Switzerland by bike. The Route des Lacs, from Vevey to Rorschach.
The Lake Route takes its name from the multitude of lakes that it reveals along its route, from Lake Geneva to Lake Constance. It takes you through some of the most splendid tourist regions of Switzerland, while allowing you to discover several renowned cities such as Vevey, Gruyères, Gstaad, Interlaken, Lucerne, Einsiedeln, Rapperswil, and many others. This route offers the opportunity to appreciate the most beautiful panoramas of Switzerland during a single stay!
Highlights of the bike trip:
- The Switzerland of postcards
- Local traditions
- Mountain villages with remarkable charm
- The lakes, each prettier than the other
Day 1: from Vevey to Gruyères - 50 km / + 855 m
Your luggage will be managed in Vevey (luggage to be dropped off until 10 a.m.). From the city center, a rack train ride takes you to Mont-Pèlerin. Taking peaceful roads, you arrive in the region of origin of the most famous Swiss cheese, Gruyère, which lends its name to this green landscape. An encounter with the ringing of bells and local customs awaits you.
Night in the vicinity of Gruyères.
Day 2: from Gruyères to Gstaad - 40 km / + 735 m
The Switzerland of postcards: cheese factories, chalets, snow-capped mountains, funiculars and masterpieces of Paper “cutouts”, local arts and crafts. The Pays-d’Enhaut and the village of Saanen offer beautiful mountain landscapes and warm encounters.
Night in the surroundings of Gstaad.
Day 3: from Gstaad to Spiez - 55 km / + 740 m
The ornate wooden houses of the Simme Valley are among the most magnificent in Europe. You also explore the tumultuous waters of the Simme, representing a real challenge for fans of inflatable boats. Finally you reach Spiez and Lake Thun, a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts.
Night in Spiez.
Day 4: from Spiez to Lake Sarnen - 60 km / + 1,145 m
During the morning, enjoy a boat trip from Spiez to Interlaken. Following the shores of Lake Brienz, the route includes some steep climbs to reach Meiringen, where you will board a train that will take you across the Brünig Pass. Now you find yourself in Obwalden, a small canton nestled in a vast valley, offering an unspoiled pre-Alpine landscape with a few scattered villages, lakes and centuries-old traditions.
Night in the surroundings of Lake Sarnen.
Day 5: from Lake Sarnen to Zug - 60 km / + 485 m
After leaving Lucerne, you reach one end of Lake Lucerne. Impossible to ignore, the majestic Mount Pilatus stands before you. You continue your journey from one bay to another, your attention constantly attracted by the Pilatus, a popular attraction for all tourists. Your stop for the day takes you to the charming Lake Zug.
Night in Zug.
Day 6: from Zug to Einsiedeln - 50 km / + 900 m
You explore the underground world of the "Caves of Hell", relive the poignant memories of the battle on the shores of Lake Aegeri, contemplate the bog landscape of the Rothenturm High Marsh, a refuge for many insects and beautiful orchids. Finally, you reach Einsiedeln, the famous pilgrimage site.
Night in Einsiedeln.
Day 7: from Einsiedeln to Walensee - 70 km / + 685 m
The picturesque Lake Sihl ensures the region's electricity supply. On the banks of Lake Zurich, villas captivate the eye, while on the Linth plain, the daring interventions of an engineer, H.C. Esche, transformed the landscape, giving rise to large meadows and agricultural areas.
Night in Walensee.
Day 8: from Walensee to Vaduz or Buchs - 40 km / + 180 m
Figs and kiwis reach maturity thanks to the microclimate offered by the Lake Walen region, where the imposing rock walls of the Churfirsten massif give the impression of being able to spill into the lake waters at any time. The route continues at a leisurely pace to Sargans, where the town is protected by its castle and Gonzen, a nearby mountain home to an old iron mine.
Night in Vaduz or Buchs.
Day 9: from Vaduz or Buchs to Rorschach or Romanshorn - 75 km / + 280 m
The St. Gallen Rhine valley is often caressed by the warm breath of the Foehn, giving it a privileged climate conducive to agriculture. In order to expand the cultivable areas, the rivers of the valley were developed. In the distance, the Rhine delta and the silvery reflections of Lake Constance can already be seen. End of the tour in Rorschach (luggage to be collected until 5 p.m.).
Two variants in short versions are possible on request:
Variant 1: Friborg region and Bernese Oberland
Day 1: arrival in Montreux | from Montreux to Gruyères - 50 km / + 855 m
Day 2: from Gruyères to Gstaad - 40 km / + 735 m
Day 3: from Gstaad to Thun - 55 km / + 765 m
Variant 2: from Vevey to Lucerne
Day 1: arrival in Vevey | from Vevey to Gruyères - 50 km / + 855 m
Day 2: from Gruyères to Gstaad - 40 km / + 735 m
Day 3: from Gstaad to Spiez - 55 km / + 740 m
Day 4: from Spiez to Sarnersee - 60 km / + 1,145 m
Day 5: from Sarnersee to Lucerne - 35 km / + 240 m
