The best road cycling routes around Saanen

The Saanen region offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 30 distinct tours available. These routes cater to various skill levels, from moderate valley loops to demanding climbs over mountain passes.

Saanen provides a diverse range of road cycling routes. You'll find approximately 6 easy routes, 16 moderate routes, and 10 difficult routes, ensuring options for cyclists of all experience levels.

The Bernese Oberland, where Saanen is located, is ideal for road cycling from late spring through early autumn. While some high mountain passes like the Col du Pillon can still have snow in early seasons, the overall period offers pleasant conditions to enjoy the stunning Alpine scenery.

Absolutely. The region is rich in natural beauty and charming villages. You can encounter majestic glaciated mountains and dramatic rocky spires. Notable highlights include Abländschen, Mittelberg, and the Rellerli Ridge, which offers panoramic views. The village of Saanen itself is a protected townscape, providing a picturesque backdrop.

Yes, Saanen's road cycling routes often feature serene lakes and rivers. You can enjoy leisurely loops around tranquil bodies of water like Lake Lauenen and Arnensee. The Saane River also carves its way through the area, offering scenic stretches along its banks.

For experienced road cyclists seeking a challenge, Saanen offers routes with significant altitude gains over iconic mountain passes. The Simmen Bridge – Col du Pillon loop from Saanenmöser is a difficult route climbing over 9,700 feet. Another demanding option is the Gorge on the north side of Les Mosses – Col des Mosses loop from Saanen, which tackles the Col des Mosses, a pass that has even featured in the Tour de France.

Yes, Saanen has several moderate routes perfect for a more relaxed ride. The Saanen Church – Lessoc Village Fountain loop from Saanen is a popular moderate trail leading through picturesque valleys. Another option is the Zweisimmen railway station – Simmen Falls loop from Schönried, which offers a moderate challenge with beautiful scenery.

Saanen caters to long-distance road cyclists with several extensive routes. The Simmen Bridge – Col du Pillon loop from Saanenmöser spans over 108 miles (175 km), while the Broc–Morlon Cycle Route – Gruyères Old Town loop from Saanen covers over 81 miles (131 km), both offering substantial rides.

The Saanen region, including Gstaad, is well-connected, making it convenient to access various starting points for road cycling routes. Gstaad is a popular hub, and public transport options are generally available to reach different parts of the Saanenland area, allowing cyclists to plan point-to-point or loop rides effectively.

The Gstaad Saanenland area is well-equipped for cyclists. Many hotels offer charging points for e-bikes, and routes are readily available on platforms like Komoot, complete with elevation profiles and surface analyses. You can also easily import routes to devices like Garmin for navigation.

The road cycling routes in Saanen are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 60 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the stunning Alpine landscapes, the varied terrain, and the well-maintained paved roads that make for an exceptional riding experience.

While popular routes can see more traffic, the Saanen region also offers charming narrow side roads and picturesque valleys that provide a more tranquil cycling experience. Exploring routes that venture slightly off the main passes can lead to quieter, equally scenic rides.

Many of the road cycling routes in Saanen are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end your ride in the same location. Examples include the Saanen – Saanen Church loop from Saanen and the Saanen Church – Gstaad loop from Schönried, providing convenient options for exploration.