| When you consider a bicycle tour destination in Europe, | | | | to the Bodensee (Lake Constance) and Basel. You |
| Switzerland most likely does not come top of mind. | | | | may decide to continue along the Rhine through |
| Yet you may be amazed to learn the Swiss are great | | | | Germany and the Netherlands if you wish. The Swiss |
| cyclists. The country is crossed by a network of 8,300 | | | | cycling is over gently rolling terrain. |
| km (5,157 miles) of bicycle paths on 9 national and 55 | | | | Lakes Route - if you are looking for a hilly and scenic |
| regional routes. Does it not have mountains? Well yes, | | | | Swiss cycling experience across the entire country this |
| but there are also valleys where many of the bicycle | | | | is the route for you. Starting in Montreux on the shores |
| paths are located. | | | | of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) you have a very steep |
| The top 5 routes for cycling in Switzerland: | | | | climb at first taking you into the cheese making town |
| Rhone Route - this is the most popular of the Swiss | | | | of Guyere. The route continues over hilly terrain |
| cycling routes. Starting in Geneva with a combination | | | | passing through scenic Lucerne. |
| of bicycle paths and dedicated lanes along the roads | | | | Mittelland Route - This route also starts on the shores |
| you cycle along the north shore of Lake Geneva (Lac | | | | of Lake Geneva and heads across northern |
| Leman). Along the way you pass through Lausanne | | | | Switzerland and along the shores of Lake Neuchatel, |
| and the Olympic Museum and numerous vineyards | | | | the watch making town of Biel and eastward into the |
| before reaching Montreux. | | | | Zurich area and finally Lake Constance. A few hills at |
| Montreux is home to the lakeside Castle de Chillon, the | | | | the start although most of the route would be |
| number one historical attraction in Switzerland. Take | | | | considered gently rolling terrain. |
| the excellent tour (in English) and find out why Lord | | | | Bodensee (Lake Constance) Route - offers an easy |
| Bryon and others found it so fascinating. The bicycle | | | | cycling experience around the lake with the benefit of |
| path continues the banks of the Rhone River passing | | | | visiting three countries - Switzerland, Austria and |
| the International Cycling Association velodrome and | | | | Germany. |
| wine center of Sion before ending in Andermatt. This | | | | The best time bicycle tour in Europe including |
| route is gently rolling and can be handled by any level | | | | Switzerland is in late May, June or September. Avoid |
| of cyclist. | | | | the heat and crowds you will find in the summer. Any |
| Rhine Route - this route starts near Andermatt and | | | | of these Swiss cycling adventures will provide you |
| heads over to the Austrian border before turning north | | | | with a great 2 - 3 week vacation. |