Once you have registered for the Gravel Trans Jura Individual, you will receive the route as a GPS track by email, together with a detailed roadmap showing all accommodation, restaurants, and shopping facilities along the route.
The route has been lovingly designed and refined. It covers around 415 kilometers and 12,000 meters of elevation gain through six different cantons.
The ride starts in the spa town of Baden, at the foot of the last foothills of the Jura mountains, known as the “Lägern.” After Brugg, the route climbs uphill for the first time and crosses the canton of Aargau with steep ascents and descents. Three-quarters of the entire route has been chosen to be on gravel/gravel roads. A little asphalt, meadow sections, and a few single trails complete the route.
After crossing the Salhöhe, the border between the cantons of Basel-Landschaft and Solothurn begins. The long ridge of the Grenchnerberg then leads into the Bernese Jura. The next section is peppered with absolute highlights. We are happy to give you a taste of some of them:
A long climb takes you to the heights of the Chasseral ridge. At an altitude of 1,606 meters, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360° panorama – a dream destination for nature and adventure lovers. To the north, the view extends over the typical forest pastures of the Jura and Switzerland’s largest wind farm, located between Mont-Crosin and Mont-Soleil. On the south side, you can admire the beauty of the Three Lakes (Biel, Neuchâtel, and Murten).
Copyright: Vincent Bourrut
The next legendary pass in the Jura massif offers a unique view of its big sisters: the Alps. The Col de La Vue des Alpes is the best vantage point to really appreciate the height of the mountain ranges! The panorama stretches from the Bernese Alps to the famous peaks of the Vaud Alps. Lake Neuchâtel and the Swiss Plateau in the foreground further enhance the impression of gigantic heights and endless expanse.
Copyright: Vincent Bourrut
A huge rock arena with a diameter of more than a kilometer forms the Creux du Van. It was created over millions of years by the erosion of water and ice. Imposing vertical rock faces over 160 meters high surround a deep valley basin. You can also observe ibex and chamois here! Its horseshoe-shaped steep walls offer you another spectacular panoramic view of Switzerland over the lakes of the Swiss Plateau, the Alps, the Jura valleys, and France.
Copyright: Switzerland Tourism / Dominik Baur
High above Lake Neuchâtel, you reach the canton of Vaud, the last of a total of six cantons. At 1,100 meters above sea level, you reach Sainte-Croix, one of the last large towns.
Copyright: Yves Henchoz
The charming village of Romainmôtier will also catch your eye. In a secluded location on the Nozon River, it is home to what is probably the oldest monastery in Switzerland. It lies between two wooded hills and is beautifully nestled in the landscape.
The route continues to Lac de Joux, the largest lake in the entire Jura massif. It offers a welcome opportunity to cool off, and the surrounding villages have many restaurants and hotels to pamper you.
Copyright: Vallée de Joux Tourisme
Continuing over the Col de Marchairuz, the route then runs close to the French border to the picturesque destination of Nyon on Lake Geneva.
