Col de la Tourne and Col de la Vue des Alpes Loop

This loop is rated as difficult for racebike cycling. It involves significant ascents and descents, including two notable mountain passes, the Col de la Tourne and the Col de la Vue des Alpes. It requires very good fitness due to substantial elevation gains and challenging gradients.

The route primarily consists of well-paved roads suitable for racebikes. You'll encounter significant ascents and descents characteristic of the Jura mountains, with some steep sections. The scenery includes pleasant forest roads, open bucolic plateaus, charming Swiss chalets, pastures, and forests.

The route features several notable points of interest. You'll pass over the famous Col de la Vue des Alpes, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the distant Alps on clear days. Another significant climb is the South Ascent of Col de la Tourne. The route also takes you through the scenic Vallée des Ponts.

As the loop starts from Auvernier, you'll need to find suitable parking within or near the village. Auvernier is a convenient base, and while specific cycling parking isn't detailed, general public parking options should be available in the area. Consider parking near the train station for easy access.

The best time to cycle this route is typically from late spring through early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally more stable, and the mountain passes are clear of snow. Always check the local weather forecast and road conditions before you go, especially for mountain passes.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle this route in the Neuchâtel region of Switzerland. The roads are public, and access to the mountain passes is generally free.

This route is designed for racebike cycling on public roads. While dogs are generally allowed in public spaces in Switzerland, bringing a dog on a demanding road cycling loop like this is not recommended due to the nature of the sport and the challenging terrain. If you plan to bring a dog, it would be best to consider alternative, less strenuous routes or specific dog-friendly trails.

Yes, this route intersects with or runs alongside several other official trails for portions of its length. Notably, it covers sections of the Nord Vaudois-Jura - Étape 3, the Jura Route, and La Vue des Alpes Bike. You may also encounter parts of the Neuchâtel Bike and the European long distance path E4 - part Switzerland.

Given that the route passes through significant mountain passes and charming Jura landscapes, you can expect to find cafes or restaurants in the villages along the route or at the summits of the passes, particularly at Col de la Vue des Alpes. It's always a good idea to check opening hours in advance, especially outside of peak season.

The loop features two significant climbs. The Col de la Tourne can have gradients up to 10.5% and an average of 6.9% over 10.3 km, gaining around 692 meters. The Col de la Vue des Alpes, while potentially less aggressively steep, can involve a sustained ascent of 14.6 km with an average gradient of 5.9% and 867 meters of vertical gain. Both require good physical condition.

While this specific loop is challenging, the Neuchâtel region offers a variety of cycling routes. For less experienced riders or those seeking a more relaxed ride, consider exploring flatter routes along Lake Neuchâtel or shorter, less steep climbs in the surrounding areas. Komoot offers many options that can be filtered by difficulty.