Cycling as tourism trend gains popularity in Europe, and Switzerland is no exception, for it sustains the country’s focus on healthy lifestyle.
Through the last years, Swiss companies supported authorities have tried different programs and events nurturing idea of making Switzerland the world’s most attractive place for cyclingtours, and they succeeded. The offers attract tourists not only because of the diversity of routes and stunning mountain and lake landscapes, but also due to favorable conditions for such trips, including high-quality roads and safety.
Cycling Events in Switzerland
Along with the world’s famous professional cycling competitions: GranPremio Citta di Lugano and classic Tour de Suisse held in Switzerland annually, an average tourist from novice cyclist to amateur and pro levels would find a suitable tour to ride in summertime—see more ideas for summer in Davos. You can participate in a vintage cycling festival Bergkonig (king of the mountains) or mtb challenges and races.
SlowUp, organized by Switzerland Mobility company, as well as a series of events taking place for the first time in Davos in alliance with Challenge Davos festival, allow cycling enthusiasts to enjoy motor-traffic-free roads and mountain passes.
Challenge Davos Festival, that will take place 15 and 16 of Septemberthis year, gathers those who want to compete in their favourite sport: road bike, roller ski, e-bike or run on the Fluela Pass for the distanceof 12 km. You can book a room in Residences at the Hard Rock Hotel inadvance to stay closer to the start location of the race. The hotel is amember of “graubündenBIKE-Hotels” offering several benefits to the guests such as a bike wash station, repair sets, lockable bike shelter and other services.
These events are aimed at improving the nation’s health and induce people to go out with their family or friends, take the bikes and move. No wonder, Switzerland often appears on top of the list dedicated to thehighest quality of life.
Six Classic Cycling Routes
Every cyclist from the beginner to the pro can find a suitable route to ride in Switzerland. The Swiss Cycling Federation provides comprehensive information on all aspects of cycling and actively promotes cycling tourism in the country. There is a number of useful websites with comfortable interface to help you out in choosing the cycle route depending on your level. They even make up their own picturesque one-day trips or long week bike tours with overnight stops.
Take into consideration the websites withdetailed maps and planning, some giving information on weather forecastand events. Or check the next list of the six popular routes:
- Lakes regions for beginners. Regions with lakes are mostly flat and therefore considered ideal for beginners, yet still charming, as you ride quiet roads through small villages, fields, farmland, forests, and rivers. Don’t hesitate to make a stop to enjoy the view and take a photo of beautiful landscape. Choose the three lake region with Neuchatel, Morat and Biel-Bienne or take a long ride around Lucerne lake with a boat trip back home.
- In Vaud region you get everything in one package: riding across beautiful terraced vineyards, you enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Geneva, Jura mountains, and the Alps, well worth a few uphill climbs.
- The Jura tours across the Jura mountains are aimed at a strong cyclist with many uphills on your way opening view on magnificent scenery. Take a National Route 7 from Basel to Geneva and enjoy the ride.
- Ride about the historical town of Basel to admire its architecture, sculptures and museums with the following countryside road up and down the cycle paths.
- Zurich city tour. Begin at Zurich railway station, go through the city center, then head straight into beautiful countryside to discover classic small villages where you can taste chocolate, and continue to Lake Greifen for a relaxing break on the shore.
- Take National Route 9 from Lake Geneva to Lake Constance and enjoy the classic alpine landscapes effortlessly overcoming several uphills. You can even cheat here a little bit using public transportation.
Rules and Tips
The Swiss are very friendly to the cyclists, however, there are certain rules one should learn before starting the tour:
- You should know general traffic regulations of the country
- Children under 7 should be accompanied by the adults over 16 years old to ride the roads in Switzerland on bike.
- You should have all the necessary equipment when riding a bike, mtb or electric bike. The brochures on equipment are provided by the Swiss Council.
And a few tips before you go on:
- don’t forget about the changing weather in Switzerland, be prepared to have several changes of clothes depending on the regions you are riding through.
- most of the routes are marked: they have red and yellow signs attached to the road ones.
- don’t wait for dehydration, water is very important during the sporttrip. Refill your containers right now! It is easy, for you can find a water fountain with clear water in any city or village.
- you can stay in the Swiss bike hotels where you would be offered bike wash, repairs if needed and laundry service.
Summer cycling trip to Switzerland can become an unforgettable exciting adventure if you adhere to these simple rules.
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