Berner Oberland-Route

Leaving Thun towards Steffisburg, a drops of sweat pedalling up to the terrace above the Thunersee, past Heiligenschwendi with panoramic views of the lake, the Niesen pyramid and proud 4000-metre peaks. An up and down in flower meadows, almost Alpine again and the Justistal, far from any hustle and bustle. Through the sunny terrace village of Beatenberg.

Racy downhill run to peaceful Unterseen, bordering on the Alpine tourist town of Interlaken, an adventure-sport Mecca. The route accompanies the Jungfrau Railway along the Lütschine up to Grindelwald, the glacier villager at the foot of the majestic Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau massif.

The overwhelming panorama spurs you on to another athletic ascent up to Grosse Scheidegg (1962 m), followed by a glorious downhill run past the Rosenlauischlucht gorge and the Reichenbach Falls, where Sherlock Holmes fell to his death. The Aare pours out of the Aareschlucht gorge, cyclists have arrived in Meiringen. As a reward, the town’s speciality: meringue, a sweet and light dream of egg-whites and sugar.