Adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers looking for an epic European vacation should consider cycling in Switzerland. Switzerland is a cyclist’s paradise, boasting several jaw-dropping sights and interlinked biking routes crisscrossing along the country’s dramatic landscapes. Your journey will take you through breathtaking mountain vistas, peaceful countryside, and picturesque villages. If you’re planning a cycling holiday to Switzerland, here are some Swiss hotspots for road cycling you should know about.
Col de la Croix
Col de la Croix is one of Switzerland’s most epic cycling trails. It’s not an easy trail to conquer, yet the stunning views make the journey well worth it. Your cycling adventure will consist of steep and continually changing gradients with breathtaking scenery and rich history. And if you cycle from Bourg d’Oisans, you’ll get the chance to bike through Col du Glandon with less extra effort.
Some of the highlights of your cycling adventure in Col de la Croix include the two spectacular lakes of Lac de Grand Maison and Lac du Verney. The road from Bourg d’Oisans to Allemond is straightforward and flat, taking about 11 kilometres. As you reach the lakes, the climb begins to ramp up.
Feel free to stop for a break at the various cafes along the way. When you’re in Allemond, you’ll find several boulangeries, bars, and coffee shops to stop for refreshments. Most have picturesque views, serving delectable drinks and snacks.
Zermatt
Zermatt is a picturesque Swiss mountain town and a gateway to incredible cycling trails. Cycling in Zermatt is a fantastic opportunity to witness the famous Matterhorn up close, which rises above Zermatt and offers splendid backdrops for a more exciting cycling experience. Seeing the Matterhorn is a sublime experience, even if you have seen it many times from chocolate packets. Even the locals of Zermatt find the famous mountain astonishing.
Zermatt’s mountain bike trail consists of 100 km of trails, although that’s only the tip of the iceberg – the area has enough single tracks to fill more than a week of cycling adventure. While the more popular trails can get busy during the summer, the terrain of Zermatt is vast, giving you plenty of areas to find solitude. What’s great about cycling in Zermatt is that the gondolas and trains that serve skiers can carry bikes, which means you can cycle even to the most remote areas.
If you’ve built up some appetite after your rigorous cycling adventure, you can dine at one of the finest restaurants in the town. In addition, you will find some great hotels in Zermatt that provide the perfect place to rest after cycling. These hotels have restaurants serving delectable meals, from breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Burgdorf
Burgdorf is a charming city in Berne, home to many popular attractions, such as the Burgdorf Castle, Burgdorfer Altstadt, and Museum Franz Gertsch, making it well worth exploring on a bike. Cycling in Burgdorf allows you to visit its many sights while stopping at one of the finest restaurants or cafes for a break.
Burgdorf lies in the Emmental valley and offers numerous things to adventurous cyclists, especially those who love culture and history. Your cycling adventure will take you to magnificent forests and idyllic landscapes. The best place to cycle around Burgdorf is in the Old Town, which is at the heart of the city centre. It occupies the Upper and Lower Towns and is a vibrant place to bike around while stopping at its many restaurants and street cafes. You can cycle to the Upper Town, which lies between the castle and church hill. Park your bike at the Kronenplatz square and walk towards the market arcade.
Make your way to the Lower Town, which lies at the foot of the hill leading to the castle in an area known as the Granary District and has many residential houses home to the city’s craftspeople. You will also find several historical buildings in the area. One of the highlights is the granary known as the Kornhaus. Built in 1770, it is where the famous Burgdorf beer is brewed.
Saas-Fee
While Saas-Fee is a popular spot for skiing and other winter sports, it also offers the perfect setting for a scenic cycling holiday in Switzerland. The stunning Saas Valley has over 80 km of bike paths taking you through the breathtaking hilly terrains of the village. If you’re here to ski, you can combine your skiing holiday with a bike holiday and rent a luxury chalet in Saas-Fee, which offer the perfect place to unwind after adventuring in the Saas Valley.
You will find numerous cycling routes all over Saas-Fee. If you’re a family travelling with kids, you can take the Family Loop, which takes you to the village, passing several hotspots, such as a small lake and the larch forest. It’s about 6.7 km long and takes about an hour to conquer.
Another popular cycling trail in Saas-Fee is the Circular Trail Mattmark, which starts in Mattmark restaurant. The route centres around a reservoir, passing along a pedestrian tunnel. You will cycle through narrow paths and into many small water streams. It’s about 7.9 km long and should take around an hour.
Zuchwil
Located in the town of Solothurn, Zuchwil is a Swiss municipality home to an impressive selection of attractions and experiences, making it well worth a visit on your Swiss cycling holiday.
When cycling in Zuchwil, you can take the Solothurner Altstadt to Attisholzareal Loop starting in the town of Solothurn. It’s ideal for any fitness level, with mostly paved surfaces. The town of Solothurn itself is a joy to explore. It’s small enough to be easily explored on a bike. Head to the Old Town and park your bike near the bustling farmers’ markets to roam around.
You will also find many cafes and bars scattered around Zuchwil. Check out those along the riverfront, which are especially pleasant during a warm summer’s evening. The other attractions you should see in the area are the Solothurn Cathedral, the Clock tower, and the Bastion.
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