Alpenbrevet

  • Location

    Central Switzerland

  • Duration

    5 days | 4 nights

  • Length

    Alpenbrevet: 68 - 276km

  • Climb

    Alpenbrevet: 2,381m - 7,031m

22 Aug 2018 - 26 Aug 2018

Bored of doing the Etape and the Marmotte? Take a short break to participate in the Alpenbrevet, the best granfondo you’ve never heard of. Whichever course you choose, it is sure to be the cycling experience of a lifetime in the Swiss Alps.

Pick the Bronze (68km, 2,381m of climbing) to get your first taste of Alpine riding. The Silver (132km, 3,875m of climbing) and the Gold (172km, 5,294m of climbing featuring the cobblestoned Tremola road) are up there with the most famous granfondos in the world. And the Platin route is an a league of its own: 7,031m of climbing over 276km. Each course features some of the most legendary climbs in Switzerland: Grimsel, Nufenen, Gotthard, Lukmanier, Oberalp, Susten.

Challenge yourself on the Alpenbrevet with the support of Grand Tours Project. Your ride briefing will be given by our Chief Cycling Officer Alain, a top 10 Platin tour finisher: « One of my best days on the bike ever » says the man who has been riding for more than 30 years in Switzerland, Europe and beyond.

The Alpenbrevet is limited to only 2’500 participants, keeping it safe and relaxed. Just pedal and enjoy the views! We have guaranteed entries for this event. Two days before the race, we will climb the Grosse Scheidegg above the famous mountain village of Grindelwald. An ideal warm up ride on this car free pass, one of Switzerland’s true hidden gems.

Read this article on the Cyclist Magazine website to learn more about the Alpenbrevet.

Total price: From €1,600

  • Short getaway to participate in the Alpenbrevet, the best granfondo you’ve never heard of
  • 4 courses to choose from: Bronze (68km), Silver (132km), Gold (172km) or Platinum (276km)
  • Guaranteed entry to this event limited to only 2’500 participants
  • The best climbs of Switzerland: Grimsel, Nufenen, Gotthard, Susten...
  • Ride briefing by Alpenbrevet veteran Alain (top 10 Platin tour finisher)
  • Warm up ride: the Grosse Scheidegg, Switzerland’s hidden gem
  • Bike rental (carbon frame and Shimano Ultegra or equivalent) available
  • Day 1 - 22 August

    Arrival in Meiringen

    After we meet you at Zurich Airport, a two hour drive will take us to our hotel in Meiringen, start of the Alpenbrevet.

    Located in the Bernese Oberland, the town is famous for the nearby Reichenbach Falls, a spectacular waterfall that was the setting for the presumed death of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's character Sherlock Holmes. It is also known for its claim to have been the place where the meringue was first created.

    Once you've checked in and unpacked, visit the town, have a meringue or go for a ride and stretch your legs on a flat loop around the town.

  • Day 2 - 23 August

    Grosse Scheidegg loop

    65km and 1,300m of climbing

    For our warm up ride, we climb the Grosse Scheidegg (1,964m). Be ready for something special: situated above Grindelwald, this pass is closed to motorised traffic and offers a breathtaking view of the famous Eiger North Face. On our way back, we ride along the beautiful Lake Brienz.

  • Day 3 - 24 August

    Relax before the big day

    Today we pick up our number and enjoy the atmosphere of the Alpenbrevet start village. You’re then free to go for an easy coffee ride - just like the pros - or relax at the hotel. Before dinner, Alpenbrevet veteran Alain will brief you on the race: where to go hard, where to recover, eat... and which views to enjoy!

  • Day 4 - 25 August

    Alpenbrevet

    68km and 2,381m of climbing - 132km and 3,875m of climbing - 172km and 5,294m of climbing - 276km and 7,031m of climbing

    After an early breakfast, join the start area with 2,500 other passionate cyclists. At 6:45am, the first riders cross the line. Climb the Grimselpass and choose your course: whichever one you pick, it is going to be an amazing day on the bike. Don’t forget to stop at the feeding stations and taste local specialties - cheese and chocolate of course! You will need it to make it to the finish and share your best moments with us.

  • Day 5 - 26 August

    Goodbye Switzerland

    All good things have an end. After a last portion of birchermuesli at breakfast, the shuttle will take you back to Zurich Airport. Time to go home and share your Alpenbrevet stories (and photos) with your envious cycling friends.