Discover Bern by Bike

You find riding on paved roads too boring? You want to ride downhill sections but also cover some distance? Then the gravel bike is for you! A gravel bike excursion is the perfect combination of physical challenge and beautiful surroundings. Be it for a short after-work ride or a day trip with friends: you’ll find routes for all levels in Bern. We recommend exploring the impressive Gantrisch Nature Park with its pre-alpine terrain, were gravel roads alternate with asphalt passages. Or check out one of the many other diverse routes that the Bern region has to offer!

Want to enjoy the diversity of the Bernese countryside but get in some exercise, too? Then the road bike is for you! “Gümmeler” (road cyclists) can be seen throughout the region. We particularly recommend a tour through the hilly landscapes of the Emmental valley – challenging climbs are rewarded with a downhill ride that takes you past lush green meadows and traditional farmhouses. And there are plenty of charming restaurants and farm shops along the way to recharge your batteries. Take a look at our favourite road bike tours in the region.

Looking for thrills on flow trails, single trails and in skills parks? Then the mountain bike is for you!  Bern has lots to offer for mountain bikers – and the trails are always set in peaceful nature with stunning views. Our tip: in only 15 minutes, you can ride from the city centre to Bern’s local mountain, the Gurten, where the Gurten Trail awaits. It is the ideal trail for beginners and experienced riders alike, with 2.4 kilometres full of jumps and berms. And if you’re mostly into the “down” part of downhill biking and not too keen on riding uphill, this trail is perfect: bikes are allowed in the Gurten funicular.

Better together: social rides are having a moment in Bern’s cycling scene. Join other like-minded bicycle enthusiasts in your area to share your passion and discover new routes. Thömus Rider Collective organises community rides throughout Switzerland. With its regular rides, Disco Cycle promotes cycling culture in the region. Cycling My Way offers guided bike tours around Bern, including private group tours. Fast and female helps women find suitable cycling groups nationwide.

Safely navigating the next turn or conquering the first few metres off-road: good riding technique brings joy, safety, and self-confidence. In Bern, there are suitable opportunities for both beginners and experienced riders to hone their skills and learn new ones. At the Swiss Bike Park in Oberried, certified bike guides offer private lessons in which they teach the fundamentals of technique and balance. Give your confidence in your riding abilities a boost! Pro Senectute also helps you to get active, with mountain bike courses, guided bike tours, and technique training sessions at various locations in Bern, the Emmental and the Oberaargau region.

A soft clicking, grinding brakes, a flat tyre: these issues are actually not that hard to take care of yourself. All it takes is the right know-how. Thömus offers practical courses for anyone with basic technical knowledge wanting to learn how to carry out repairs themselves. The team will show you how to properly maintain a bicycle and fix minor problems step by step. Pro Velo Bern’s bike repair courses, too, are a hands-on experience. Participants learn how to quickly fix breakdowns and keep their bikes in good shape.