Vespa Club Tessenderlo

Ride Master: Werner Verwimp, Cliff Schampaert

When: Friday, June 16, 2023 (Alternative Route)

Departure Address: Bahnhofstrasse 163, 800, Interlaken, Switzerland

We set off in Interlaken for our first adventure and embark on a 209 km journey through the beautiful mountains and landscapes that Switzerland has to offer. Right after departure, at approximately 500 meters, we stop at the Coop gas station to refuel. As soon as we leave the center, we head into the mountains to gain altitude towards Lütschental. With a smile on our faces, we continue and pass one beautiful view after another, discovering the typical Swiss architectural structures.

Along our way, we encounter the Ginderwald Alpine Bird Park, where birds are captured that would not survive in the wild. Here you can find more information on the official website and see which bird species are being cared for.

After 32 km, we reach the Grote Scheidegg, a high mountain pass at an altitude of 1962 meters. This pass was included in the program of the Tour de Suisse in 1999 and is therefore popular among cyclists due to its very low traffic volume.

When we have completed the first 65 km, we see the Handeggfall Bridge to our left over the Aare. You can see it coming out of the tunnel. The bridge hovers 70 meters above the ground, making it suitable only for the daredevils among us. Here you can see some pictures of the bridge and its surroundings on the Google Maps website.

Then comes the Grimsel pass with a summit of 2165 meters. Here we cross the mountains and encounter massive lakes where water from the mountains gathers.

At km 77, we stop at the free parking lot directly in front of the Hotel Alfenrösli to enjoy the spectacular view of the Lake Toten. Here, if the weather is nice, we can enjoy a drink on the terrace and recuperate from all the beautiful things we have already encountered.

After the break, we continue the tour and quietly descend the mountain while still enjoying the views and what lies ahead.

After approximately 95 km, we reach the Furka Pass, located at an altitude of 2436 meters above sea level. By now, we have already acclimatized to the work and there are no external issues we will miss. We come across many locations where beautiful photos can be taken of the views and the group with lovely backgrounds. Make sure to use them at scheduled stops. After our trip, we will collect all the photos and create a nice collage.

At kilometer 106, we again have the opportunity to have a drink at the Stella D'oro Grotto. A well-known biker spot near the road where you can have a drink and eat from a terrace beside the track with a view.

Comments: Hubrol gas station at 112 km

The next pass we encounter is the Susten Pass, with an altitude of 2224 meters and a pass length of 46 km. The view is breathtaking in an environment of steep and rugged mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, and mountain lakes.

We have spent half of our adventure and are now back in Interlaken. Of course, we keep our expectations high and drive along the Brünig Pass towards Lake Brienz, which we will see on our left. Here too, the mouth opens with the beautiful blue color of pure water.

All the above-mentioned locations can also be found on the route map as Points of Interest with further information.
Make sure to check out the YouTube video I added. The three passes can be seen here, giving you a taste of what’s to come.

Life is a journey, enjoy the ride!