With his cycle helmet under his arm and his bike in his hand, Sam closes his front door. He bravely mounts his bike and sets off on his journey to work. The fresh breeze is invigorating in the early morning. The route along the Limmat is calming. But Sam is not alone. He meets cyclist after cyclist. The bike is a popular means of transport in the city. 

An active lifestyle characterises daily life in the city of Zurich. Exercise and health are very important and people live by the motto “health is wealth”. The active lifestyle is also characterised by the abundance of sports and recreational activities on offer. The combination of an urban city experience and proximity to nature is motivating and inspiring. This local philosophy invites guests to immerse themselves in the dynamic energy of the city of Zurich.

Around six years ago, Sam, who was born in the UK, set off on a trip to Europe with his trusty bike in tow. A visit to his twin brother in Zurich was at the top of his agenda. And his first stop was to be his last. One day, Sam’s passion for two-wheeled transport brought him to the Cycle Store. Following a chat with the owner and a community ride, he got a job in the shop.

Sam started his job at the Cycle Store without speaking a word of German and without knowing a soul. One of the biggest challenges when moving to a new place is getting to know new people. This was a little easier for Sam, thanks to his new job. After all, the Cycle Store is more than just a bike shop: In addition to selling bikes, clothing and accessories, it is also a café and a cycling club. 

Community rides are held every week. Every Thursday, the shop’s customers meet up and go on a round trip together. The trips are very popular. There are now different groups with tours of varying difficulty. The fastest group is led by Louise. This is where women lead the way. In general, there is a great deal of interest from women. There is also a “women only” group. 

Once his work in the shop is done, Sam often goes on a little after-work tour. His destination? He usually sets off from the city centre without a specific plan. To begin with, he weaves his way between the trams and traffic on his gravel bike. But Sam soon leaves the hustle and bustle of the city behind him. A steep road leads up through residential neighbourhoods to the Dolder.

Things start to get greener. The road winds its way up and down through the forest and villages. The further up Sam cycles, the more beautiful the view becomes. A view of the Zurich Oberland opens up. Here, and not far from the city, Sam discovers a new world: the region around the Pfäffikersee and Greifensee lakes is characterised by wooded hills, moorland and drumlins. A popular local recreation spot. And less than an hour away from the city. 

The asphalted road turns into a dirt track. Fortunately, Sam is using his gravel bike today. Its wider tyres and disc brakes are ideal for off-road adventures. The dirt track becomes a narrower path. Concentrating – but always with a smile on his face – Sam whizzes along the path. He pedals at full power. The feeling of freedom makes him happy. “There’s nothing better than going out on your bike after work.”

One last ascent and then the rest area is visible: the observation tower on the Pfannenstiel. Climbing up the 31-metre-high tower is not easy in cycling shoes. But it’s worth it. Although the Pfannenstiel is a comparatively small panoramic peak, it offers a breathtaking view. The panorama stretches from the Uetliberg over the Central Swiss Alps to the mountains of Eastern Switzerland and as far as the Bachtel. Information panels help you recognise the peaks. On a clear day, you can even see the triumvirate of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. 

If you wish, you can stop for refreshments at Restaurant Hochwacht or Restaurant Pfannenstiel before returning to the city. The mountain pass road leads downhill from Restaurant Pfannenstiel towards Lake Zurich. Sam decides against the direct route to Lake Zurich. Instead, he enjoys the side roads that run gently downhill, parallel to the lake. 

The road continues downhill between farmhouses and small villages. At Erlenbach, Sam finally turns onto Seestrasse. The last few kilometres lead along the sunny side of Lake Zurich, also known as the Gold Coast. If you still have enough energy left in your legs, it’s time to start pedalling again. Sam loves speed. The last ten kilometres pass quickly and Sam is soon standing in the middle of Bürkliplatz. A short stop on the Quai Bridge. The mountain panorama here never fails to impress. 

2024 is the year of the bicycle in Zurich. The 2024 UCI Road World Championships Zurich take place in the city and surrounding area. Visitors can look forward to an unrivalled cycling event. Thrilling races, a rousing atmosphere and unforgettable moments are guaranteed when top athletes compete for the coveted title. It’s worth experiencing the fascination of cycling and feeling the concentrated energy.