Cycling the Jura from Basel to Lake Geneva in 6 stages
Bike Touring Collection by Johanna
3-6
days
3-6 h
/ day
181 mi
16,600 ft
16,375 ft
In the west of Switzerland, the Jura Route winds its way through undulating hills stretching from Basel to Lake Geneva. On the way, it passes lonely plateaus with vast meadows and magnificent fir trees, winding through unspoiled forests, picturesque valleys and mysterious upland moors. As a cyclist, you will scale steep peaks which will reveal unforgettable views as you follow the Jura Route. You will cycle along shimmering rivers and wild streams, enjoying lush pastures with grazing cows and horses in pastures lined with straight dry stone walls that are typical of the Jura.
The 180 miles (290 kilometers) long Jura route takes you in six stages from Basel to Nyon on Lake Geneva. You will ride through the Jura mountains as they stretch along the French border for the whole ride, passing highlights such as the Lac de Joux or the Jura Vaudois Nature Park along the way.
With 5000 meters (16,400 feet) of climbing, the route is challenging. If you are looking for a slightly easier ride, you can easily cut the stages in half as there are many overnight accommodation options along the entire Jura route, such as camping sites, holiday rentals, and hotels. You could also shorten the stages by taking the train: each start and end point, including Basel and Nyon, can be reached by train and you will also find railway stations en route. So, don't worry about your fitness level, you can take on the Jura route as slowly as you want.
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Last updated: November 13, 2021
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Tours & Highlights
- Expert04:1636.6 mi8.6 mph3,250 ft2,500 ftExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The Jura Route starts in Basel. You can get to the lively city easily by train. Basel is served by national local and long-distance traffic as well as by international trains from Germany or France. After you have looked around the city on the Rhine and paid a visit to the beautiful market square with…
by Johanna
- Expert02:5822.6 mi7.6 mph3,300 ft1,850 ftExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Right at the beginning of the second stage, a steep ascent awaits you, which leads you over the Col de la Croix, the pass height of which is 789 meters. A long descent then takes you past beautiful pastures, which are populated in many places by happy cows, and through beautiful forests.
At the lowest…
by Johanna
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- Expert02:3023.6 mi9.5 mph1,750 ft1,700 ftExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The third stage of the Jura route begins with a hilly route that leads you past the mysterious Etang de la Gruère moor pond and pretty Jura farms. Some places that are suitable for short breaks are also on the way.
About halfway there is a steep climb waiting for you that will bring you to Mont-Soleil…
by Johanna
- Intermediate02:2825.0 mi10.1 mph1,275 ft2,175 ftIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Today, on the fourth stage of the Jura Route, it is a little more relaxed, because in addition to the typical climbs, fast descents and long, flat stretches are waiting for you.
Immediately behind La Chaux-de-Fonds you cycle through the typical Jura landscape with gentle green hills adorned by lovely…
by Johanna
- Expert04:2335.6 mi8.1 mph4,075 ft3,925 ftExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
At the beginning of the fifth stage you cycle comfortably through a beautiful valley along the river Le Buttes to the village of the same name. Afterwards, the first big ascent of the day awaits you, which will take you through refreshing forests to a wide plateau.
In L'Auberson you make a detour to Sainte…
by Johanna
- Expert04:0738.0 mi9.2 mph3,000 ft4,225 ftExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Today is the last stage of the Jura route and it will once again be particularly beautiful and varied.
Immediately after leaving Vallorbe, you dive into wonderfully quiet forests, through which you drive up to the picturesque Lac de Joux. You cycle on a relatively flat stretch along the long lake and…
by Johanna
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Collection Stats
- Tours6
- Distance181 mi
- Duration20:42 h
- Elevation16,600 ft16,375 ft
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