Baselbiet
Overview
Intro
This getaway full of surprises and beginning in Basel follows empty back roads in Canton Basel-Landschaft (known familiarly as the Baselbiet).
Description
Setting off from the Swiss Federal Railways station in Basel, you use the city’s excellent network of cycle paths to escape the conurbation in double-quick time. The countryside starts in Aesch, where you encounter the Birs river before starting the climb to Breitenbach (km 25).
Six kilometres further on, you turn right towards the Nunningerberg (alt. 885m), a delightful 4 km traffic-free climb averaging 7% which meanders through the woods and offers superb views of the Jura arc. The bustle of the city is by now a distant memory.
The descent amid equally wild scenery is immediately followed by the ascent of the Passwang: 3.3km at 8.5% to reach an altitude of 943m. At the top, a short tunnel brings you to the other side; the descent starts with a series of spectacular hairpins heading towards Balstahl.
You then start climbing gently again to Langenbruck, where the actual ascent of the Belchen pass (alt. 991m) begins. The pass itself offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Following a sinuous descent to Eptingen, you head for Liestal and join Basel city’s wonderful network of cycle paths at Sissach. The 103km loop returns you to the railway station.
More roadcycling tours in Baselland.
Tip from the Grand Tours Project
As you start your descent from the Belchen pass, anyone in search of adventure should continue straight ahead at the first bend. This variant leads to Iffenthal along a series of unmetalled sections, which present no problem for road bikes. You then rejoin the main road to pick the loop up at Sissach.
www.grandtoursproject.com
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Type |
Performance
|
|---|---|
| Start location |
Basel
|
| Destination |
Basel
|
| Ascent |
1540 m
|
| Descent |
1540 m
|
| Distance |
103 km
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
| Season |
April - October
|
