2020

The Aare Cycle Path

From Interlaken to Constance

Interlaken – Bern – Aarau – Constance

Radweg-Reisen Tour
UNESCO world heritage town Bern, Baroque town Solothurn, Rhine Fall Schaffhausen
Boat trip on Lake Thun included!
Daily routes ●●○○○
Altitude profile ●●●○○

9
days

50
km / day avg.

The Aare cycle path leads you all the way to the river's mouth, where it flows into the Rhine. Once you have left Interlaken’s mountainous backdrop behind you, you cycle onwards to Switzerland’s federal capital Bern and further, via baroque towns and villages to the so-called Wasserschloss (Water Castle). Afterwards, you follow the Rhine upstream until you reach the impressive Rhine Falls which you will be able to get very close to on a boat trip. This tour following Switzerland’s longest river takes you through impressive landscapes while giving you time to get to know the towns along the route and try out all the regional delicacies.

Booking code
CH-IK8
Start / Destination
Interlaken / Constance
Duration
9 days, 8 nights
Length
approx. 340 km
Daily routes ●●○○○
between 30 and 65 km, Ø 50 km
Altitude profile ●●●○○

Day 1: Individual arrival in Interlaken

In the town situated between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, an overwhelming mountain panorama is awaiting you. The Bernese Oberland is in perfect sight from Interlaken. Why not enjoy picture-perfect views of Mounts Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger while on the rack railway? The Aare, which will accompany you along vast parts of this trip, flows straight through this town. Pre-booked rental bikes are ready and waiting for you at your hotel.

Day 2: Interlaken – Bern, approx. 35 km + boat trip

Today’s stage starts with a boat trip over Lake Thun, followed by a leisurely ride towards Bern. This city, which has received UNESCO world heritage site status and was already raved about by the likes of Goethe, has a lot to offer: Why not discover Paul Klee’s work or stroll along the Kramgasse through Bern’s historic centre, or visit the Zytgloggeturm tower, which is known for its astronomical clock and its unique chime.

Cyclists heading to Biel — Heading to Biel

Day 3: Bern – Biel, approx. 50 km

Cycling along the Aare River and Lake Wohlen you come to the bilingual town of Biel / Bienne. The Swiss watch-making industry made the town famous. In the Omega museum you can learn all about the industry. The many fountains in the old town are also worth a look, the majority of which are fed by the Roman springs. They were once thought to be holy. The lake shore known as the Strandboden is also beautiful.

Day 4: Biel – Solothurn, approx. 30 km

Cycling alongside the river Aare, you quickly reach Solothurn. This canton capital, with great sights such as the Basle Gate, St. Urs’ Cathedral and other splendid monuments, is considered to be Switzerland’s most beautiful baroque town. Solothurn also has a special connection to the number eleven: eleven churches and chapels, eleven fountains, eleven towers and eleven steps are only a few examples. We’re sure that you will discover further connections to Öufi.

Day 5: Solothurn – Aarau, approx. 60 km

Charming villages, lush meadows and an impressive castle lie ahead on your way towards Aarau. This town is shaped by the 16th century and was once the capital of the Helvetic Republic. You will be particularly impressed by the over 70 detailedly painted roof soffits in the town’s historic centre, which is also why Aarau is known as the town of pretty gables. Look upwards!

Day 6: Aarau – Waldshut-Tiengen, approx. 50 km

Today you cycle alongside the Aare to the town of Brugg, which is home to Habsburg castle, the home of the eponymous dynasty, which ruled over a medieval global empire. Via the Wasserschloss (Water Castle), through which almost half of Switzerland’s water flows, you reach Koblenz, the place where the Aare flows into the Rhine. Now it’s only a few miles to today’s final destination!

Rhine Falls, Schaffhausen — Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen

© BLDWRK.de - Alex Kaufenstein

Day 7: Waldshut-Tiengen – Schaffhausen, approx. 65 km

Upstream along the Rhine you continue your trip, and why not visit Rheinau Monastery, picturesquely situated on a river island, on the way? It was built in the 11th century and developed into the focal point of a small period of regional monastic dominion. The closer you get to the Schaffhausen Rhine falls, the more you will hear the noise of the water crushing down. By boat, you will sail on to the Rhine Fall Rock, which is steadfastly defying the huge masses of water.

Day 8: Schaffhausen – Constance, approx. 50 km

Today, you cycle to Stein am Rhein, where you find several fresco-clad buildings. From here, you ride alongside Lake Constance until you reach the city of Constance, where the Seerhein marks the Rhine’s kilometre zero. The old episcopal city was the scene of a medieval council, and the only papal election north of the Alps. Why not visit the Rosgartenmusuem, where Constance’s history is exhibited within historical walls.

Day 9: Individual journey home or extension of stay

After breakfast, your trip along the Aare cycle path – one of the most popular in Switzerland – concludes. We are more than happy to extend your holiday, both on the Aare cycle path or Lake Constance.