Interlaken, a picturesque town nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in the heart of the Swiss Alps, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. While the region is renowned for its hiking, paragliding, and water sports, cycling is another fantastic way to explore its breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist looking for challenging mountain routes or a casual rider seeking a leisurely ride along scenic paths, Interlaken offers a variety of cycling routes that cater to all levels of experience. During my recent visit, I had the pleasure of cycling through some of the most beautiful areas in and around Interlaken.
1. Lake Thun Circuit: A Scenic Ride Around the Jewel of the Bernese Oberland
Route Overview:
The Lake Thun Circuit is a 56-kilometer loop that takes you around the entire perimeter of Lake Thun. This route offers stunning views of the crystal-clear waters of the lake, the surrounding mountains, and charming villages along the way. It’s a moderately challenging route, with some steep sections, but the breathtaking scenery makes every pedal stroke worth it.
Starting Point and Highlights:
I started my ride in Interlaken West, heading towards the town of Thun. The first part of the journey takes you along the northern shore of Lake Thun, where you’ll pass through picturesque villages like Därligen and Leissigen. As you pedal along the lake, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Bernese Alps, including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. One of the highlights of this route is a stop at the St. Beatus Caves, a series of limestone caverns with underground waterfalls and a fascinating history. The caves are located just off the main cycling path, making it a perfect spot for a break and some exploration.
Continuing towards Thun, you’ll cycle through the town of Spiez, known for its beautiful castle and vineyards. Spiez is an excellent place to stop for lunch, with several lakeside restaurants offering delicious Swiss cuisine and stunning views of the lake. After a leisurely lunch, I continued my ride along the southern shore of Lake Thun, where the route becomes more challenging with a few steep climbs. However, the reward is worth the effort, as this section of the route offers some of the most stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Recommendation:
The Lake Thun Circuit is ideal for cyclists with moderate to advanced experience who are looking for a scenic and rewarding ride. The full circuit can be completed in a day, but it’s also possible to split it into sections if you prefer a more relaxed pace. Make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and a camera to capture the incredible views along the way.
2. Lake Brienz Loop: A Tranquil Ride Through Alpine Villages and Along Turquoise Waters
Route Overview:
The Lake Brienz Loop is a 35-kilometer route that circles Lake Brienz, known for its stunning turquoise waters. This route is slightly less challenging than the Lake Thun Circuit, making it perfect for casual cyclists or those looking for a more leisurely ride. The loop offers a mix of flat sections and gentle climbs, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery.
Starting Point and Highlights:
Starting from Interlaken Ost, I cycled along the northern shore of Lake Brienz, passing through the village of Bönigen. The cycling path here is well-paved and relatively flat, making it an easy and enjoyable ride. As you pedal along the lakeshore, you’ll be captivated by the vibrant blue-green waters of the lake, which contrast beautifully with the surrounding green hills and snow-capped mountains. One of the must-see stops along this route is the village of Iseltwald, a small, picturesque village that juts out into the lake. Iseltwald is famous for its charming wooden chalets, flower-lined streets, and the beautiful Seeburg Castle. I spent some time exploring the village and enjoying a coffee by the lake before continuing my ride.
The route then takes you towards the town of Brienz, located at the eastern end of the lake. Brienz is renowned for its woodcarving tradition and is home to the Swiss Woodcarving Museum, which I highly recommend visiting. After exploring Brienz, I continued along the southern shore of the lake, where the path becomes more rural and secluded. This section of the route is incredibly peaceful, with only the sound of birds and the gentle lapping of the lake to accompany you. The final stretch of the loop takes you back to Interlaken Ost, completing the circuit.
Recommendation:
The Lake Brienz Loop is perfect for cyclists of all levels who want to enjoy a scenic and tranquil ride. The route can be completed in a few hours, but I recommend taking your time to explore the charming villages and take in the stunning views. The loop is mostly flat, making it suitable for families and those looking for a relaxed ride.
3. Grindelwald to Interlaken: A Thrilling Descent with Epic Mountain Views
Route Overview:
For those seeking a more adventurous and challenging ride, the route from Grindelwald to Interlaken offers an exhilarating downhill descent with spectacular views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. This 20-kilometer route is primarily downhill, making it a thrilling ride for experienced cyclists. The route takes you from the mountain village of Grindelwald down to the valley floor in Interlaken, passing through lush meadows, dense forests, and charming alpine villages.
Starting Point and Highlights:
To start this route, I took the train from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald, a journey that itself is worth the trip for the incredible views. Grindelwald is a popular destination for hikers and skiers, and the village is surrounded by some of the most iconic peaks in the Alps. After exploring Grindelwald, I began the descent towards Interlaken. The route follows well-maintained mountain roads and bike paths, with plenty of switchbacks and steep sections that will get your adrenaline pumping.
As you descend, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the valley below and the towering peaks above. One of the highlights of this route is passing through the village of Lauterbrunnen, famous for its dramatic cliffs and over 70 waterfalls. The Staubbach Falls, one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe, is a particularly impressive sight and well worth a stop. The final stretch of the route takes you through the valley floor, passing through lush meadows and pastures before arriving back in Interlaken.
