Switzerland’s magical landscape and rugged terrain is built for adventurists and thrill-seekers alike. Exploring by bike offers a completely unique and intimate viewpoint of a classic Swiss holiday…
Travelling by bike allows you to explore a destination in a slower, more intimate way. With a biking holiday, the journey from A to B stops being the stressful part, and in fact becomes the holiday itself!
It offers you the chance to discover the bars frequented by locals, restaurants you have never heard of, and sites devoid of the usual tourist hoards.
Switzerland is known for its efficiency. Combining the super-speedy public transport and idyllic scenery, this is one country that loves its cyclists.
And if you’ve never stayed in a bike hotel, then look no further. These Swiss stays are geared (pun intended!) towards cyclists offering bike hire, bike assistance and cycling trails at their doorstep. They are usually run by mad-keen cyclists too, so you can get awesome advice for your trip.
More than two million visitors to Switzerland add cycling to their itinerary, so don’t miss out- join them on a thoroughly scenic and enjoyable European holiday!
GO CASTLE-HOPPING (OR CYCLING) IN AARGAU
How often do you get to park your bike in a castle? When you set off on two wheels through the northern canton of Aargau – home to the Aare River – you can ride your bike to the 17-century Schloss Bottstein, a bright-white castle with an internal courtyard that welcomes riders.
Take a break by the fountain and fill up your water bottle or laze around under the ample leafy trees. Then set off along the rolling green banks of the Aare for an afternoon of perfect cycling.
Cruising alongside the Aare will show you why cycling trips to Switzerland are on the rise and you will find other routes through the Alps that cut off traffic to give you a freer ride – this really is the best way to see Europe and the Swiss are the leaders in bike tourism.
RIDE THE RHINE ROUTE
Europe’s spectacular Rhine River starts its journey in the Swiss Alps and you can cycle along its winding riverbanks for miles. The river gives water to the wine-growers in Graubünden and the Rhine valley; it helped start the town of Chur, now the oldest city in Switzerland; and the bracing waters of the Rhine are perfect for a post-cycling dip to cool off.
Why not cheat a bit and see more? You can jump on and off trains here easily and that allows you to cover more ground, such as the historic town of Stein am Rein and its local restaurant tucked away in ancient alleyways.
CYCLE THE SWISS NATIONAL PARK
If you fancy a longer rider how about taking a four-day trip across the Swiss National Park, where you might spot some incredible wildlife, including the red deer or the ibex.
The natural beauty here is unparalleled; soaring peaks, pristine rivers and alpine meadows. This is one for the nature lovers and don’t be put off by the hilly surrounds, the paths are an easy ride and an e-bike with a helpful little motor can take the edge of any climbs.
TAKE IT EASY
Cycling is big in Switzerland, so much so that they have a platform where cyclists can find out which mountain passes are closed off to motorists for their exclusive use – it’s called Ride the Alps. Check it out before you go.
To learn more about discovering Switzerland by bike, visit myswitzerland.com.