17 Best Cycling Tours & Destinations in Switzerland

Switzerland is known for its exquisite mountain views and is a skiing paradise for tourists and locals during winter. However, during summer, Switzerland becomes one of the most beautiful destinations to bring out your cycle and peddle around different regions of the country. It is an underrated destination in Europe for cycling enthusiasts.

In this article, we will discuss some of the handpicked destinations you can choose for cycling in Switzerland and the favourable time to do so.

Here are the top 17 cycling destinations to consider on your next trip:

1. Barrage de Mauvoisin

Nestled in the Valais region, Barrage de Mauvoisin offers a serene cycling experience with its tranquil reservoir and surrounding Alpine beauty. This Swiss tour cycling route winds through lush meadows and charming hamlets, providing glimpses of the awe-inspiring mountains.

• Distance: 55 km.
• Route: Martigny to Barrage de Mauvoisin via Orsières.
• Activities: Enjoy nature photography, scenic spots for picnics and explore local wildlife and flora.
• Best Time: May to October.

2. Emosson Dam

This cycling route is an iconic route of the 2016 Tour de France. This area is famous for trailing along the dinosaur tracks imprinted on rocks and magnificent views of Mont Blanc and Aiguilles de Tour.

• Distance: 63 km.
• Route: Martigny en Valais region to Tour de France or Col de la Forclaz.
• Activities: Indulge in local sightseeing, hiking to dinosaur footprints and enjoy photography.
• Best Time: June to September.

3. Col du Sanetsch

The Col du Sanetsch is a difficult but rewarding climb that leads to stunning alpine vistas. This path for cycling in Switzerland passes through beautiful valleys and deep woods until arriving at the peak, where a glacier lake awaits, providing a spectacular background for a much-needed solitude. Morning temperature is warm and pleasant in Col du Sanetsch and ideal for cycling sessions.

• Distance: 120 km.
• Route: Conthey or Sion in the Valais region to Col du Sanetsch via Gsteig.
• Activities: You can spend some time doing skiing activities in the ski resort of Les Diablerets. Ride small cable cars to go down to Gsteig village.
• Best Time: June to September.

4. Col du Grand St Bernard

The Col du Grand St Bernard, which connects Switzerland and Italy, is a historic pass with a bicycle path that winds through gorgeous valleys and alpine meadows. The landmark hospice and monastery at the summit, steeped in centuries of history, is a must-see.

• Distance: 83 km.
• Route: Martigny to Col du Grand St Bernard via Bourg-Saint-Pierre.
• Activities: Visit the hospice and historical landmarks that connect Switzerland and Italy. You can also enjoy wildlife sightings during the trail.
• Best Time: June to September.

The Col de la Croix is a renowned cycling route in Switzerland along the Vaud area, famed for its stunning mountain scenery and ethnic alpine communities. The course includes both difficult ascents and scenic descents, offering an adventurous ride.

• Distance: 64 km.
• Route: Bex to Le Sepey.
• Activities: Indulge in wine tasting and skiing activities in Villars's ski resort and enjoy the view of the area.
• Best Time: May to October.

6. Grimsel Pass

Grimsel Pass, located on the boundary of Valais and Bern, is a cyclist's paradise. The path takes you through alpine scenery, around blue lakes, and past Swiss houses. This trail was also in the spotlight due to the 2007 Tour de Suisse.

• Distance: 34 km approximately.
• Route: Gletsch to Innertkirchen via Grimsel Pass.
• Activities: You can try out a wide range of activities along this track such as mountaineering, photography of the scenic views and visiting the Rhone Glacier.
• Best Time: June to September.

7. Nufenen Pass

The Nufenen Pass, located on the boundary between Valais and Ticino, provides a challenging and spectacular ride during Swiss tour cycling. The trail comprises 8.5% hairpin bends going up the summit. The pass is sharp and short and gets harder to cycle with altitude, which makes it ideal for pro cyclists.

• Distance: 99 km.
• Route: Ulrichen to Airolo.
• Activities: Climb the cobbles of San Gottardo Pass, which is a famous Swiss monument and enjoy mountain photography along the pass.
• Best Time: June to September.

8. Furka Pass

Furka Pass, located on the boundary of Valais and Uri, is a classic cycling route noted for its difficult climbs and amazing valleys. Panoramas of glaciers, valleys and towering peaks will greet you as you cycle around hairpin curves and steep grades.

• Distance: 142 km.
• Route: Ulrichen to Gletsch via Andermatt.
• Activities: You can visit the Rhone Glacier Museum and hike the mountains to get wonderful views of the alpine areas.
• Best Time: June to September.

