Meiringen to Spiez: Extended Cycling Journey via Giessbach and Two Lakes: bicycle in Switzerland
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Meiringen to Spiez: Extended Cycling Journey via Giessbach and Two Lakes

Distance
52.2 km
Time
6 h 40 min
Elevation gain
—
Difficulty
Moderate
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Route description

From Meiringen, the cycling journey follows the Aare valley side before reaching Lake Brienz’s southern corridor. At Giessbach, observe water beside the actual road passage: the cascade provides a vivid stop before woodland and the continuation through Iseltwald. Near Bönigen, the journey reaches the lake shore again, then passes through Interlaken and historic Unterseen. Pause here to replace nature observation with town history: the castle exterior and Stadthausplatz recall life between two lakes before modern tourist journeys. The final passage follows the Lake Thun side towards Spiez. This version includes repeated portions and small pedestrian links requiring the bicycle to be pushed. Arrange return carriage beforehand; the journey does not bring you back to Meiringen itself.

Route status

Проверяем свежесть данных по треку и учитываем сообщения сообщества

Запретов на посещение и пожаров рядом нет

Проверяем спутниковые данные о пожарах и предупреждения по региону.

Следить за маршрутом
Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Information prepared

The description, logistics and points of interest were prepared using maps and open sources. Trail conditions may change.

Route data was imported from GPX and has not been field-verified.

Last updated 12.10.2026

Before travelling, check trail access, restrictions and the weather forecast.

Current conditions No recent trail condition reports

Conditions may have changed. Share a report after completing the route.

Community experience

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Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

Surface

Asphalt 90% · Gravel 5% · Fine gravel 1%

Surface is defined for 97% of the route.

Asphalt 90% · 47.0 km
Gravel 5% · 2.64 km
Fine gravel 1% · 0.52 km
Compacted dirt 1% · 0.34 km
Concrete 1% · 0.10 km
Paving stones 1% · 0.10 km
Artificial surface 1% · 0.08 km
Dirt 1% · 0.01 km

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
Two lakes, the real Giessbach cascade and historic Unterseen create a varied cycling day. Alternate shore stops with woodland roads and short town pauses.
Length
52.2 km
Elevation gain
1720 m
Surface
Asphalt 90%
Meiringen to Spiez: Extended Cycling Journey via Giessbach and Two Lakes: route photo 3 in Switzerland

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
Rail can connect arrival and return when bicycle carriage is checked. Children need experience on a longer outing beside traffic. Push the bicycle on short permitted pedestrian links and obey current signs. A stroller is unsuitable for the complete journey; dog rules and continuous reception are unknown.

Nearby

Giessbach’s complete visitor circuit behind the waterfall, Grandhotel Giessbach and the funicular require extra time and bicycle-rule checks. Aare Gorge lies east of Meiringen and is outside this journey. Spiez Castle, boat landings and the onward national route towards Bern are separate continuations.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
Meiringen Railway Station provides arrival; BLS’s 2026 timetable lists Spiez–Interlaken Ost. Add the road-ending approach to Spiez station. Bicycle carriage requires the appropriate ticket and available space; some trains require a reservation. Passenger travel does not guarantee bicycle carriage. Follow signed construction approaches at Spiez station.
By car
Arrive at permitted Meiringen town parking and agree the Spiez-to-car return beforehand. Roads alternate with pedestrian and shore passages, so do not follow the journey by car.
Parking
The municipality identifies managed Alpbach tourist parking in Meiringen. Check the permitted complete duration and current tariff, as parking rules were under revision in 2026. Spiez station’s garage renovation runs until the end of 2027, with reduced spaces from October 2026; arrange the return to starting parking in advance.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
Aare River the actual valley crossing after Meiringen.
Giessbach Falls the cascade view beside the actual cycling passage.
Lake Brienz Shore the confirmed shore section beside Bönigen.
Unterseen Castle the historic castle’s exterior along the town passage.
Stadthausplatz Square Unterseen’s historic square.
Lake Thun Shore the actual shore passage towards Spiez.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainСуммарный набор высоты — 1720 м.
SurfaceAsphalt 90%, Gravel 5%, Fine gravel 1%.
Риски The journey includes traffic, hillside lake roads and uneven natural surfaces. Short Interlaken links have pedestrian access: push where walking is permitted and obey current signs. Beside Därligen, keep to the cycling direction rather than prohibited N 8. The lower Giessbach–Iseltwald shore footpath differs from this higher road and prohibits bicycles. Slow down before wet descending bends.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Time for the route 4–6 h
With stops | 6–8 h This editorial allowance covers the selected cycling journey with repeated passages and short bicycle-pushing links. Hotel visits, the complete waterfall circuit and return rail are additional. Present signs and Spiez station works may change the plan.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
Dry, snow-free conditions and adequate daylight are preferable. Rain makes natural surfaces and woodland descents near Giessbach more demanding. Check optional sites and return trains in autumn; complete winter cycling preparation is unconfirmed.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
A working bicycle with reliable brakes, helmet and repair kit.
Water, food, rain protection and clothing for cool shore pauses.
A map of the current cycleway, lights and arranged return bicycle carriage.

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

Meiringen Railway Station provides arrival; BLS’s 2026 timetable lists Spiez–Interlaken Ost. Add the road-ending approach to Spiez station. Bicycle carriage requires the appropriate ticket and available space; some trains require a reservation. Passenger travel does not guarantee bicycle carriage. Follow signed construction approaches at Spiez station

Is this route suitable for children?

Possible with caution: review the surface, difficult sections, and extra time for stops in advance.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 52.2 km, moderate.

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