The Aare Cycle Route is one of the most popular cycle routes in Switzerland. You cycle from Gletsch in the Upper Valais to Koblenz on the Rhine mostly alongside the banks of the longest flowing water in central Switzerland through the Bernese Oberland and the Drei-Seen-Land. From the Grimsel Pass, the Aare Route follows the mighty river until it joins the Rhine at Koblenz. The magnificent mountain panorama of the glaciated Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau is particularly grandiose.
The writer Arthur C. Doyle was so enraptured by the landscape that he had his hero Sherlock Holmes (supposedly) die fighting arch-enemy Professor Moriarty at the Reichenbach Falls near Meiringen. The density of experiences between Meiringen and Solothurn is particularly great: first the breathtaking Aare Gorge, then the legendary Giessbach Falls and finally Interlaken. In Bern, of which Goethe wrote in 1779 that it was "the most beautiful we have ever seen," another highlight awaits with the UNESCO-protected old town.
Learn more about the Aare Cycle Route, its topography and signposting on this page. We give you tips on how to get there, the ideal time to travel and shortcut options along the cycle path. You will also find the most popular cycling tours along the Aare. Because with luggage transfer, cycling is twice as much fun.
Interlaken on the River Aare
On the Aare Cycle Route
The Eiger and the Bernese Alps
The Aare with the Alpine mountains near Meiringen
Interlaken with its church and the bridge over the Aare
Aare Cycle Route signposts in Switzerland
On the Aare Cycle Route from Gletsch to Koblenz
The climb to the Grimsel Pass is quite short and manageable with about six kilometers and 407 meters of altitude, and is rewarded with a breathtaking descent to the Aare Gorge. In the first section you will pass through the Bernese Oberland. World famous is the mountain panorama of the triumvirate Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, which dominates the landscape.
The Aare Gorge is already a highlight at the beginning of the bike tour along the Aare Cycle Route. The Reichenbach Falls and the Beatus Caves, a spectacular stalactite cave system, are also not to be missed. The lakes of Brienz and Thun lie beautifully nestled in front of you, with Interlaken between you. As you continue, the landscape changes. The high alpine landscape merges smoothly into the hilly Bernese Mittelland and later Bieler Seenland. Visit the late medieval old town of Thun with its famous Hochtrottoirs and the capital city of Bern. The medieval old town was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Before you reach Lake Biel and the watch metropolis of Biel, the pretty town of Aarberg marks another highlight in the rural area. Now the river winds in many loops through a fertile land towards the city of Solothurn. It is also called the most beautiful baroque city in Switzerland.
Then the route leads through forests and across fields to Aarburg, where the mighty fortress complex catches the eye. The last section of the Aare Cycle Route leads to Aarau. The city is also called the city of beautiful gables. You follow the lower course of the Aare, past Wildegg Castle and the pretty old town of Brugg with its Black Tower. Only a few kilometers beyond Brugg, the Aare, Reuss and Limmat flow into each other. The Aare has now grown into a mighty river. Koblenz is located at the mouth of the Aare into the High Rhine, right on the border with Germany with Waldshut-Tiengen as its direct neighbor.
Route of the Aare Cycle Path
Short & Sweet: The Aare Cycle Route
- Length
approx. 300 km - Topography
From Brienz up to the Giessbach Falls is the only steep climb to overcome. Basically, the Aare Cycle Route is easy to ride. Shorter gradients occur throughout the route. - Signage
In hardly any other country is the signage of the cycle paths as conscientious as in Switzerland. The Aare Cycle Route is signposted throughout as Velo-Route No. 8. - Quality
You cycle on bike paths, riverside paths and car-free or low-traffic side roads. In the Bernese Oberland, the bike path runs mostly near the shores of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. From Thun to Aarau, the bike path mostly follows the course of the Aare. On some sections, the Aare Cycle Route is not asphalted, but the unpaved sections are good to ride.
Aare Cycle Route Signposts
Travel season
If you want to cycle in the lower reaches of the Aare, you can start as early as the end of April. But if you want to go high up into the mountain region, it is best to plan your cycling trip along the Aare from June until the end of September. Many passes, museums and mountain railroads are only open during this period. Even in summer, a sweater should always be at hand in the high altitudes.
Bern’s Old Town with the River Aare
Getting there
The Aare Route officially begins in Gletsch, which lies at 1757 meters above sea level directly at the foot of the imposing Rhone Glacier. This place is only accessible by post bus from July. Therefore, many cyclists start their journey from Meiringen, which is well reached by regional trains from Lucerne and Interlaken.
If necessary, find out in good time about taking bicycles along.
Viewing platform in the Aare Gorge
Shortcut options
Switzerland also shines as a role model here: There is hardly a better-developed public transport network. If you don't feel like cycling on a certain stage or the weather doesn't cooperate, you can switch to buses, trains and, in sections, boats along the entire route. Bicycles can be sometimes taken along in the post buses.
Brienz railway station on the Aare Cycle Route
For whom is the Aare Cycle Route suitable?
The Aare Cycle Route is suitable for both families and inexperienced cyclists. Since the route runs largely on developed bike paths, the route is safe for children.
From about ten years of age, the Aare Cycle Route is well manageable. However, you should overcome the Grimsel Pass and the way to the Reichenbach Falls by public transport.
Interlaken riverbank
Frequently asked questions about the Aare Cycle Route