Recommendation:
The Grindelwald to Interlaken route is ideal for experienced cyclists who are comfortable with steep descents and high speeds. The route offers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the region, making it a must-do for thrill-seekers and photography enthusiasts. Be sure to check your brakes and wear a helmet, as the descent can be fast and challenging.
4. Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen: A Picturesque Ride Through the Valley of 72 Waterfalls
Route Overview:
The Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen route is a 12-kilometer ride that takes you through one of the most beautiful valleys in Switzerland. The route is relatively flat and easy, making it suitable for cyclists of all levels. Along the way, you’ll pass by some of the most stunning waterfalls and alpine scenery in the region, earning the valley its nickname, “The Valley of 72 Waterfalls.”
Starting Point and Highlights:
Starting from Interlaken Ost, I followed the well-marked cycling path that leads towards Lauterbrunnen. The path is mostly flat, with a few gentle inclines, making it a comfortable and enjoyable ride. As you enter the Lauterbrunnen Valley, you’ll be surrounded by towering cliffs, lush meadows, and cascading waterfalls. The Staubbach Falls, which plunges 297 meters from a cliff above the village, is one of the first waterfalls you’ll encounter. I stopped here to take some photos and admire the sheer scale of the falls.
Continuing along the path, you’ll pass by several other waterfalls, including the Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten glacier-fed waterfalls inside a mountain. The Trümmelbach Falls are accessible via a short detour and are well worth the visit. The sound of the rushing water echoing inside the mountain is a truly unique experience. The route ends in the village of Lauterbrunnen, where you can relax and enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants before heading back to Interlaken.
Recommendation:
The Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen route is perfect for cyclists of all levels who want to experience the natural beauty of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The route is easy and suitable for families, making it a great option for a leisurely day out. Don’t forget your camera, as the valley offers some of the most iconic and photogenic landscapes in Switzerland.
5. The Grosse Scheidegg Pass: A Challenging Climb with Breathtaking Rewards
Route Overview:
For the more experienced and adventurous cyclists, the Grosse Scheidegg Pass offers a challenging climb with some of the most spectacular views in the region. The route is a 31-kilometer ride that takes you from Grindelwald up to the Grosse Scheidegg Pass, followed by a thrilling descent into Meiringen. This is one of the most challenging routes in the Interlaken area, with steep gradients and hairpin bends, but the stunning alpine scenery makes it all worthwhile.
Starting Point and Highlights:
The route begins in Grindelwald, where I started my climb towards
the Grosse Scheidegg Pass. The first part of the route is a steady uphill climb, with gradients reaching up to 12%. As you ascend, the views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains become more and more impressive. The road is narrow and winding, with several hairpin bends that require careful navigation. However, the higher you climb, the more breathtaking the views become.
At the top of the pass, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The Grosse Scheidegg is a popular spot for hikers and cyclists, and there’s a small café where you can enjoy a well-deserved break. After soaking in the views, I began the descent towards Meiringen. The descent is fast and exhilarating, with several tight corners and steep sections. The road passes through lush alpine meadows and forests, with occasional glimpses of the Reichenbach Falls, made famous by Sherlock Holmes.
Recommendation:
The Grosse Scheidegg Pass is ideal for experienced cyclists looking for a challenging and rewarding ride. The climb is tough, but the views from the top are some of the best in the region. Make sure you’re well-prepared for this route, with plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate clothing for the changing weather conditions at higher altitudes.
6. Interlaken to Thun: A Relaxed Ride Along the Aare River
Route Overview:
The Interlaken to Thun route is a 30-kilometer ride that follows the Aare River from Interlaken to the town of Thun. This route is mostly flat and easy, making it perfect for a relaxed and leisurely ride. The path is well-paved and follows the riverbank, offering beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and the river itself.
Starting Point and Highlights:
Starting from Interlaken West, I followed the cycling path that runs alongside the Aare River. The path is well-marked and easy to follow, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery. As you cycle along the river, you’ll pass through charming villages and lush farmland. The route is very peaceful, with only the sound of the river and birdsong to accompany you.
One of the highlights of this route is the town of Thun, located at the western end of Lake Thun. Thun is known for its historic old town, medieval castle, and beautiful lakeside promenade. I spent some time exploring Thun’s narrow streets, visiting the Thun Castle, and enjoying a meal at one of the many lakeside restaurants. After a relaxing break, I took the train back to Interlaken, although it’s also possible to cycle back if you’re up for a longer ride.
Recommendation:
The Interlaken to Thun route is perfect for cyclists of all levels who want to enjoy a leisurely and scenic ride. The flat terrain makes it suitable for families and those looking for a relaxed day out. Thun is a beautiful town with plenty to see and do, making it a great destination for a day trip from Interlaken.
Cycling in Interlaken offers a diverse range of routes that cater to all levels of experience, from leisurely rides along the shores of Lakes Thun and Brienz to challenging climbs up mountain passes like the Grosse Scheidegg. The stunning natural beauty of the region, combined with its well-maintained cycling infrastructure, makes Interlaken a paradise for cyclists. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or simply a way to explore the breathtaking landscapes, these cycling routes promise an unforgettable ride.
