Aare River in Bern - Photo via Wikimedia Commons:Daniel Schwen Bern - Photo via Wikimedia Commons:Daniel Schwen

Aare Trail

Switzerland Bike Tour

Along the Aare River

As the cows graze on the alpine meadows with their bells ringing and the mountains soaring majestically towards a billowing blue sky, the towns of Meiringen and Interlaken and their intriguing Gothic architecture will grace your presence with delight. Interlaken is also the base spot for a journey up to the highest railway station in Europe: Jungfrau at 11,333 ft. Take a promenade to the Ice Palace. Afterwards, a panorama of chocolate-brown chalets, rich vineyards and imposing castles over the wide plains of the Aare Valley will quietly lead you to Bern, the Swiss political capital. Founded in 1191, Bern has been classified a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and is most notable for its well-preserved medieval Altstadt, which includes Einstein's former home as well as the 16th century Clock Tower from which colorful mechanical figures timely pop out to announce the hour. Following Bern, the Wohlen Lake and Biel Lake will further enrich your journey while the storks of Altreu, the towers of the Solothurn Cathedral, the inviting outdoor cafés and the enchanting river landscape of the Aarau Valley will round off this tour.

Where You’ll Stay

There are 5 options for accommodations:
*Sleep in Straw: It is what it says! Sleep overnight with your sleeping bag at a local farmhouse in the hay barn.
Hostel: Dormitory (share a room) in youth and backpacker hostels.
Budget Hotels: Simple hotel rooms (single, double, or triple) with common shower on each floor, in hotels, hostels, B&B, etc.
Standard Hotels: Nice, comfortable hotels based on the 3-star level. All rooms with private facilities.
Top Class Hotels: Superior hotels of at least the 4-star level. All hotels in a special location, for example on the shores of a lake, and / or with special amenities (such as Wellness area). All rooms with private facilities.
*For Sleep in Straw, linens are provided but it’s best to bring your own sleeping bag. Since only 1 piece of luggage is included in luggage transportation, it’s best if you can somehow tie it to your luggage piece.

What’s Included

  • 7 or 8 night accommodations
  • Breakfast buffets
  • 21-speed hybrid bicycle
  • Helmet rental included
  • Luggage transfer (only one piece of luggage per person included in tour price.) Supplemental fee for extra luggage.
  • Route descriptions & maps

Aare Trail Map

Book This Trip

TourBike
TypeSelf Guided
SkillEasy
Length7–8 days
FromCHF704
Print Tour

Tour Dates

  • Daily from May 1 to October 15, 2012

Skill Level

Easy; self-guided hotel tour

Easy self-guided hotel tour with distances of about 20 to 36 miles per day over predominantly flat roads (sign-posted) with some rolling hills possible.

Day-To-Day Itinerary

Aare Trail Map
  1. Arrival in Meiringen.
  2. Meiringen - Interlaken, 19 mi. (30 km)
  3. Interlaken - Thun, 18 mi. (28 km)
  4. Thun - Bern, 19 mi. (30 km)
  5. Bern - Biel, 31 mi. (50 km)
  6. Biel - Solothurn, 21 mi. (34 km)
  7. Solothurn – Aarau, 33 mi. (53 km)
  8. Departure from Aarau.

* 7 day tour runs from Oberwald to Zurzach with overnight stops in Meiringen, Thun, Biel & Aarau in between.

The Aare Trail is Switzerland’s first, fully signposted long-distance bicycle route, and it was created in 1995. It is a magnificent tourist attraction that already enjoys an international reputation. The Trail gives you an excellent idea of the variety of landscapes that characterize Switzerland. The starting point lies in the midst of the highest of the Bernese Alps – but don’t panic! The action of the river over millions of years has flattened the path and you can follow it quite easily. The attractions along the way include the lakes formed by the Aare – Lake Thun, Lake Wohlen, Lake Bienne – as well as a variety of cities and villages, some with world-famous names, and some with names you will never have heard of before. And as the bike trail winds its way pleasantly along the lanes through woods and meadows, along fertile fields and through isolated villages where the charm of the provinces lives on unchanged, you will also have ample opportunity to see a true picture of «everyday» Switzerland.

DAY 1: Arrival into Meiringen.
Individual arrival into Meiringen and overnight.

DAY 2: Meiringen - Interlaken, 19 mi. (30 km)
The Aare gorge near Meiringen is a spectacular visit before you start the tour - and the green, green lake of Brienz will be a charming companion today. Overnight in Interlaken.

DAY 3: Interlaken – Thun area, 18 mi. (28 km)
Embarking on the journey along Lake Thun can easily be postponed until the afternoon since Thun is only half the day’s ride away. Once on the road, you can admire the intoxicating panorama of snow-covered mountain peaks, deep blue waters, vineyards flourishing in the mild climate, imposing castles and the dark-brown chalets. Overnight in Thun area.

DAY 4: Thun area – Bern, 19 mi. (30 km)
The snow-covered peaks begin to retreat after Thun and you enjoy an unobstructed view over the wide plains of the Aare Valley. The Aare route, well marked and usually without excessive motor traffic, passes right through Bern, the Swiss capital, just like the river does. Overnight in Bern.

DAY 5: Bern – Biel, 31 mi. (50 km)
After Bern, the Wohlensee extends a warm welcome – and now you will witness the merry interplay between the dazzling beauty of nature and the industrial world of energy production. The vegetable-growing region in the Grossen Moos and later on the Lake of Biel mark the scenery of today’s route. Overnight in Biel.

DAY 6: Biel – Wangen, 21 mi. (34 km)
Following Biel, the Aare returns as your faithful companion. The storks of Altreu circling in the sky provide a very special adventure. And soon the towers of the Solothurn Cathedral greet you from afar. In Solothurn you may roam the picturesque lanes of the old center with its outdoor cafes, and perhaps venture an excursion to the local Weissenstein mountain before continuing to the medieval town of Wangen on the Aare. Overnight in Wangen.

DAY 7: Wangen – Aarau area, 33 mi. (53 km)
Riding leisurely through an enchanting river landscape between Berken, Aarwangen and Wolfwil. Visit the pedestrian zone in Olten’s old center. Overnight in Aarau area.

DAY 8: Departure from Aarau area.
Individual departure following breakfast.

Please note: Also possible is a 5 day tour in which the departure is from Bern.

Book This Trip

Questions? Call us! 877-965-2064 or e-mail us

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