Left turn, right turn - this is how it always goes up the Alpine pass. The winding roads are particularly popular with motorcyclists. The impressive passes can also be climbed by car, bike or even on foot.

Gurnigel Pass - from the canton of Bern to the canton of Fribourg

Small but beautiful. The Gurnigel Pass is famous for its winding road, on which the annual Gurnigel mountain race takes place. The steep ascent is also worthwhile for cyclists. At 1,600 meters above sea level, the impressive view of the Gantrisch region and down to Lake Thun awaits. If you want to spend a little more time in the Gantrisch Mountains, there are various hikes to choose from. For example, a hiking trail leads up to the Stockhorn, Thun's local mountain. The canton of Fribourg is not far away either! The beautiful region around Lake Schwarzsee is just half an hour away by car, where you can embark on scenic hikes. Discover the Gurnigel adventure route here.

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Grimsel Pass - from the canton of Bern to Valais

In early summer, when the alpine roses are in bloom, the Grimsel Pass is particularly beautiful. The top of the pass is just under 2,200 meters above sea level. The watershed between the Mediterranean and the North Sea is a very special feature of this pass. On one side flows the Aare, which later flows into the Rhine, which ultimately takes the water to the North Sea. On the other side, the Rhône carries glacier water to the warm Mediterranean.

Thrill-seekers should not miss out on a ride on the Gelmerbahn. Not far from the top of the pass is the steepest open funicular in Europe with a gradient of 106%. What an adventure!

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Brünigpass - from the canton of Bern to the canton of Obwalden

At an elevation of just over 1,000 meters above sea level, the Brünigpass is relatively low-lying. The narrow road through the pass connects Haslital in the canton of Bern to the canton of Obwalden. This pass is even accessible by train, with services running between Interlaken and Lucerne, or in reverse. The view from the train is stunning, especially around Lungern, with its deep blue Lake Lungern, situated just beyond the pass's summit on the Obwalden side.

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Schallenberg Pass - from the canton of Bern to the Emmental and Lucerne

If you want to take the most direct and adventurous route from the canton of Bern to the Emmental, through the Entlebuch and into the neighboring canton of Lucerne, the best option is to take the route over the Schallenberg. Through the hilly landscape of the Emmental with its typical chalets up to the top of the pass and then down into the green valley: such a beautiful route where the means of transport is not important.

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Susten Pass - from the canton of Bern to Uri

Just under 2,300 meters above sea level - a proud height for the pass that connects the canton of Bern with the canton of Uri. This Susten Pass is particularly popular with motorcyclists and cyclists. As the pass is over 2,000 meters above sea level, the pass road usually remains closed long after winter because there is still snow. There is also a great option for adventure seekers here: the Trift Bridge. The suspension bridge swings back and forth at a dizzying height, high above the glacial lake. The view rewards the brave!

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Jaunpass from the canton of Bern to the canton of Fribourg

Another pass, at the other end of which lies the canton of Fribourg. Motorcyclists and cyclists are spoiled on the pass road, which leads right to the top at 1,500 meters above sea level. The Jaun Pass is just as easy to explore on foot. Various hiking trails including views of the famous Gastlosen await you. An insider tip for hikers: from the top of the Jaun Pass to the nearby Bäderhorn. It takes less than two hours to reach the summit, where you can enjoy 360° views as far as Thun, deep into the Simmental valley and as far as the canton of Fribourg.

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It doesn't depend on the means of transport, the countless Alpine passes in the canton of Bern have something for everyone. Whether you prefer a leisurely drive, an adventurous ride on a motorcycle, a sweaty bike ride or a slower walk - the bends will not disappoint you.

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