Alpine Panorama Route

Montbovon is located all the way in the south of the Canton Fribourg bordering on the Pays d’Enhaut region. Before heading for the untamed Vallée de l’Hongrin, you will pass inviting bed and breakfast inns and possibly run out of breath, because the road is steep. Grumbling and groaning – but not because of the effort – the Hongrin River fights its way through the ancient-looking ravines. Be careful biking past overhanging rocks or you might be unpleasantly surprised by a tree branch or even a boulder. Life in the valley may be quite adventurous at times, but Lac de l’Hongrin will calm even the most restless soul. Dozens of small mountain creeks are feeding the crystal-clear reservoir.

The restricted military zone begins in La Lecherette. The bike route leads across the Petit Hongrin shooting range and is open from 1 July to 15 August, although the military is active then. Their instructions must be strictly followed and may lead to a short wait now and then. In June, in the second part of August and in September and October the bike route is only open on Saturdays and Sundays. Otherwise take the bypass across the Col des Mosses pass. As many as 50 bridges are listed on 50 green panels with yellow numbers. It looks like you’re supposed to cross 50 bridges and see at least 50 tanks. The mountain farmers don’t seem to mind the cracks of the guns. They stoically keep mowing the grass in the meadows and in the mountainous rocky environment.

Sometimes it is quite hazy here, but when something blue is sparkling ahead it must be Lake Geneva. The descent from Les Agites pass (1538 m) down to Aigle offers fantastic views. A 300 m dripping tunnel with shafts for illumination affords spectacular sights of the Rhone Valley. Take a brief rest in Luan to look at the mountains of the Dents du Midi group. There is even a panorama board with the names of all the mountains you can see. The ride through the winegrowing villages of Corbeyrier, Vers-Morey and Yvorne to the warmth of the Rhone Valley is winding and brisk. Château d'Aigle, one of Switzerland’s most important castle complexes towers above the small town of Aigle, where you might see a cute tramway chugging straightaway to the train station.