Information on mountain biking

Grindelwald, Bike

Hint

Intro

Here you can learn all about mountain biking in Switzerland. From signposting to safety tips, from bike hire to bike-friendly hotels.

Mountain biking

Mountain biking in Switzerland

Looking for fast-paced, spectacular single trails through the Swiss Alps? Or perhaps you’d prefer to discover the Pre-Alps at your leisure by e-mountain bike? No matter whether you’re into enduro, all-mountain or touring, Switzerland has the perfect route for you. On this page, learn all about mountain biking in Switzerland. From signposting to safety tips, from mountain bike hire to bike-friendly hotels.

Grand Chavalard Biker

Routes and signposts

Routes and trails

Switzerland is home to around 9,800km of standardised, signposted mountain bike routes.

They are widely accessible and mostly located in hilly or mountainous regions. Most have a natural surface and, depending on the region, feature some exciting single trails. Certain sections are difficult to cycle along and may require you to push or carry your bike. Anyone cycling along a mountain bike route should be in good physical condition and ideally have some experience of mountain biking. Mountain bikes should be fitted with wide tyres and good brakes.

Cycling on forest and meadow paths as well as on most hiking trails is permitted in Switzerland – unless prohibited by signposts. When cycling on hiking trails, be considerate of hikers and give them priority.

All official SwitzerlandMobility mountain bike routes

Val Mustair, Val Mora

Signposts

Mountain bike route signposts are red and feature a white mountain bike symbol. The red signposts are supplemented by a standardised 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.

If routes are not officially marked, this is indicated in the route description.

Val Mustair, Doess Radond

Levels of difficulty

The SwiterlandMobility mountain bike routes are categorised according to their level of difficulty.
More information about the particular challenges that the paths present for cyclists. 

Engelberg, 4 Seen Bikeroute

Cycling in safety

  • Show respect

    • Say hello and thank you
    • Give way to pedestrians
    • Make yourself noticed before overtaking
    • Close stiles
    • Behave in an exemplary manner

  • Protect yourself

    • Wear a helmet, goggles, gloves and other protective equipment
    • Prepare for emergencies and breakdowns along the way
    • Plan your tour and dress according to the weather conditions
    • Take enough water and food with you
    • Maintain your bike regularly

  • Stay on the road

    • Respect road closures and riding restrictions
    • Note seasonal or time restrictions
    • Do not take any shortcuts

  • Take care of the environment

    • Be considerate of animals and plants
    • Find out about protected areas
    • Ride trails with sufficient daylight
    • Keep calm and ride slowly when animals are present
    • Do not ride over flowering plants, mushrooms or meadows
    • Pay attention to wildlife quiet zones and wildlife reserves
    • Close stiles

  • Do not leave anything behind

    • Avoid jammed wheels
    • Take your rubbish with you

  • Know your limits

    • Choose a tour that suits your skills
    • Ride with concentration and foresight
    • Book a local guide and work on your skills
    • Adapt your speed to the situation and your ability



Rental

Mountain bike or e-MTB

Looking to hire a mountain bike or e-mountain bike in Switzerland with minimum fuss? No problem. On the following pages you can find offers from Switzerland’s national bike rental company:

Rent a bike with swissrent

SwitzerlandMobility

Rent a bike

Capanna Monte Bar, Mountainbiker Paar

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


 

 

Hotels and mountain huts

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
Bike hotels
Deltapark Vitalresort, Thun

Mountain huts for mountain bikers

Sleep in the heart of the mountains: these twelve mountain huts, which are part of the Swiss Alpine Club, are particularly mountain bike-friendly – with suggested routes:
Swiss Alpine Club

Gstaad, Mountainbiken

Further information

Mountain bike guide

Those travelling with a mountain bike guide are well looked after at all times: the guide takes care of planning the route – and of course knows where to find the most beautiful single trails, insider hotspots and best stops along the way. The personal guide can also fully adapt the level of difficulty and safety to the needs of guests.
The national Swiss Cycling Association trains mountain bike guides in Switzerland. Find the ideal guide for your tours on the next page:

Swiss cycling guide


Capanna Monte Bar, Mountainbiker Paar

First time on a mountain bike

First time out on a mountain bike in Switzerland? No problem. Here are some recommendations:

  • Begin with routes that are marked as easy
  • Visit a bike park with easy trails (blue) and/or practice areas (e.g. skill parks)
  • Take part in a cycling course
  • Go on your tour with a guide

Val-de-Charmey, Breccaschlund
Scroll To Top