The best traffic-free bike rides around Sankt Bernhard

Sankt Bernhard offers a wide selection of traffic-free road cycling routes, with over 100 tours available. These range from easy rides to more challenging ascents, ensuring there's something for every skill level.

The Great St. Bernard Pass, a prominent feature of the region, has a significant advantage for cyclists: much of the motorized traffic now uses a tunnel. This leaves the old pass road primarily for historical and recreational purposes, creating a less congested and more enjoyable cycling experience with minimal vehicle traffic.

The elevation gain varies significantly. While some routes like the Eglingen Lock – Port of Dannemarie loop feature modest climbs of around 77 meters, others, especially those ascending towards the Great St. Bernard Pass, involve considerable elevation gains, sometimes up to 2,469 meters (8,100 feet) with sustained gradients up to 10%. There are 6 difficult routes for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge.

The best time is typically from late spring to early autumn. The region's Alpine setting means that higher elevations, like the lake at the summit of the Great St. Bernard Pass, can be frozen for a significant portion of the year. Autumn offers particularly vibrant displays of color in the extensive forests of the broader St. Bernard region.

You'll encounter majestic mountain views, winding roads, and increasingly barren peaks as you ascend. Notable landmarks include the historic Port of Dannemarie and the Eglingen Lock. At the summit of the Great St. Bernard Pass, you'll find a beautiful lake and the famous Great St. Bernard Hospice, home to the renowned St. Bernard dogs. The Italian side of the pass is particularly noted for its spectacular vistas.

Yes, there are several easy routes suitable for families. For instance, the EuroVelo 6 Aumatten – Eglingen Lock loop is an easy ride with minimal elevation, perfect for a relaxed family outing. Many of the 26 easy routes available are ideal for a more leisurely pace away from traffic.

Absolutely. Many of the routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Restaurant Au 1000 Pâtes – Écluse Muehlenmatten loop, which covers nearly 50 km, and the Écluse Muehlenmatten – Balschwiller Washhouse loop, offering a 42 km ride.

Parking availability varies by starting point. For routes like the Schweighouse - Reiningue – Lake Michelbach loop, starting from Tagolsheim, you can often find local parking options in the villages or designated areas near the route access points. It's advisable to check specific starting locations for detailed parking information.

Yes, many routes pass through or near villages and towns where you can find cafes and restaurants. At the summit of the Great St. Bernard Pass, the historic Hospice offers hospitality. For routes like the Restaurant Au 1000 Pâtes – Écluse Muehlenmatten loop, the name itself suggests refreshment stops along the way.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning Alpine landscapes, the challenge of the climbs, and especially the quiet, traffic-free nature of the old pass roads, which allows for a truly immersive and enjoyable cycling experience.

Absolutely. The region boasts a privileged natural Alpine setting. At the summit of the Great St. Bernard Pass, there's a beautiful lake. Many routes also pass by other serene bodies of water, such as Lake Michelbach, Riedweiher Pond, and Pond and Cabin between Fulleren and Carspach, offering picturesque spots for a break.