Riding an e-bike in Switzerland

The spread of electric bicycles has its pitfalls. One of these is the sharing of cycle paths by many types of users. This is particularly the case in the countryside and in the mountains, on trails intended for both hikers and mountain bikers.

Please note that there are two categories of electric bikes: slow bikes (with pedal assistance up to 25 km/h) and fast bikes or speed bikes (with pedal assistance up to 45 km/h).

The minimum age for riding all models of electric bikes in Switzerland is 14 years. From the age of 16, cyclists who ride a slow electric bike do not need a driving license. Young people over 14 years of age are allowed to ride a slow electric bicycle if they have a category M driving license (moped driving license).

Fast electric bikes must have a license plate and a sticker.Helmets are required for riders of fast electric bikes.

In the mountains, old-fashioned mountain biking is becoming more and more accessible to normal cyclists on holiday and is no longer just an extreme sport for particularly fit people. But have you ever imagined skiing down a winding Swiss mountain route without any training? This is possible with an electric bike. These assisted vehicles have become very popular in this area and true mountain bikers won't give them a second thought, but for most hikers the electric bike is the ultimate adventure.

E-bikes, short for electric bicycles, look like regular bicycles but have a battery attached to the frame, often between the wheels. The battery drives a small motor that helps the pedals turn. However, this is only an auxiliary drive; As soon as you stop pedaling, the power will also be cut off. Next to the normal circuit there is a tiny monitor that allows you to choose the level of assistance you want, from the first level, which is barely noticeable, to full turbo mode, which helps you reach impressive speeds after the initial shock.

We have put together 10 beautiful e-bike routes in Switzerland for you:

1. Heart route Lausanne-Rorschach

The Heart Route takes you through one of the most beautiful landscapes in Switzerland at the foot of the Alps. The remote paths, away from traffic noise and hustle and bustle, are particularly attractive to explore by electric bike. The route offers warm encounters with nature and people.

Gently rising hills, lush meadows, beautiful forests and wonderful views of the Alps: a landscape that you will take to your heart: the Herzroute. It leads through a chain of foothills of the Alps. Behind every mountain range lies a valley to be discovered.

The Heart Route is not about the immediacy, but about the journey. You can experience the Switzerland of yesteryear at your own pace. It's worth spending some time at the impressive viewpoints. Small villages, estates and picturesque towns provide variety.

To cover the route comfortably, an electric bike is recommended, as it mainly leads through hilly landscapes. There are bike rentals and battery changing stations along the route. Difficult gradients are therefore easy to overcome, so that cyclists of all abilities and ages can enjoy the Herzroute.

2. Chirsi-Liestal-Laufen-Route

A cycle route for leisure cyclists who want to cycle through a quiet landscape, but also like to stop off every now and then to try regional specialties.

The Chirsi route leads along idyllic streets in the middle of a charming landscape. The route was named Chirsi (in Swiss dialect: cherries) because of the many tall cherry trees, which are considered landmarks of Baselland throughout Switzerland. When the fruit trees bloom in spring, the picturesque hilly landscape transforms into a fairytale world. In summer, when the fragrant meadows are full of cherry trees with ripe fruits, one cannot resist the temptation to taste the delicious fruits.

There is no shortage of rustic inns along the way that invite you to relax. The farms also ensure your physical well-being and offer tasty regional specialties. For those interested in cultural history, the old districts of Liestal and Laufen, Frohburg towns with medieval town centers, are interesting.

3. Belchen Panorama Route Olten-Liestal

"If you don't dare, you don't win," is a well-known saying that aptly describes this cycling route. But it's worth it: the reward for the countless climbs through the folds and plateaus of the Basque mountains Chain Jura and Table Jura are breathtaking views of the rich cultural landscape.

