Information on touring bikes
Intro
Here you can learn all about touring with the bike in Switzerland. From signposting to safety tips, from bike hire to bike-friendly hotels.
All about cycling in Switzerland
More than 10,800km of signposted cycling routes: the number alone is impressive, but what counts is the variety. Where else can touring enthusiasts, leisure cyclists and e-bikers find as much scenic and cultural diversity in such a compact area as in Switzerland? Whether you are planning a one-day e-bike tour or wish to see the whole of Switzerland on a touring bike: Learn all about cycling in Switzerland on this page. From signposting to safety tips, from bike hire to bike-friendly hotels.
Routes and signposts
Routes and paths
There are more than 12,000km of standardised, signposted cycling routes throughout Switzerland. The many attractive paths along river banks and lake shores, with only minor uphill sections, are a special highlight. Cycling routes use roads and paths that are particularly suitable for bikes: they normally have a hard surface and see little traffic. On roads with a lot of traffic, the routes usually follow cycle paths or cycling lanes with safe road crossings and turn-offs. Cycling routes don’t make any special requirements of users.
All official SwitzerlandMobility cycling routes
Signposting
Signposts for cycling routes are red and feature a white bike pictogram. The red signposts are supplemented by a standard system of route information panels (stickers) with route names and route numbers. Single-digit numbers indicate national routes, double-digit numbers regional routes and triple-digit numbers local routes.
Rental
Bike or e-bike
Do you want to conveniently hire a bike or e-mountain bike in Switzerland? No problem. Offers from the national bike rental company can be found on following websites:
Public transportation
Bike and public transportation
Thanks to more than 29,000km of interconnected railway, bus and boat routes, you can get to your outdoor adventures easily and comfortably via public transportation. After your exertions, you’ll appreciate the relaxed ride home!
Bike and train
Combine bike and public transport according to your needs:
Rental
Package offer – cleverly combines train and bike
Be inspired by our bike tour tips and benefit from up to 20% off bike hire when you travel by public transport. RailAway lets you flexibly combine various tickets (standard, saver, half-tax travelcard, saver travelcard, GA travelcard).
Your hired bike at the train station - for short and long rentals
For leisure or everyday? A hired bike lets you travel sustainably and economically at any time. Pick up your bike directly at your local SBB travel centre – simply reserve, collect and saddle up! We also have attractive offers for e-bikes with rental periods lasting one or several months.
Bike transport
Send your bike across Switzerland
Simply hand in your bike as luggage at the station and rest assured it will reach your destination ahead of you.
Self-service loading of bikes
Bike transport by trail
Take your bike with you: With a point-to-point ticket, bike travelcard or bike pass, you can load bikes yourself on many public transport routes in Switzerland.
General information
Plan your trip well in advance. See www.sbb.ch/velo for more information.
Bike and postal bus
Bikes can be transported by postal bus if there is sufficient space in the vehicle. During the summer season, the postal buses travel through the tourist regions with bike racks on the rear of the vehicle. The bike must be accompanied by the owner and must have a valid ticket.
Bike and boat
For a surcharge, bikes can also be loaded onto passenger boats if there is sufficient space. On Lake Murten and Lake Neuchâtel it is even free to take your bike onboard.
On the move with your bike
Bike hotels
Swiss Bike Hotels
The Swiss Bike Hotels cater for action and fun on two wheels: Whether road cycling, mountain biking or a leisurely ride – the hosts themselves are usually cycling enthusiasts and offer a first-class service. On your doorstep, you will find the most beautiful single trails, downhill tracks and panoramic routes – idyllic cycling country.
The Swiss Bike Hotels meet the following criteria:
- Lockable bike room with direct access
- Bike cleaning area and repair set
- Overnight laundry service for sports clothing plus shower facility on day of departure
- Hearty breakfast and packed lunch on request
- Detailed information material and suggested tours
- Arrangement with bike shop for rental, tours and repairs