9. Grosse Scheidegg Loop

The Grosse Scheidegg circle offers one of the most spectacular Switzerland cycling tours, taking you into the Bernese Alps. The trek begins in Grindelwald and takes you through beautiful meadows, deep woods, and difficult switchbacks before rewarding you with stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.

• Distance: 80 km.
• Route: Meiringen in Bern area to Grindelwald.
• Activities: Indulge yourself in various activities such as paragliding, hiking, enjoying local and authentic cuisines and mountain viewing.
• Best Time: June to September.

10. Derborence

Derborence, located in the heart of the Valais area, is a hidden treasure. The cycle path winds through a beautiful natural reserve, providing a pleasant and tranquil experience. The towering cliffs, gushing waterfalls, and tranquil Lac de Derborence will take your breath away.

Derborence has pleasant weather with a temperature of 17 degree Celsius throughout the year, making it an ideal cycling spot.

• Distance: 86 km.
• Route: Martigny to Sion.
• Activities: Spend some time around the glacial lake of Lac de Derborence and enjoy leisure time along the open valleys.
• Best Time: May to October.

11. Bernese Jura

The Bernese Jura region is a cyclist's dream path for cycling in Switzerland. The area has well-marked routes winding over undulating hills, deep woods, and ethnic villages. If you are up for a detour, consider exploring Bernese Jura in July when the temperature is moderately pleasant and suitable.

• Distance: 93 km.
• Route: Biel or Bienne to Sonceboz.
• Activities: Visit the home of Tete de Moine cheese in the Belleley Valley and climb the Pierre Pertuis pass for an added adventure.
• Best Time: April to October.

12. Tour de Gastlosen

The Tour de Gastlosen is a thrilling excursion through Fribourg's pre-Alpine landscapes. The road here is quite narrow near the summit and the Mittelberg Pass has an average gradient of 8.6%, making this trail favourable for all types of cyclists.

• Distance: 65 km.
• Route: Gstaad to Juan.
• Activities: Indulge in activities of hiking to mountain summits and watersports in Lake Walen.
• Best Time: May to October.

13. Around the Churfisten

The Churfirsten path is a magnificent bicycle path for cycling trip in Switzerland, encircling the landmark Churfirsten mountain range in eastern Switzerland. Expect difficult climbs and exhilarating descents as you ride past picturesque communities and take in views of Lake Walen and the surrounding Alps.

• Distance: 129 km.
• Route: Bad Ragaz to Toggenburg.
• Activities: Visit Werdenberg to get a glimpse of the historical buildings of Switzerland and enjoy views of mountains and lakes for photography or leisure time.
• Best Time: May to October.

14. Lake Neuchatel Tour

Set out on a leisurely bike tour of Switzerland's largest lake, Lake Neuchâtel. The path follows scenic vineyards, lakeside towns, and nature reserves. This cycling trail is easy due to the absence of ups and downs along the road.Summers in Lake Neuchatel are ideal for novice cyclists who wish to upgrade their cycling skills.

• Distance: 107 km.
• Route: Neuchâtel à Yverdon-les-Bains.
• Activities: Visit the castles in Grandson to witness the battle remains of the Swiss and Charles the Bold in 1476. Also, enjoy local beauty along the wetland and go for wine-tasting activities.
• Best Time: May to October.

15. Grisons Challenge

The Grisons challenge is based along the National Cycling Route 6, which is richly filled with villages and bridges along the edges of the route. This pass featured on Tour de Suisse, 2013, where Thibaut Pinot, a Frenchman, was the first to reach the summit and collect King of the Mountain Jersey.

• Distance: 117 km.
• Route: Davos to La Punt via Engadine.
• Activities: Indulge in the exquisite local cuisine of Engadine.
• Best Time: June to October.

16. Santis Classic

The cycling loop of Santis Classic attracts approximately 2000 cyclists annually, starting from beginner enthusiasts to seasoned individuals. The road primarily rises through the countryside and reaches an altitude of 1278 m, giving a spectacular view of the Santis region.In pleasant weathers, this region elevates the cycling experience to new heights.

• Distance: 123 km.
• Route: Weinfelden to Urnäsch.
• Activities: Take a cable car ride to the summit and enjoy the traditional and local cuisine along with the famous full-bodied cheese of the Appenzell region.
• Best Time: March to November.

17. Piano di Magadino

Switzerland's cycling tours will remain incomplete without a visit to the bicycling trail along Canton Ticino’s famous three castles region, which are now registered under the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trail includes passing through Ticino River and Lake Maggiore which is a beautiful area surrounded by mountains and villages.

• Distance: 42 km.
• Route: Bellinzona to Tenero.
• Activities: Visit the three castles and enjoy water activities in Lake Maggiore. You can also visit the local villages of Cadenazzo, Camorino and more.
• Best Time: June to October.