrisch, with a fantastic team who listened to our needs and top-notch organisation.
Christophe. L
Stages, landscapes, highlights: discover the program that awaits you. This itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather or logistics, to ensure the best possible experience.
Welcome to Bern, the Swiss capital with its medieval charm. After a pickup at 11:00 am in Bern train station and settling into our base camp, enjoy lunch before heading out for a warm-up loop on our Origine gravel bikes.
This first gravel ride takes you up to the Belpberg heights: quiet roads, smooth trails, and your first panoramic views of the Bernese Alps. An ideal warm-up to get into the rhythm of the trip.
In the evening, enjoy a beautiful group gathering in the charm of our Swiss base camp.
Head towards the Emmental region, one of the most beautiful areas in Switzerland, known for its rolling landscapes, lush green meadows, and iconic traditional farmhouses. This gravel cycling stage in Switzerland immerses you in an authentic and unspoiled region.
The gravel route alternates between quiet secondary roads and smooth gravel tracks, offering the perfect setting to experience gravel biking in Switzerland. A stop in Burgdorf provides a chance to enjoy a coffee break in a charming historic town.
The afternoon continues through Swiss hills and scenic countryside all the way to Langnau im Emmental, with stunning views over the surrounding landscape.
Arrival in the evening in a friendly atmosphere, the perfect moment to enjoy a well-deserved aperitif and share the highlights of this gravel bike trip in Switzerland.
A change of scenery on this gravel bike tour in Switzerland: the Swiss Pre-Alps gradually come into view, and the terrain becomes more rugged as you ride toward more alpine landscapes. This stage offers a progressive immersion into gravel cycling in Switzerland.
After a few well-deserved coffee stops along the way, you’ll cross more wild landscapes, between Swiss forests and alpine pastures, along a varied and engaging gravel route. The ride offers stunning open views of the Pre-Alps, enhancing the feeling of a true bikepacking adventure in nature.
Arrival in Längenbühl, in a peaceful natural setting, perfect for recovery after a day of gravel biking in the mountainsand to prepare for an even more alpine stage ahead.
One of the most beautiful days of this gravel bike tour in Switzerland! Head towards the Gantrisch massif, in the heart of the Swiss Alps, for a full immersion in a spectacular alpine environment. This mountain gravel stage is a highlight of the entire trip.
The gradual climb takes you through Swiss forests and alpine pastures, offering an authentic gravel cycling experience. The ascent to the Gurnigel Pass is a key moment of the day, with a well-deserved coffee break overlooking spectacular alpine panoramas. The atmosphere becomes increasingly alpine, with more and more breathtaking landscapes.
The descent then leads you to Schwarzsee Lake, an idyllic Swiss setting surrounded by mountains and pristine nature. Check into your accommodation, followed by a dinner with a view of the lake, to close this unforgettable gravel bike trip in the Swiss Alps.
The final day of this gravel bike tour in Switzerland, heading back to Bern, the Swiss capital. This last stage offers a perfect conclusion to your gravel cycling trip in Switzerland, combining effort, pleasure, and alpine scenery.
The ride begins with a rolling section, ideal for enjoying the last moments of gravel biking in Switzerland, followed by a more sustained and playful descent back toward the plains. The route allows you to fully enjoy the final kilometers of this gravel bike adventure, in a consistently immersive setting...We’ll all enjoy one final lunch together.
Return to Bern starting at 4 p.m., with the option to take a shower before departure. The end of a gravel cycling trip in Switzerland filled with stunning scenery, physical challenges… and, above all, unforgettable memories.
Practicalities
How to get there?
There are two ways to reach your trip:
• Arrive by your own means and go directly to the meeting point indicated. • Arrive by train or plane. In this case, we organise a shuttle between the arrival train station or airport and your accommodation.
Detailed information (locations, timings, transfer organisation) can be found in the Adventure Book – Day 1 section of your trip.
Level
With us, there’s no stopwatch. We start together and we finish together. To help every rider find the adventure that suits them best, we offer 5 difficulty levels, from 1/5 to 5/5, detailed below. The level of each trip is shown at the top of its page, on the header photo. If you’re still unsure, just write to us at bonjour@gravelup.earth — we’ll be happy to help you assess the right level for you.
Please note: all our trips are open to e-gravel bikes (available for rental in all our destinations). Our groups include both traditional and electric bikes to ensure a smooth balance of pace.
Booking
Not at all! Our expeditions do not require previous gravel riding experience. Our itineraries are designed to be accessible to all, as long as you have a spirit of adventure. You may have to carry or push your bike on some short sections, but that's part of the Gravel Up adventure!
Please note: Our hire bikes are the latest spec models and are meticulously maintained for your comfort and safety. They are the ideal bikes in terms of comfort and safety for all our adventures
Practicalities
You will be accommodated in charming hotels, chalets, or renovated former shepherds’ cottages, carefully chosen for their comfort, history, and the authenticity of their hosts!
Booking
We prioritize small groups of 8 to 12 participants to encourage meaningful interactions and maintain the friendly spirit of the trip.
Traveling in a small group also allows us to minimize our impact on the trails we use and to respect the territories we pass through.
Safety
Our guides are carefully chosen based on their experience and local knowledge of each region to guarantee you an unforgettable adventure. All our guides have French State validated bike qualifications. They are also French levels 1 and 2 first aid trained as you would expect.
Equipment
Yes, we ride on routes where neither road bikes nor mountain bikes are perfectly suited — that’s what makes gravel so special! You can bring your own gravel bike or rent one directly when booking your trip.
Across all our destinations, we offer two models from Origine: the lightweight Graxx GTO (8.1 kg) and the Help e-gravel (12 kg). Both combine performance, versatility and comfort - perfect companions for your adventure. Learn more about our rental bikes.
Good to know: Thinking about buying a gravel bike after your trip? Our partner Origine will refund your first day of rental if you decide to purchase a Graxx or Help afterwards - the perfect opportunity to test them out before making your choice.
Booking
You may change the date of your trip free of charge up to 30 days before departure. You may also cancel your booking at any time prior to the start of your trip. The following conditions will then apply:
More than 90 days before departure → 75% refund, or a 100% credit of the amounts paid, valid for the next 12 months
Between 60 and 90 days before departure → 50% refund, or a 75% credit of the amounts paid, valid for the next 12 months
Between 30 and 60 days before departure → 25% refund, or a 50% credit of the amounts paid, valid for the next 12 months
Less than 30 days before departure → No refund, or a 50% credit of the amounts paid, valid for the next 12 months
You may also take out cancellation insurance with our partner Chapka Insurance. This option will be offered at the time of booking. More information about the insurance is available here.
Please note that a Trip Credit cannot be converted to a refund at a later date.
Embark on a gravel trip in the Swiss Alps, exploring the stunning Gantrisch Nature Park. Ride through alpine lakes, deep forests, and breathtaking peaks for an unforgettable cycling holiday in Switzerland.
All included: charming accommodation, local cuisine, support van, and a local guide. The perfect gravel escape in the Alps to discover Switzerland’s best routes.
👉 Explore more gravel destinations across France and Europe - download our free catalog HERE
