Saanenland–Freiburgerland
Overview
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Distance 34 km
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Ascent 1400 m
Intro
From Bex, where salt is still mined, up to the old mountain village of Gryon and the high-altitude health resort of Villars-sur-Ollon, over the two passes, Col de la Croix and Col du Pillon. Along the Saane to jet-set resort Gstaad. Saanen is more peaceful.
Description
The BVB train starts its journey to Villars-sur-Ollon via Gryon at Bex train station. It leaves the Rhone plain and crosses the vineyards that cover the region’s sunny slopes. After a few stops it reaches “Les Salines”. Switzerland’s only operating salt mine is located here. The salt deposit was discovered in the 15th century. Around 30,000 tons of salt are mined every year in the labyrinth of corridors and shafts, which is over 50 kilometres long. You can visit the mine and its museum. Long live the white Swiss gold!
The vines stretch ever higher and steeper across the Vaud mountain slopes. After every kilometre, there is a bike sign that reminds you how high the Col de la Croix is and where you are. Hairpin bends wind their way uphill to attractive villages such as Les Posses and Gryon. The old cluster village (enclosed village with plots and farms of different sizes) is appealing with its pretty wooden houses and refreshing village fountain. It is big enough to take a cool bath in. Or, as it says on a sign in Gryon: “Un bien grand bassin pour un petit village!” Right next to it is the church of St. Jean. First mentioned in the 13th century, it was rebuilt in 1722 after a terrible fire. If you drive through the spa town of Villars-sur-Ollon, the feudal hotel “Villars-Palace” catches your eye. A stunner of an Alpine hotel in a lively health resort!
There are still a few metres of altitude to overcome on the pass road: past fir forests and alpine pastures, and the impressive Diablerets chain with the Teufelshörner, 3,200 metres high, right in front of your eyes. Then finally, arriving at the 1,776-metre-high Col de la Croix: a “gâteau à la crème" - a cream cake! This is the life! Feel refreshed and race down the pass like a world champion, curving around limestone walls. In the distance you can see Glacier 3000, the glacier ski area in the Bernese Oberland. The holiday resort of Les Diablerets awaits you below, and numerous houses are scattered throughout the pretty Ormont Valley. The valley of Les Ormonts was probably cultivated between the 7th and 9th centuries and settled by residents from the Rhone Valley.
Crossing the Grande Eau river, you reach the attractive Les Diablerets. A climatic health resort that also has an interesting little train station. Similar to the course of the river, the train route also runs down to Aigle via Le Sépey. The river, which rises in the Ormont valley, finally flows into the Rhone near Aigle.
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
| Start location |
Massongex
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Les Diablerets
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| Ascent |
1400 m
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| Descent |
660 m
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| Distance |
34 km
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| Distance on tarred ways |
34 km
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| Physical requirements |
Difficult
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| Theme |
Over a pass
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Quick Facts
Route number
