So why go bicycle touring in Switzerland? Switzerland has a reputation of being very mountainous. While that is true there are also many great Swiss cycling routes through the valleys.
Switzerland offers over 8,300 km of bicycle touring routes of which 9 are national and 55 regional.
The top 5 routes for bicycle touring in Switzerland
Rhone Route – the number one route for Swiss cycling starts in Geneva and travels along the north shore of Lac Leman (Lake Geneva) passing through Lausaunne, Montreux and numerous vineyards before reaching the narrow Rhone River Valley to Andermatt. Flat to gently rolling terrain.
Rhine Route – starts near where the Rhone Route ends and continues on a eastward loop to the Bodensee (Lake Constance) and on to Basel. Of course this route continues into Germany and ends in the Netherlands. Flat to gently rolling terrain.
Lakes Route – Starts in Montreux with some good climbs and crosses the country passing through Lucerne. Some very hilly sections on this route.
Mittelland Route – Starts in Lausanne and crosses the north shore of Lake Neuchatel continuing eastward into the Zurich area before ending at Lake Constance. Rolling.
Bodensee (Lake Constance) Route – cycle around the lake visiting Switzerland, Austria and Germany. A fairly easy cycling experience.
Five things you must see while bicycle touring in Switzerland
Castle de Chillon – located lakeside in Montreux with excellent tour in English, this castle made famous by Lord Byron and others. The castle is the number one historical site in Switzerland.
Bernese Oberland – take a mountain railway to Grindelwald or Wengen for a walk in the mountains
Bern – the medieval center of the capital city is a delight with the famous bear pits located at one end of the main street
Lake Geneva – this wine region is scenic and great of cycling as well. Stay in either Montreux or Lausanne
Cheese – very famous and cheese fondue can be found in many restaurants. To see a factory head to the tourist town of Gruyere which also has an interesting castle with gardens. The chocolate is great too!
The best time for bicycle touring in Switzerland is during the months of May or June in the spring and September or October in the fall. Attractions are not as busy and accommodation is easier to find.
One option is to take a guided European bicycle vacation although there are not too many tours for English speaking cyclists. Companies offering tours include Exodus (Lake Constance), Headwaters (Swiss Lakes Jura), Explore (Lake Neuchatel) and Velo Quebec (tours in Lake Geneva and Ticino regions).
Along the way you will find most hotels along the major bike routes offer an area to lock your bicycle overnight and are used to and welcome cyclists. Accommodation can be expensive but I have found reasonable Bed and Breakfasts on the Swiss B & B association. The Swiss cycling association lists bike friendly accommodation by cycle route, type (camping, B & B, hotel, etc.)
You may also wish to know there are over 200 bicycle rental locations, mostly at major train stations. Even better they offer 27 speed touring bicycles with locks, racks. You can pick your bike up at one location and drop off at another. Book online in advance as touring bicycle can be limited at some locations.
For more information check out the Cicerone Cycle Touring in Switzerland Guide.
Bicycle touring in Switzerland, although not as common with North American cyclists is very popular with Europeans because of its scenery and great bike routes.
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