The search for a new location began about two years ago. Space at the previous location near the Weyermannshaus outdoor pool became increasingly scarce as the Gravel Ride & Race Bern grew. In addition, major construction and project planning changes at the Weyermannshaus and in the neighboring district have been scheduled for the next few years, meaning that the long-term future of this event was in doubt.
The vonRoll site at the edge of the Länggasse district, just 1.5 kilometers east of the previous venue, was strategically chosen to further enhance the event. It not only offers first-rate infrastructure, more space, and excellent public transport connections, but also enables future-oriented planning and the retention of the popular routes.
Collaboration among all institutions enables further development
As the location is directly adjacent to the Bremgartenwald, the gravel routes will only change slightly over the first few kilometers. In principle, the new venue offers everything needed to develop the entire event into a real gravel festival. There will be more space in the future for the popular Expo, the street food festival and the wide range of activities for children and families.
The change of location required the cooperation and openness of several institutions, as Erich Zahnd, Head of Operations and Technology at the University of Bern, explained. “Together with the Office for Property and Buildings of the Canton of Bern, the Teacher Trainings College Bern supports the Gravel Ride and Race at its new location at the vonRoll university center, thus contributing to the continued existence of this popular competition.” Marc Heeb, Co-Head of the Bern City Police Department, is also pleased that the success story of the Gravel Ride and Race Bern continues: “Only through the excellent cooperation between the canton, the organizer, and the city was it possible to find the new location and get everyone involved on board. We at the police department look forward to continuing our constructive and excellent cooperation with the organizers.”