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The Interlaken Valley

The stunning lakes and mountain landscape of the Thunersee and Brienzersee valley is without doubt some of the most spectacular Swiss Alpine scenery you will ever see. As you cycle down quiet country roads and designated cycle lanes, your eyes will constantly be drawn to the snow-capped peaks that tower above you, amongst which you will soon be meandering. Take time to inhale the cool, fresh air; pause to enjoy the delicious local cuisine, and relax in our elegant and comfortable hotels.

Beginning in Meiringen, you follow a spectacular route through the heart of Switzerland, passing Brienzersee and Interlaken where you make a diversion into the high mountain landscape. Continuing along the lake of Thunersee you stay in comfortable traditional hotels as you cycle on to Thun and the historic city of Bern.

Nights: 6
Grade: 2, occasional uphill sections
Terrain: country lanes, lakeside cycle paths
Hotels: three 3-star hotels, one 4-star hotel
Meals: breakfast each day, dinner on 5 nights
Climate: this part of Switzerland enjoys a warm summer and a fine spring and autumn. The table below gives the average temperatures (in °C) for Interlaken.

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

13

17

21

23

22

19

14

<empty> Hotel Berghof
<empty>Sluice bridge in Thun
<empty>Interlaken
<empty>Lauterbrunnen Valley
<empty>Cycling near the Staubbach Falls
<empty>Cycling in Bern

Starting point: Hotel Victoria (3*), Meiringen. You are warmly welcomed by the hospitable Anderegg family to their hotel in the centre of the village. The elegant accommodation and excellent cuisine here will whet your appetite for the rest of the week.

Day 1: You begin with a circuit along the valley floor to the head of the lake of Brienzersee and the pretty town of Brienz, renowned for its wood carvings which adorn the houses. Take time to visit ‘the most beautiful street in Europe’, where most of the flower-bedecked buildings date back to the 18th century. Around Meiringen itself we also recommend a detour to the nearby Aare Gorge, a spectacular ravine where wooden walkways lead over crystal clear streams that have carved their way through the rock, or the Reichenbach Falls, where it is claimed Sherlock Holmes met his untimely end. (up to 24km)

Accommodation: Hotel Victoria, as above.

Day 2: This rewarding day begins with a pleasant cycle along quiet lanes to Brienzersee where you join the cycle path on the south side of the lake towards Interlaken. You ascend towards Giessbach, a good spot to stop at the imposing Grand Hotel for a drink and to admire the panoramic view of the lake. Continue on to the picturesque village of Wilderswil. (32km)

Accommodation:
Hotel Berghof (3*), Wilderswil. Set above the village, the Berghof (complete with outdoor pool), boasts commanding views in all directions, including the Jungfrau/Eiger massif.

Day 3: Today you catch the train up to Lauterbrunnen, and then cycle along the valley to Stechelberg. This spectacular valley is home to some 72 waterfalls, including the impressive Staubbach Falls which plunge 300 metres from an overhanging rock face. Alternatively, for a day out of the saddle, you could choose to take the train to Wengen and then through the Eiger to the Jungfraujoch or the cable car up to Mürren and the Schilthorn revolving restaurant, all easily accessible from Lauterbrunnen. Pay locally for transport in all cases. (up to 25km)

Accommodation: Hotel Berghof, as above.

Day 4: After a morning visit to Interlaken, you continue along the shores of Lake Thun past Spiez, a small town famed for its imposing castle and church standing high above the small harbour. Your destination is Thun, located at the end of the lake and often considered to be the gateway to the Alps. This late medieval town is well worth exploring before heading to Hünegg. (37km)

Accommodation: Hotel Chartreuse (3*), Hünegg.

Day 5: Leaving the high mountain scenery behind, you cycle along a wide open valley to the historic capital of Switzerland. This is an enjoyable cycle through neatly farmed countryside which contrasts beautifully with the dramatic mountains. (33km)

Accommodation: Hotel Belle Epoque (4*), Bern. This intimate and elegant hotel is situated a short walk from the centre of Bern. The bedrooms are all individually decorated and the hotel's bar has a bustling bistro atmosphere. Your stay is on a bed and breakfast basis, leaving you free to take your pick of the many restaurants.

Recommendations for extra nights: To fully explore the city of Bern at your leisure, why not add some extra nights in this lively and cosmopolitan capital? The medieval old town is a Unesco World Heritage Site and boasts one of the longest covered shopping promenades in Europe, measuring 6 kilometres in length.

Similar cycling holidays: Slovenia's Secret Corner (grade 1-2), Lakes and Valleys of Slovenia (grade 2), Salzburg's Lake District (grade 2)

Prices & travel 2008:

£ per person based
on 2 in a double rm
Cycle
price
Self-
drive
By
rail*
Single
room
6 nights: 1 June-19 October 2008
1-20 Jun 682 726 924 70
21 Jun-29 Aug 723 768 967 70
30 Aug-12 Sep 698 744 942 70
13-30 Sep 682 726 924 70
1-19 Oct 653 700 895 70
3rd+ person saving 10 50 0  

Recommended destination airport: Zurich
Latest flight arrival time: 1700
Earliest flight departure time: 1100
*Connecting travel:
return rail from Zurich (out 2h30/home 1h25) £43pp
Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route, times and price to suit you
Self-drive includes:
P&O Ferries Dover-Calais
Start:
any day

Extra night prices 2008

Extra night (£ per person per night) Double
room
Single
room
Meiringen 1-27 Jun 68 82
  28 Jun-27 Sep 73 87
  28 Sep-19 Oct 68 82
Wilderswil 1-13 Jun 64 60
  14 Jun-12 Sep 68 62
  13 Sep- 18 Oct 59 55

This is currently our only cycling holiday in Switzerland.

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