Gravel biking in Bern

Starting in Lützelflüh, this 42-kilometre circular route heads straight up onto a ridge with sweeping views of the Alps and the Jura mountains. Simply follow the signs for route 99, and you’ll soon spot the Emmental Show Dairy in Affoltern, the perfect place to refuel for the road ahead. From there, you’ll keep going towards Ferrenberg and route 899. On the way back, the trail winds through the rolling Emmental hills, past beautiful traditional farmhouses. For the final stretch following route 24, the River Emme will be your companion from Lochbach Oberburg back to Lützelflüh. The Ferrenberg route is a wonderful blend of everything: active adventure, relaxing moments, and stunning nature.

Fancy a full-body workout in the great outdoors? This varied 65-kilometre route leads from Bundesplatz out into the rural Gürbe valley and back. Starting in Bern’s UNESCO-listed old town is an experience itself: cobblestones, sandstone facades, and the historic Matte district provide plenty of urban flair. If you follow the River Aare, the city quickly fades as nature takes over: flat riverside paths, gentle climbs, and a short climb to the Chutzen on the Belpberg reward you with expansive views reaching from Lake Thun to the Emmental and back to the federal city. The way back via Gerzensee and Wattenwil is mostly flat, following the River Gürbe. You’ll cross the River Aare at the Auguetbrücke near Muri before returning to the old town via the Kirchenfeldbrücke.

This varied gravel route starts on Bundesplatz in the heart of Bern and leads through the idyllic Köniz valley to Belp. From there, the path meanders along the River Gürbe to Wattenwil, with views of the gentle hills at the foot of the Belpberg. The way back takes you through the Gürbe valley, past the Müsche stream and Belpmoos, and back to the federal city via Kehrsatz. The route is mostly flat but “pleasantly bumpy”: it consists almost entirely of the dusty gravel and field paths that make every gravel fan's heart beat faster. With panoramic views of the Stockhorn and Gantrisch ranges and nature at its most raw, it promises pure cycling bliss – complete with that classic gravel rattle in your bones and a heart full of joy. 

Covering nearly 60 kilometres through pre-Alpine hills, this sporty circular route starting in Schwarzenburg is defined by meadows, forests, and charming villages. The starting point is just 30 minutes from Bern by train. Before setting off, it’s worth taking some time to explore Schwarzenburg Castle. Then, it's a steady climb over field paths, through woods, and past scenic stretches like the Neuenmatt and Than. From Rüschegg Heubach through Riggisberg to Wislisau, crisp climbs alternate with fast descents. Again and again, panoramas open up across the Central Plateau and the Jura – on clear days, you can even see as far as the Bernese Oberland. On the final kilometres along the Schwarzwasser river, the countryside stretches out before you, providing a relaxing finish as you coast back into Schwarzenburg.

The true “gravel feeling” begins when fine grit crunches beneath your tyres and the view opens up over rolling hills and vast horizons. Balance and Bike brings this exact experience to life on the region’s most beautiful trails. Led by Stefan Ramseier, these guided tours perfectly blend local knowledge, technical skills, and the beauty of the outdoors. Discover hidden paths, scenic ridges, and peaceful stretches far off the beaten path that show the authentic sides of the Bern region.