The Mittelland
Overview
Intro
Challenging cycle rides are not the sole reserve of the Alps. Between the Mittelland region of the country and the Jura, this loop has surprises in store for even the fittest riders.
Description
It starts and ends in Aarau, the capital of Canton Aargau founded in the 13th century. This is where Albert Einstein completed some of his studies.
Things get serious almost immediately with the ascent to Saalhöhe (6.5km / 6%) via a delightful road that meanders amid meadows followed by woodland in the foothills of the Jura. The summit offers glorious views of the surrounding hills.
After the descent to Kienberg, travelling on roads with light traffic, you enter Canton Basel-Landschaft and encounter a succession of hills.
But it is at Eptingen (km 34) where the big surprise comes: a sign at the far end of the village announces a gradient of up to 15%. Over 5.5km, the Belchen pass (alt. 991m) is indeed a tough ascent which ends with hairpins worthy of an alpine pass.
Following a dizzying descent to Langenbruck, there follows one more short climb before Mümliswil. Then comes the downhill to Oensingen, after which the rest of the loop is quite different. The final 40 kilometres along the Aare to Aarau are virtually level.
Tip from the Grand Tours Project
Get ready to drop into low gear for the Belchen pass. This ascent has gradients that come as a surprise in this part of Switzerland.
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 |
Aarau
|
| Destination |
Aarau
|
| Ascent |
1630 m
|
| Descent |
1630 m
|
| Distance |
101 km
|
| Season |
March - November
|
