The countdown is underway for one of Switzerland’s most thrilling cycling adventures: on Friday, 5 June 2026, the starting gun will fire in Baden for the third edition of the “Gravel Trans Jura”. For the first time, this bikepacking event will lead nearly 200 participants through the Canton of Jura, crossing a total of seven cantons along the Jura arc. With a favourable weather forecast, the focus for the riders is not on the stopwatch, but on the pure experience of nature, the sporting challenge, and a shared passion.
The principle behind the Gravel Trans Jura combines athletic performance with maximum self-determination. Following the official start in the historic spa town of Baden (AG), participants have until Wednesday, 10 June 2026, to reach the finish line in Nyon (VD). In between lies absolute freedom: everyone decides for themselves where to stay overnight, how long the daily stages are, and when to take breaks.
Along the way, a specially developed participant app provides navigation. The route file, accommodation options, bike shops in case of a breakdown, emergency numbers, etc., are centrally managed within the app and accessible at all times, as is the “stamp card” for the checkpoints to be reached.
A Strong Boost for Regional Tourism
For the regions crossed and local tourism partners, the event has developed into a valuable driver of footfall. The route connects scenic and cultural highlights across cantonal borders: from the urban flair of Aargau, across the challenging ridges of the Solothurn and Basel-Landschaft Jura, past the vast pastures in the cantons of Bern and Jura, all the way to the spectacular viewpoints in the Neuchâtel and Vaud Jura.
“Thanks to the Gravel Trans Jura, more and more people discover the Jura arc and the wonderful remoteness of this region every year. The fact that we are riding through the Canton of Jura for the first time in 2026 completes the event. After an intensive preparation phase, I am now looking forward to getting started. The atmosphere at the start in Baden will be magical,” says the project manager, Sandra Palli.
As participants determine their own pace, local businesses along the entire route benefit. Whether hotels, cosy mountain inns, or local village shops – the gravel community brings sustainable value creation directly into the regions. Along the way, like-minded people meet, share their fascination for Swiss nature, and forge friendships that often extend far beyond the event itself.
The Big Picture: Tailor-Made Gravel Experiences All Year Round
However, the Gravel Trans Jura is much more than a one-off highlight in the event calendar. As the organising company, crossroads Event und Kommunikation GmbH sees itself as an ambassador for high-class outdoor experiences and has systematically expanded its offerings for the wider community. In this way, the fascination of bikepacking becomes a driving force for Swiss summer tourism:
Gravel Trans Jura Individual: This offer is aimed at everyone who wants to discover the magical route outside of the official event timeframe as a personal long-term project. The concept also allows the trip to be flexibly divided into several short, relaxing breaks – ideal for a spontaneous escape from everyday life to explore the regions at one’s own pace.
Gravel Travel: Those wishing to seamlessly combine athletic activity with pleasure will find carefully curated gravel holiday packages here. These holidays in Switzerland are based on the team’s many years of experience in the event and touring sector. Accompanied by a professional tour guide, participants discover the hidden scenic beauties of the country, allowing guests to enjoy maximum comfort and excellently organised days on the bike.
With these complementary offerings, crossroads Event und Kommunikation GmbH focuses on Swiss quality, sustainability, and the promotion of gentle and sustainable two-wheeled tourism. When the tyres hit the gravel in Baden this Friday, it is not just an event that begins – a philosophy of freedom and closeness to nature is being celebrated.