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Best Cycle Routes in the Zurich Area
Best Cycle Rides for Amateur Riders!
by Jan de Boer
Many people don’t think that Switzerland is the ideal place for cycling due to it’s high hills and steep valleys. However, this is not always the case. Cycling in and around Zurich gives you a great variety of different terrain as well as some of the best views of the surrounding landscape. The “cycle highways” are an ideal way to explore the cycling that Zurich has to offer. Here is a list of some of the best cycle routes from Zurich for all skill levels.
Zurich to Rapperswil (with return by boat)
Following Cycle highway 66 all the way from Stadelhofen to Rapperswil, this route gives the best views of Zurich’s Gold Coast. Passing through highly picturesque locations on an incredibly flat route. Once Rapperswil is reached, do take time to walk around the old town before either taking the train or the boat back to Zurich. A real must do!
Time: 2 hours 30 mins cycling
Intensity: low
See route here
Greifensee Round Trip
Take the S9 train to Schwerzenbach, then follow cycle highway 29 around the picturesque lake of the Greifensee. One of the smaller and quieter parts of the Zurich area, you are sure to get great views as you cycle by. Why not relax and enjoy a swim in the pristine waters afterwards? Or simply sample the wonderful wildlife with the great backdrop of the alps.
Time: 1 hour 30 mins cycling
Intensity: low
See route here
Airport Round Trip
If you are a fan of the glories of flight, then seeing the airport from up close on a bike is a real must. Go round the cycle highway following the airport perimeter, stopping along the way to see the great planes take off. Don’t miss the giant Airbus A380 bound for Singapore which takes off around 13:30 in a southeasterly direction. A true treat for an airline nut. There is also a brand new airport lookout point where you can see the large jets landing on the northern tip of the airport (see map).
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Intensity: low to medium
See route here
Schaffhausen to Konstanz
One of the most enjoyable cycle rides is the journey from Schaffhausen to Konstanz. This route follows the “European Cycle Highway”, which goes from the Bay of Biscay all the way to the Black Sea. However, it doesn’t take you across Europe, but along the picturesque Rhine River. A very rewarding ride ending in the historic city of Konstanz.
Time: 4 hours 15 mins cycling
Intensity: Medium
See route here
Zurich to Winterthur
Going between the two metropolises in the Canton, this route takes you through the heart of both Zurich and Winterthur and affords wonderful views of the surrounding area. It is a great way to get oriented as you experience the landscape of the town and realise just how large the area truly is.
Time: 2 hours 15 mins
Intensity: High (not recommended for children)
See route here
Please Note the assumption is that the average speed is approximately 12kph (7.4mph) throughout.
Some routes will require public transport travel.
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Article written by Jan de Boer
Jan is Comment Editor of the Award Winning Student Newspaper “Nouse“
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