GTJ Classic
400 kilometers / 11,000 meters of elevation gain
The Gravel Trans Jura Classic kicks off in historic Baden and begins with a leisurely warm-up ride to Brugg. Then the adventure begins: a constant series of ups and downs takes riders across the canton of Aargau and on along the borders of Basel-Landschaft and Solothurn to Balsthal. This is a region whose topographical challenges are often underestimated.
Rocks and Folds
From Gänsbrunnen on, the terrain levels out slightly for a while before the route reaches the Grand Val in Moutier, in the canton of Jura. Nestled between two impressive, wild and romantic rocky gorges of the Birs River—the “Klusen,” typical of the Folded Jura—a truly unique landscape unfolds here.
Culinary Arts, History, and Industry
The Bernese Jura is home to several historic towns. With Bellelay, the birthplace of the famous Tête de Moine, and Tramelan, the historic watchmaking village whose townscape is still characterized today by typical workshop-residences from the industrial era, the GTJ takes you on a journey through the industrial history and culture of the Jura. In Courtelary, Camille Bloch produces the well-known chocolate brands Ragusa and Torino, before the tour heads toward its next major highlight: the ascent to Chasseral. At 1,606 meters above sea level, the highest point of the route offers a spectacular 360-degree panorama. The view stretches across the Three Lakes Region, the Bernese Alps, and the Jura Mountains all the way to France.
Creux du Van
The route continues through the canton of Neuchâtel and over the Vue des Alpes to the imposing rock basin of the Creux du Van. With a little luck, you might even spot ibex up close here. Not far away lies the Val-de-Travers, the home of the legendary absinthe. The famous “Green Fairy” has its roots here and has shaped the region for generations. Between 1910 and 2005, the production of absinthe was actually banned in Switzerland—but in the Val-de-Travers, people were hardly deterred by this. The tradition lived on in secret and is now once again an integral part of the region’s identity.
Lakes, Meadows, and Forests
The route continues through the varied and impressive landscape of the Vaud Jura to Sainte-Croix, known for its long tradition of manufacturing music boxes and automatons. From there, the route descends into the valley to the historic Romainmôtier Abbey, one of Switzerland’s most significant Romanesque structures. The route then follows the shore of Lac de Joux through the Vallée de Joux, a secluded high-altitude landscape that, with its vast meadows, dense forests, and glistening lake, exudes a unique atmosphere all its own.
Slowly, the finish line is coming into view, but one last highlight—and at the same time, one last challenge—still awaits: the demanding climb up to La Barillette. Once you reach the summit high above Lake Geneva, your efforts are rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view. The view sweeps across the deep-blue lake to the majestic Mont Blanc massif. It’s a moment to catch your breath, marvel, and savor the scenery before the final descent down to Nyon begins. There, an extraordinary gravel journey comes to an end—one that not only takes you through countless meters of elevation gain and varied trails but also lets you experience the full diversity of the landscape and the unique character of the Jura.
GTJ Extended
600 kilometers / 15,000 meters of elevation gain
The route description will follow on November 18 🤩
GTJ Short
350 kilometers / 7,500 meters of elevation gain
The route description will follow on November 25 🥳