Join mountain-bike champion Frans Claes in a journey through the most breathtaking gravel routes in the Alps. Coffee stops hidden among majestic alpine views and a ride you’ll never forget.
Join mountain-bike champion Frans Claes in a journey through the most breathtaking gravel routes in the Alps. Coffee stops hidden among majestic alpine views and a ride you’ll never forget.
Hosted by Frans Claes
Pro mountain biker
Ride through the heart of Switzerland’s Bern region alongside professional mountain biker Frans Claes, following the same gravel routes he trains on year-round. Each day covers 60–70 km of legendary cycling in a scenic landscape, winding through alpine valleys, shimmering lakes, and quiet forest trails beneath the iconic peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. This is gravel riding at its purest with breathtaking nature, crisp mountain air, and the timeless beauty of the Swiss countryside. Between rides, explore Bern’s historic landmarks, visit Emmental, home of Switzerland’s most famous cheese, and relax with local wines and craft beers as the sun sets over the stunning Lake Thun.
4 days, 3 nights
Max 15 people
Queen stage included!
Ride through the heart of Switzerland’s Bern region alongside professional mountain biker Frans Claes, following the same gravel routes he trains on year-round. Each day covers 60–70 km of legendary cycling in a scenic landscape, winding through alpine valleys, shimmering lakes, and quiet forest trails beneath the iconic peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. This is gravel riding at its purest with breathtaking nature, crisp mountain air, and the timeless beauty of the Swiss countryside. Between rides, explore Bern’s historic landmarks, visit Emmental, home of Switzerland’s most famous cheese, and relax with local wines and craft beers as the sun sets over the stunning Lake Thun.
4 days, 3 nights
Max 15 people
Queen stage included!
Arrive in Gunten at your own pace and settle into the serene lakeside setting. In the evening, we’ll come together for a relaxed team dinner, where you’ll get to know your fellow riders and Frans as he shares stories and a glimpse of what’s ahead for the weekend’s adventure.
The first day will warm up the legs with a mostly flat gravel ride to the historical capital of Switzerland. As Bern is known as a cycling-friendly city, this is the perfect way to explore it on a gravel bike. We’ll pass by the UNESCO-listed Old Town and the Zytglogge Clock Tower, stop at some of the many monuments and old buildings, see some bears (yes, real ones), and enjoy a coffee (or two) in one of Bern’s best cafés. Take a moment to soak in the atmosphere as Bern’s blend of medieval charm and lively streets makes it one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals. The day ends with dinner at one of Frans’ favourite local restaurants, exchanging stories and laughs over great food.
Day 3 is the Queen Stage, a breathtaking loop around Lake Brienz at the perfect moment when the mountains awaken after winter. Snow still crowns the peaks while the valleys come alive with colour, creating one of the most magical rides of the season. The route ends in Interlaken, a town renowned worldwide as a paragliding haven and the gateway to the Alps. This will be the most special adventure of the trip, and Frans's favourite ride in the Alps. As the trip comes to a close, enjoy a final dinner with your group and share some of your favourite moments from the weekend.
On the final day, we’ll take it easy with one last optional ride through Emmental, a travel in time to the ultimate Swiss countryside experience. Old farmhouses with wide roofs sit among meadows of fresh grass, and this is where the famous Emmental cheese was born. You will spot farmers still making it the traditional way, stirring copper vats and letting it age to perfection. The ride winds along peaceful backroads with views of the Bernese Alps before we return to say goodbye to new friends and head home with memories that will last a lifetime.
Arrive in Gunten at your own pace and settle into the serene lakeside setting. In the evening, we’ll come together for a relaxed team dinner, where you’ll get to know your fellow riders and Frans as he shares stories and a glimpse of what’s ahead for the weekend’s adventure.
The first day will warm up the legs with a mostly flat gravel ride to the historical capital of Switzerland. As Bern is known as a cycling-friendly city, this is the perfect way to explore it on a gravel bike. We’ll pass by the UNESCO-listed Old Town and the Zytglogge Clock Tower, stop at some of the many monuments and old buildings, see some bears (yes, real ones), and enjoy a coffee (or two) in one of Bern’s best cafés. Take a moment to soak in the atmosphere as Bern’s blend of medieval charm and lively streets makes it one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals. The day ends with dinner at one of Frans’ favourite local restaurants, exchanging stories and laughs over great food.
Day 3 is the Queen Stage, a breathtaking loop around Lake Brienz at the perfect moment when the mountains awaken after winter. Snow still crowns the peaks while the valleys come alive with colour, creating one of the most magical rides of the season. The route ends in Interlaken, a town renowned worldwide as a paragliding haven and the gateway to the Alps. This will be the most special adventure of the trip, and Frans's favourite ride in the Alps. As the trip comes to a close, enjoy a final dinner with your group and share some of your favourite moments from the weekend.
On the final day, we’ll take it easy with one last optional ride through Emmental, a travel in time to the ultimate Swiss countryside experience. Old farmhouses with wide roofs sit among meadows of fresh grass, and this is where the famous Emmental cheese was born. You will spot farmers still making it the traditional way, stirring copper vats and letting it age to perfection. The ride winds along peaceful backroads with views of the Bernese Alps before we return to say goodbye to new friends and head home with memories that will last a lifetime.
I’m actually a mountain biker, but I love connecting with people and guiding them on some of the best gravel roads around.
For nearly two decades, I’ve had the privilege of racing as a professional mountain biker, representing Belgium on the world stage and competing in some of the most iconic cycling events across the globe. Switzerland has been my home for many years now, and it’s where I find endless inspiration in its dramatic mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, and ever changing alpine landscapes that make every ride feel alive.
I was immediately hooked by the sense of freedom and connection it brings. What started as a personal challenge quickly became a lifelong passion. Over the years, I’ve come to love sharing that experience and showing people the best gravel roads, quiet climbs, and incredible landscapes that make this region so special.
The Bern region is where I train, unwind, and find joy in the simple rhythm of the ride. Its mix of alpine peaks, forest trails, and smooth gravel roads offers everything a cyclist could dream of. Hosting this trip lets me share that magic with others, explore the places that inspire me every day, and show why Switzerland truly is a paradise for gravel riders.
Pro mountain biker
I’m actually a mountain biker, but I love connecting with people and guiding them on some of the best gravel roads around.
For nearly two decades, I’ve had the privilege of racing as a professional mountain biker, representing Belgium on the world stage and competing in some of the most iconic cycling events across the globe. Switzerland has been my home for many years now, and it’s where I find endless inspiration in its dramatic mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, and ever changing alpine landscapes that make every ride feel alive.
I was immediately hooked by the sense of freedom and connection it brings. What started as a personal challenge quickly became a lifelong passion. Over the years, I’ve come to love sharing that experience and showing people the best gravel roads, quiet climbs, and incredible landscapes that make this region so special.
The Bern region is where I train, unwind, and find joy in the simple rhythm of the ride. Its mix of alpine peaks, forest trails, and smooth gravel roads offers everything a cyclist could dream of. Hosting this trip lets me share that magic with others, explore the places that inspire me every day, and show why Switzerland truly is a paradise for gravel riders.