Cycling In Switzerland

Alpine cycling paradise

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Switzerland is the alpine destination par excellence. Majestic climbs, stunning views, perfect roads and delicious cuisine too. When will you Explore Switzerland by bike?

The region

Switzerland is a fantastic cycling destination. When you think of cycling in Switzerland, you think of mountains. Switzerland is surrounded by mountains. Its neighbours are Germany, Austria, Italy and France. Don't forget the principality of Liechtenstein, which is also sometimes counted as part of Switzerland (especially in the promotion).

Want to go cycling in Switzerland? Then you have so many great options.Around Geneva and the further north-west, you have the region of Vaud. This stretches all the way to the east side of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) into the Alpes Vaudoises. To the east and northeast you head towards the canton of Bern. More to the east you'll find Sankt Gallen. In between, you will also find the Aargau Jura.

In the centre of Switzerland you will find the canton of Fribourg, Lucerne, Schwyz and Uri. All of them beautiful hilly and mountainous environments, which are also home to lots of water. Lake Vierwaldstatter near Lucerne is beautiful.

The South is the jewel of this Alpine country. The cantons of Wallis/Valais, Graubünden and Ticino are where it's all about as far as we are concerned. The most beautiful, longest and perhaps most gruelling climbs can be found here.

Highlights

A cycling holiday in Switzerland takes you to breathtaking landscapes and challenging mountain routes. The region around Aigle and Martigny is known as one of the top destinations for cycling in Switzerland. Here you will find not only the prestigious UCI Centre Mondial du Cyclisme, but also the neighbouring Alpes Vaudoises and the Region Dents du Midi with their unforgettable climbing routes, such as the climb to Emosson

The Legendary Climbs: Nufenen Pass, Gotthard Pass and Furka Pass

The iconic trilogy of the Nufenen Pass, Gotthard Pass and Furkapas should not be missed during your cycling holiday in Switzerland. Each route you choose offers a challenging trail that feels like you are riding over sacred cycling ground - an experience every cycling enthusiast must have lived.

Valais: Cycling Along Dams and Hidden Climbs

In the canton of Valais, you can discover some impressive dams while cycling in Switzerland. The Barrage de Dixence for example, is a true beauty in this region. And for those looking for a hidden gem, the dead-end climb to the Sanetsch Pass offers an unparalleled experience known only to the insiders.

Graubünden: A Treasure of Unknown Climbs

The canton of Graubünden, located in the south-eastern corner of Switzerland, is home to perhaps the largest collection of unknown climbs that are unforgettable. While cycling in Switzerland here, don't miss the Bernina Pass, Splügen Pass, and Alp da Siat. These climbs are often lesser known, but once completed, they will be forever etched in your memory.

Conclusion

A cycling holiday in Switzerland is an absolute must. It is a combination of challenge and discovery. From famous passes to hidden routes, cycling in Switzerland is an experience every cyclist should experience. From the mountains, the panoramas and the lakes. Switzerland is the place to be.

What to watch out for

When planning a cycling holiday in Switzerland, it is important to consider the time of year. Many of the popular mountain passes do not open until June. The beautiful Sanetsch Pass in Valais sometimes does not open until 20 June. In addition, winter weather (even in summer) can cause passes to be closed. On these Alpenpasse website you can find the most up-to-date information.

If you plan to climb the Furka Pass, bear in mind that it is also popular with other, motorised, traffic. Days to avoid: public holidays and Sundays. This also applies to the other famous passes. Beautiful hairpin bends are also popular with motorcyclists. The Grand Tour of Switzerland is a popular route for sports cars.

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How do I get there?

Switzerland is very easily accessible. You have several options to choose from:

Train: Since the reintroduction of the night train, Switzerland is literally at your feet. You'll be in Basel by 06:30 in the morning or in Zurich a little later in a night of trains. From there you connect to the very well organised, Swiss train network. At this page you will find more information about the trains and the options for booking your bike. Public transport in Switzerland is super well organised. There is a bus to almost every destination. And then literally 'every' destination. Here is the site of SBB for the latest info and planning

Car: A day's drive from Utrecht by car and you are in most cantons in Switzerland. The nearest canton is around Basel, and for beautiful cycling, Bern or Vaud (around Neuchâtel is the nearest cycling destination.

Aeroplane: Should you not like the train journey or cannot stand long car journeys, you can fly to several destinations in Switzerland in less than two hours. Kloten airport (near Zurich) and also Geneva airport have very good connections to the rest of the world. Disadvantage: you will almost always have to continue by other transport, but that is where Switzerland's good public transport is very helpful.

Routes

On our Komoot page, you will find a lot of great routes for cycling in Switzerland. Among others, from Crans-Montana and around the Alpes-Vaudoises, we have beautiful routes.