Bergkönig – Swiss Vintage Cycling Festival (Gstaad)

This summer, the most beautiful steel bikes are coming back to the Swiss Alps.

Swiss alpine roads have always been a legendary challenge for fast cyclists from all over the world. In fact, most Tour de Suisse editions ended up being decided on alpine passes. And Switzerland has brought to the world some of the greatest racers of all time.

Introducing: Bergkönig, the Swiss Vintage Bicycling Festival.

Now is the time to celebrate these roads and the Swiss cycling tradition. And what place might be suited better as the home for this new Vintage Cycling Festival than Gstaad? This part of Switzerland is surrounded by some of the most beautiful passes and mountain roads offering tough challenges and spectacular views. Also, Gstaad went cycle crazy when Swiss hero, Hugo Koblet, crossed the finish line here in 1950. Ascending all the way from Lausanne, Koblet finished first in this leg of the Tour de Suisse in 1950. (He later won the entire tour!)

Style is a major concern of the organizers.

They want you to ride in vintage clothing or bring a classic car! Your creativity will be rewarded as there will be several special trophies...

The event is open for all bicycles up to 1986, and the racers' attire has to be vintage.

Find out more

(All photographs copyright Bergkönig)