In addition to the beautiful landscape, many songs are also sung in honor of the mountains and valleys (Bärg and Täli) of Baselland. The topography of the Belchen Panorama Route is demanding and will definitely make you sweat. If you prefer to take it easy, take an electric bike. Once at the top of the Hauenstein Pass, after a short climb you have a panoramic view over the entire Basel region as far as the French Vosges and the Black Forest. In Roman times, the pass served as an important transit connection between Augusta Raurica and the Mittelland.

The first and longest climb of the route ends with the Chilchzimmersattel, from which you can easily reach the popular Belchenflue viewpoint. Then, as you descend, the former Schöntal monastery catches your eye. It was built in the 12th century. Built in the century as a Benedictine abbey. Today it houses an art collection and a sculpture park. The route continues along the Schöntalbach to Langenbruck, the only health resort and the highest municipality in the canton of Baselland. Ober Hauenstein, at the entrance to the village, lies in a watershed.

Along the folds of the Jura Mountains - past impressive limestone formations and through lush forests - there are always panoramic views of the Alps. The ascent and descent make you hungry; Luckily, there are rustic inns and farms along the route that serve meals and snacks. Anyone interested in cultural history will find what they are looking for in the charming towns of Olten and Liestal, which invite you to linger.

4. The Appenzell culinary route Appenzell-Haslen-Urnäsch-Appenzell

This route offers Appenzell hospitality, delicacies and extraordinary views of typical Alpine landscapes. You will be tempted by the carefully curated menu, which you can enjoy in one place or course by course in different restaurants.

You begin your bike tour in the picturesque Appenzell town. The sitters accompany you for a while, then you cycle through green meadows, past Appenzell farms until you reach Eggerstanden, where you will be warmly welcomed in the first inn. The route continues to the assembly point, where you can enjoy the view of Gais and Appenzell. Take time to take a break during your aerial descent.

In Schlatt you deserve a break after the steep climb. Here you can try many culinary delicacies and enjoy the wonderful view. Even if you're tempted, you shouldn't drive too fast when descending the Leimensteig to Haslen, otherwise you'll miss the wonderful view.

In Stein you can fortify yourself in the show dairy. From there you reach the traditional village of Urnäsch via Hundwil and continue on winding roads to Jakobsbd at the foot of the Kronberg. From Gonten it goes gently and slightly downhill.

5. Willisau-Willisau Napfpass

The Heart Loop Napf is a spectacular adventure trail around the Napf. Three guided days on this wild route in Switzerland. The route leads through promising mountain ranges, deep ditches and picturesque town centers. Electric bikes are recommended and can be rented.

From picturesque Willisau you drive through charming hills, past proud farms and quiet villages. On the way to Wyssachen it becomes more rustic - you can literally feel how close you are to the bowl. From the ridge you have a great view of the steep face of this mighty mountain. In the direction of Sumiswald and the venerable castles of Sumiswald and Trachselwald, we go up to Lüderenalp, the starting point for excursions around the Napf. The descent over the epic Gohlgrabenpass leads to Langnau, the first stage destination.

Following the valley floor you reach Trubschachen, where the Kambly experience is a sweet stopover on the route. The route leads away from the populated area and up into the mountains with a view of the Napf and the Alps. At the highest point of 1,200 m above sea level. M In Turner the cantonal boundaries overlap. A rapid descent takes the cyclist back to Escholzmatt in the canton of Lucerne, and shortly afterwards the cyclist disappears into the lush vegetation of the biosphere reserve.

From Entlebuch you follow lonely paths through the UNESCO biosphere reserve. The “wild west” of Lucerne is home to the largest and most numerous heath landscape in Switzerland. As the route continues, the route becomes increasingly steep. The road leads down to Fontanne - a ditch with a natural river landscape - and to the ridge just before the Napfhauptkamm. Through shady valleys and steep forest paths we climb back up to promising ridges before we float happily over gentle hills towards the community of Willisau.

6. Creux-du-Van-Tour Noiraigue-Creux-du-Van-Couvet-Noiraigue

One of the main attractions of the Jura is the natural climbing wall of Creux-du-Van, the largest nature reserve in the canton of Neuchâtel. This electric bike tour takes you to this natural wonder.

