Dans les coulisses du séjour Suisse

Welcome to the Gantrisch Nature Park, a gravel paradise between Bern, Thun and Fribourg

Welcome to the Gantrisch Nature Park - a true gravel paradise at the crossroads between Bern, Thun and Fribourg. This little (well, not so little actually) slice of heaven takes its name from the Gantrisch mountain range, located to the south of the park.

While it’s a delight to hike through forests that feel straight out of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale or to spend a night under the stars, we’ve focused on what we do best: exploring on two wheels. No marked trails here - just the freedom to follow your own path.

Two days of gravel adventure in the Bernese Alps

Guided by his lucky star

Guided by his lucky star, JB, one of GravelUp’s co-founders, headed out for a two-day ride covering 108 km through the Gantrisch region. Diving into his Strava, we found much more than tracks and stats: starry skies like you rarely see, enchanting forests you gladly get lost in, and heartwarming encounters shared over breathtaking views.

From Strava tracks to unforgettable memories

But first: Stra-what? If you’re familiar with gravel riding, this tracking app probably holds no secrets for you. If not, we highly recommend downloading it and giving it a try. Designed like a personal travel journal, it records your photos, distances, average speed per segment, and even perceived temperature. All your gravel adventures in one place; ready to relive anytime you want.

Day 1: From Guggisberg to Ottenleuebad – forests, mountains and starry skies

Waking up to a view of the Bernese Alps, we start from the authentic Sternen Guggisberg inn, fueled by local products and Swiss specialties, for an exceptional first gravel ride between Gustern, Eywald and Ottenleuebad.

Leaving Guggisberg, we pass through the Riffenmatt ski station, imagining a different kind of piste when winter comes. Between mountains and forests, it feels like pedaling through a living postcard - complete escape. Then, toward Eywald and Rüschegg, a well-known winter sports spot, crossing and recrossing the Schwarzwasser River, whose gentle murmur accompanies this Swiss getaway.

We pause for a well-deserved snack by a river before heading gently towards Ottenleuebad. The scenery is simply enchanting - the perfect ending to a day full of discovery. As night falls, it’s easy to see why the Gantrisch Nature Park was designated Switzerland’s first Dark Sky Park: its exceptionally dark sky opens a clear path to the stars.

Day 1 summary: 1,261 meters of elevation gain and we’re absolutely smitten with the region. The Gantrisch Nature Park offers trails for all levels and landscapes full of adrenaline and fresh air - our new favorite gravel playground.

Day 2: Into the Giebeleggwald forest – pure gravel freedom

For the second day, we hop on our Origine bikes and head north from Guggisberg toward the majestic Giebeleggwald Forest. Along the way, a series of charming villages - like Riggisberg, home to a castle listed as a national heritage site - delight us.

The sky is clear, JB has the wind at his back, and he rides a total of 55.85 km, marveling at the beauty of this spectacular forest. The road is lined with perfect gravel, greenery is everywhere, and local treats await at every rest stop.

The day feels like nature’s playlist - waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, flowing streams. Life feels simple, calm, and pure.

Why the Gantrisch Nature Park is a unique playground for gravel riders

Between mountains and valleys, the Gantrisch Nature Park offers rare diversity for gravel enthusiasts - forest tracks, rolling trails, alpine panoramas, and untouched nature. Its location, nestled between Bern, Thun and Fribourg, makes it an ideal playground for escaping the crowds and reconnecting with nature in total freedom.

It’s a place where you rediscover yourself, nature, and the joy of riding without boundaries.

Join our gravel bike tours in the Swiss Alps

This article follows JB’s scouting ride to design our upcoming GravelUp trip in Switzerland. Want to see the full 3-day itinerary? You can discover it right here.

Join our passionate local guide and experience the GravelUp Switzerland Adventure starting summer 2026. The Gantrisch is waiting for you.