Bergkönig

From the start in the pedestrian zone of Gstaad we first go downhill, and for quite a long time. We follow the Saane on small roads and cross the whole Pays d'Enhaut via Rougemont and Chateaux d'Oex past Rossiniere with charming views of the surrounding mountains, the first quarter of the route drives itself.

This changes shortly after entering the canton of Fribourg, at Montbovon it turns sharp left and climbs along the Hongrin up through pastures and past alps to the Hongrin reservoir. The rounding of the lake gives a short breather until it becomes really alpine: the challenging climb up the Col du Moëlle. Here it is worth enjoying the fantastic panoramic views on both sides before tackling the technically very demanding descent. Before arriving at the village of La Comballaz, the route turns off to the right along a charming route with short ramps and descents to Leysin. After passing through the village, we go on a fast descent to Le Sepey.

We cross Le Sepey and set off on a crisp climb to La Forclaz, a gorgeous little chalet village in the Leysin region. After crossing the village, the route continues along the smallest of roads to the famous ski resort of Les Diablerets.

Here it is worthwhile to gather all remaining strength. Because now comes the steep ascent over 7km with an average gradient of 8% to Isenau - the steepest (short) passage here has no less than 21%! Once again, high alpine ambience and dreamlike views of the Diablerets massif entice you. Here it has several gravel sections, the longest is a little more than a kilometer.

Up in Isenau, the rough stuff is done, now it's time to let go, past the picturesque Lac Retaud down to the top of the Col de Pillon pass. Now we follow in Koblet's footsteps of the 1950 Tour de Suisse stage down the only substantial piece of main road of the loop to Gsteig, where our route leaves the main road again and leads via small roads alternating on both sides of the Saane back to the finish in Gstaad. Voila, 115 km and 2800 vertical meters are done!

The route is part of the program of the Swiss Vintage Cycling Festival "Bergkönig". More information: https://www.bergkoenig.cc/index.html