The tour begins at historic Noraigue train station. Now experience the sunny side of the bike: you get on your bike, pedal and set off on a short ride along the Areuse through the Val de Travers. The climb to Creux du Van is easy thanks to the assistance of an electric motor. About 300 meters before Creux du Van, park your e-bike at the Le Soliat restaurant and continue on foot.

The view from Creux-du-Van, where the Jura landscape suddenly drops away with vertical rock faces, is breathtaking: a spectacular, naturally formed rock amphitheater. With an area of ​​15.5 square kilometers, it is the largest nature reserve in the canton of Neuchâtel and offers a wonderful view of Lake Neuchâtel. After an invigorating lunch, you cycle relaxed through the quiet landscape via Couvet back to the starting point in Noiraigue.

7. Rheinwald-Splügen route

The still young Hinterrhein offers an enchanting landscape with the spectacular peaks of Guggernüll and Einshorn as a backdrop, which can be enjoyed on the Rheinwald circular route. It leads around the valley on forest paths on both sides of the Hinterrhein.

Although the paths over the Splügen and San Bernardino passes were frequently used by the Romans, the Rhine Forest was only sparsely populated by the descendants of these newcomers from the south until the late Middle Ages. In the 13th The Walser people settled here in the 19th century. Their language and culture continue to shape the valley today. This is also evident in Splügen, the starting point of the Rhine Forest circular hike: in this typical old pass village, the sun-gilded Walser wooden houses stand next to the Italianate stone houses.

On the sunny side of the valley you pass the ruins of Splügen Castle, the only castle in the valley. After Sufers, the route descends to Lake Sufner and circles it clockwise. At the southern end of the reservoir it dips into the Göriwald and leads again through Splügen, but instead of crossing the bridge over the Hinterrhein and driving into the town, it turns around. We reach Nufenen via Tamboboden. Here you can use cycle path no. 6 to the Hinterrhein. This is the first village in the still developing Hinterrhein and the oldest Walser settlement in Graubünden. From Nufenen the route leads along the left bank of the river, through Medels and back to Splügen.

This exciting cycle path on the young Rhine almost didn't exist: In the 1940s, the people of Rheinwald successfully resisted a dam project that envisaged the construction of a 700 meter long and 150 meter high barrier wall over the Splügen castle ruins and the flooding of the valley . If this battle had been lost, Splügen and part of the beautiful farming village of Medels would be under water today.

8. Heart loop Seetal Eschenbach LU

The “Heart Loop Seetal” leads from Eschenbach-LU to Lenzburg and then back over almost 120 km, all away from traffic. The attractive e-bike route can be completed in two days and shows you unknown parts of the cantons of Aargau and Lucerne.

On the first day of the tour, the “Heart Loop Seetal” leads past the Eschenbach Monastery right at the beginning. The route then changes to small trails where the cyclists are surrounded by high-stem cultures. You will soon reach the "Johanniterkommende Hohenrain", from where you have a wonderful view of the Alps and Lake Baldeggersee.

The route becomes increasingly steep and slowly leads over the Lindenberg. At the top of a secluded plateau, Horben Castle surprises visitors with its chapel and farmhouse. After a short walk through the forest, the Höhenstrasse begins. The cyclists ride through pretty villages, through vast landscapes and enjoy the view of Lake Hallwil.

You will be surprised again by the castle (Hilfikon), which attracts attention with its noble ball in an unexpected place. Through the forest you reach Seengen and soon see the large Hallwyl castle with its moat. You only get a brief glimpse of the tourist hustle and bustle before the route disappears into the secluded forest and follows the lively Aabach towards Lenzburg.

Starting from Lenzburg and neighboring Staufen, the quiet path finds a loop shortly after Seon that leads into an enchanting forest. At the end of the forest, Liebegg Castle appears, as if in a dream. The path disappears again into the green of Aargau and only reappears at the summit of Bööler, from where you have a view of the wide landscape.

