from Freiburg
to Freiburg
E-Bike: 6h 59 / day
Bike: 9h 22 / day
470 kilometers, nearly 6,000 meters of climbing, and three countries in four days: this bikepacking loop from Freiburg through the Swiss Jura to Lake Neuchâtel and back skips the fluff and delivers pure, varied riding. From the Black Forest climbs of the Hochblauen, the track leads directly onto the stark, rolling plateaus of the Franches-Montagnes, tracks the winding course of the Doubs River, and crosses into the French Jura before spinning back flat through the Alsatian Sundgau. No sugarcoating—just solid tarmac, challenging key sectors like Vue des Alpes, and quiet border roads. It is a route built for riders who demand raw and highly accurate terrain.A free Rogonneur account unlocks full access to the complete GPX files, detailed elevation profiles, and curated POIs for this Jura loop, eliminating any logistical guesswork for the next big ride. Precise planning starts with a quick registration.
The sporting appeal of this multi-country loop lies in the continuous adaptation to shifting road surfaces and distinct microclimates. The technical start in the southern Breisgau region demands strict pacing, ensuring legs are saved before entering the sharp, hidden gradients of the foothills. After crossing into Switzerland, the smooth, rolling lanes quickly transition into historic cobblestone sectors inside ancient towns, before tracking onto quiet secondary roads. The layout cuts straight through expansive agricultural zones, where fields of wheat and local crops map out a wide, geometric landscape. Deep in the Jura, the route follows the natural contours of the limestone ridges. These sections require excellent gear selection as the road shifts between steep, shaded forest ramps and exposed high plateaus that retain a crisp, near-alpine chill even during summer. The border crossing into France brings a sudden structural shift, as pristine Swiss chalets give way to the rugged, weathered stone masonry of traditional French farmsteads. Self-sufficiency becomes essential through the rolling Sundgau countryside, where remote village fountains and small local bakeries serve as the only reliable resupply points. The physical demands finally ease upon reaching the dead-flat Rhine plain, allowing riders to lock into a steady aero rhythm on paved agricultural paths, watching the Black Forest horizon grow larger as the final kilometers tick away toward the finish.
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469 km
Hard
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4 days
5,961 m
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3
1,278 m
5,943 m
Mixed (25-50% gravel)
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4/5
· Quiet
4/5
· Easy resupply
Mixed wind
91 km1,434 m
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118 km1,573 m
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115 km2,229 m
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144 km725 m
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Distance: 8.3 km, Max gradient: 17.9%, Peak: 936 m
Elevation: 937 m
Elevation: 1278 m
Distance: 17.1 km, Max gradient: 21.4%, Peak: 1162 m
Distance: 7.0 km, Max gradient: 13.6%, Peak: 961 m
Distance: 6.2 km, Max gradient: 12.0%, Peak: 863 m
Elevation: 1165 m
Distance: 5.8 km, Max gradient: 10.0%, Peak: 690 m
Elevation: 795 m
Arrival and departure
This round trip has several good access options: Freiburg Hauptbahnhof by train or EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg by flight or Freiburg ZOB Airportbus by coach. Choose the one that fits your origin, onward journey and bike setup best.
Major rail hub
Freiburg Hauptbahnhof, 1 km · about 15 min by public transport
Airport
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, 51 km · about 85 min by public transport
Coach / bus hub
Freiburg ZOB Airportbus, 1 km · about 15 min by public transport
Local transport
Freiburg, Europaplatz, 0 km
Backpack
Lightweight tent
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Portable stove and cookware
Water purification system
Hiking boots
Weather-appropriate clothing
Hat and sunglasses
Headlamp/flashlight
Multi-tool/knife
Water bottles or hydration system
High-energy snacks
Lightweight, non-perishable meals
Map and compass
First aid kit
Emergency whistle
Multi-day trekking poles
Lightweight, compact rain gear
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Toiletries (travel-sized)
Quick-dry towel
Camera and/or smartphone
Portable charger
Pillow (inflatable or compressible)
Earplugs
Eye mask
Identification
Emergency contact information
Cash and/or credit cards
Binoculars
Trekking guidebook
Travel journal and pen
Lightweight camp chair
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