July 29, 2025

SWISS Biking Itineraries for Eco-Conscious Explorers

Pedals & Peaks: Eco-Friendly Biking Holidays in the Swiss Alps

Forget tour buses and jam-packed agendas—if you’re dreaming of a sustainable, scenic, soul-fueling getaway, a biking holiday in Switzerland might just be for you. Whether you’re rolling with your BFFs, your family, or flying solo, Switzerland offers beautifully maintained routes, electric bike support, and stunning trails that make it easy to slow down and reconnect with nature.

This guide features hand-picked itineraries for planners (and their travel crews) who want to unplug, breathe in fresh alpine air, and ride into unforgettable landscapes—without leaving a heavy footprint.

Why Choose a Biking Holiday in Switzerland?

Minimal impact, maximum immersion in the local culture and landscape
Well-marked, family/beginner-friendly routes and top-tier infrastructure
Train-bike combos that make getting around easy and eco-conscious
Wellness hotels + farm stays offer perfect rest stops after a long ride

Photo of the lakeside medieval village, Estavayer-le-lac, a stop on the trip below. Courtesy of Fribourg.ch | Pierre Cuony Photographs.

Top Biking Itineraries for Eco-Conscious Explorers

Family Biking Lake Neuchâtel. © Jura & Trois Lacs

1. Lakeside Leisure: Murtensee to Lake Neuchâtel (3 days)

Gentle paths, medieval towns, and vineyard views—ideal for beginners or families.

Route: Murten – Avenches – Estavayer-le-Lac – Yverdon-les-Bains
Highlights:
Swim stops at Murtensee, Plage de cheyres
Gourmet Tour of Murten / Gourmet walk through Avenches
Cool history spot: Roman Ruins of Avenches – Ampitheater, Théâtre romain du Selley, Therme du Forum, Sanctuaire du Cigognier, and even a portion of the original Roman walls enclosing the ancient city of Aventicum
Eco-friendly wine tasting in Vully
Thermal spa evening in Yverdon
Maison d’Ailleurs Museum – a quirky science fiction museum focusing on utopia and extraordinary journeys in Yverdon-les-Bains
Click here for more ideas to explore

Where to Stay:
Hotel La Prairie, Swiss Bike Hotel
Mont Blanc Chalet
Grand Hôtel des Rasses & Wellness
Booking Info: Book e-bike rentals via Rent a Bike and luggage transfers with Eurotrek.

Peist station. © RhB Rhaetian Railway.

Mountain biking Berguen. © berguen-filisur.graubuenden.ch.

2. Graubünden Gravel & Wellness (4–5 days)

For design lovers, nature seekers, and e-bike fans.

Route: Chur – Lenzerheide – Bergün – Zernez
Highlights:
Artisanal cheese stop in Parpan
Overnight at timber-clad design hotel, Priva Alpine Lodge or another unique hotel property in Lenzerheide
Ride through Parc Ela, Switzerland’s largest nature park
Engadin Scuol Zernez
Where to Stay:
Revier Hotel – Minimalist + smart-tech eco rooms
Hotel Kurhaus Bergün – Art nouveau meets mountain lodge
Insider Tip: Take the RhB scenic train (pictured above) between stops for a slow travel hybrid

Revier Abelboden. © Revier Hotels.

Photo of Weinberg, Salgesch vineyards courtesy of Christian Pfammatter | valais.ch

3. Valais Wine & Ride (3–4 days)

Mountain bikes, terrace vineyards, and glacier views. Great for active friend-groups and couples.

Route: Brig – Leuk – Sierre – Salgesch – Sion
Highlights:
Ride the Rhone Route along ancient irrigation channels
Stop for organic wine tastings in Salgesch
Visit the Wine Museum in Sierre
Where to Stay:
Chalet de Kalbermatten – Rustic-chic with solar panels
Les Caves du Paradis – Vineyard BnB
Insider Tip: Bring a refillable wine pouch to cut down on glass transport 😉

4. Jura Forest Trails & Farm-to-Table Nights (2–3 days)

Best for peaceful rides with forest shade, hearty Swiss-French cuisine and views of Lake Geneva or Lac Léman, as it’s locally known. The small city of Nyon rests in an excellent position on the lake, making it a fine stopover point. Enjoy its rich history, including the old castle, the Château de Nyon on the water’s edge.

Enjoy the many local delights along the trails.

Route: Nyon – St-Cergue – La Cure – Vallorbe
Highlights:
Wild herb workshops in St-Cergue
Picnic with local goat cheese + honey with Chalet Fruitières de Nyon: Located near St-Cergue, offers cheese-making demonstrations and views
Farm-to-table dining in Vallorbe
Where to Stay:
BnB Chez Ninon – Eco-labeled and family-run
La Maison du Vigneron
Eco Tip: Avoid single-use plastics on picnics—bring bento boxes, beeswax wraps + cloth napkins

TOUR NOIR Biking Essentials

Refillable water bottle + filter (though you don’t really need a filter because Switzerland’s water is top quality)
Small backpack with picnic gear + local snacks
Merino or organic cotton layers
Recycled bike shorts + sun hat
Offline GPS app (like Komoot or SwissTopo)
Some Helpful Hints for Cyclists

A last Thought

Biking in Switzerland isn’t just about sport—it’s a design-forward, eco-loving, joy-fueled way to see the country through fresh eyes. Whether you’re gliding past vineyards or climbing gravel switchbacks to an Alpine hut, there’s a rhythm here that invites presence.

So ride with wonder. Snack with intention. And let nature set the pace.