The shot leads to the castle ruins. Then you have to climb the ridge again, on which you ride for a long time without any visible villages or traffic. Only in Beromünster do you return to the well-known places and enjoy the wonderful little country spot.

Away from the traffic, the route leads back to the Sempachersee golf course, where you can take a break and enjoy the wonderful view of Mount Pilatus. Immediately afterwards, the loop flows into regional routes 94 and 99 (Heart Route). From here it is only a short drive to Eschenbach.

9. Experience Langnau Tour

Discover the origins of Kambly and find out where the raw materials for Kambly Biscuits come from. The tour starts in Langnau and leads through the Emmental hills with breathtaking views of the beautiful mountain and valley landscape and includes a visit to the Kambly Experience.

The adventure tour starts at Langnau train station, where electric bikes can also be rented. From here the tour takes side roads through Hühnerbach before heading out of the valley to Hüpfenboden.

At the Hüpfenboden mountain cheese dairy you will find out how the tasty Emmental cheese and its holes are made. Passing the terrace of the Blapbach restaurant you reach the organic farm from which Kambly gets the milk for the fresh butter in the bakery. Here, at 1,100 m above sea level. M, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. On the left you can see the Napf and on the right the Hohgant, the amazing Schrattenfluh and the Bernese Alps.

After a quick descent over the Chrümpelgraben, you can recharge your batteries in Trubschachen. At the Kambly Experience you can enjoy pastry specialties and a cozy coffee. In the village you will find out where Kambly gets its flour and butter from. On the way back to Langnau you will pass a field where spelled is grown for the Kambly pastry "Sablé UrDinkel" and continue to Gohl. On the way back to Langnau train station, you can once again enjoy the view of the unique hilly landscape of the Emmental.

10. Bern Belp Green Belt, Airport

A short bike tour is enough to immerse yourself in the countryside: the 59 kilometer long route connects all the communities around Velostadt Bern. It leads through the southern part of Bern and its relaxing cultural landscapes to Lake Wohlen. We continue north through the vast nature with a view of the Bernese Alps and the Aare.

On the “Green Belt” route you are free to choose the direction, the starting point and the stages. Along the way you will stop regularly to enjoy the view, look at a tree or watch dragonflies over a pond. At the marked "experience points" you will learn useful, funny and surprising things about nature and agriculture. The benches with tree trunks at these points also invite you to take longer breaks. Thanks to the illustrated information along the route, you always know where the next attractions are along the way.

The route starts at Bern-Belp Airport and leads along the national floodplain Belper Giessen and through the Swiss-known Belpmoos to Kehrsatz. After a slight incline, the entire landscape opens up towards the Aare and Gürbetal with the Bernese Alps behind them. After this climb, the route leads south of the Gurten through the picturesque Köniz Valley to Köniz Castle. The next destination is Herzwil, a place of national importance with typical Bernese farmhouses. In Niederwangen you reach a more urban environment.

The route continues through the Bottigenmoos plain and ends in the village of “Chäs u Brot” near Oberbottigen. The Bernese troops are said to have dined here on the way to the Battle of Laupen in 1339. Finally we reach Riedbach and continue to Frauenkappelen on Lake Wohlen. The route leads through cultural landscapes, villages and hamlets and then over the Wohlei Bridge to Hinterkappelen. After entering Wohlen, the route continues to the foot of the Frienisberg. Hidden in the gentle cultural landscape around Wohlen and Kirchlindach are the two protected moors Lörmoos and Büsselimoos.

The route leads through Zollikofen around five kilometers north of Bern. In a south-easterly direction, at the Grauholz service area, we cross the motorway on a bridge. But soon we'll be heading back to the country. This is followed by the entrance to the picturesque village of Habstetten and, after a slight descent, you reach the Worblental near Deisswil. The route continues through the Gümligental to Gümligen. The route leads via Allmendigen down to the Aare. The last part leads along the Aare and the Giesse through a floodplain landscape to the destination near Bern-Belp Airport.