Between Lake Constance and Lake Geneva – the Mittelland Route
Bike Touring Collection by Kristof
7
days
2-4 h
/ day
237 mi
8,375 ft
8,450 ft
From Lake Constance to Lake Geneva, you can explore the diverse landscape between the Jura and the Alps: the Mittelland. Although the strip which runs through Switzerland is densely populated, the route often leads through untouched nature, beautiful scenery and several large lakes. In addition, you will follow along rivers, especially on the Aare. You will also discover many cultural treasures as you cycle through the small villages and towns where you can taste a variety of regional delicacies, cross over rivers on a medieval wooden bridge and cross the language border from German-speaking to French-speaking Switzerland.
The Mittelland Route consists of seven stages, each with a length of 30 to 40 miles (50 to 65 kms). At each stage, you will cover about 1000 to 1300 feet (300 to 400 meters) of altitude. Overall, the route is not too difficult, you just need a basic level of fitness. And should you run out of breath, you can easily hop onto a train. The start and finish of the stages, as well as many other places en route are connected to the railway network.
Thanks to the excellent infrastructure in Switzerland, the Mittelland route is ideal for your first multi-day bike ride. In all stages, you will find several accommodation options and also cafes, supermarkets and guesthouses to ensure you have a comfortable stay. You will mostly cycle on well-developed secondary roads with little traffic and the route is signposted throughout. Just follow the number five and enjoy the stunning landscapes between the Jura, Alps, Lake Constance and Lake Geneva.
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Last updated: January 18, 2023
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Tours & Highlights
- Intermediate02:4722.7 mi8.1 mph1,175 ft625 ftIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The journey from Lake Constance to Lake Geneva through the Swiss Mittelland begins in the pretty port town of Romanshorn. Getting there is very easy: several train lines lead here and you can also take the ferry from Friedrichshafen.
To warm up, you leave Romanshorn on small side roads with almost no…
by Kristof
- Expert03:2034.2 mi10.2 mph1,475 ft1,900 ftExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The second stage on the Mittelland route is a bit longer and hillier than the first, but you're already warmed up. Between the villages that you cross, you drive through beautiful landscapes again and again. Wide fields, quiet forests and lush meadows are on your way.
After a good ten kilometers you will…
by Kristof
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- Intermediate03:5640.0 mi10.2 mph1,225 ft1,400 ftIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
You leave the center of Kloten and drive around the largest airport in Switzerland. From several points you have a nice view of the airport and you can watch the planes take off and land. If aviation doesn't excite you that much and you'd rather be looking for quiet nature - no problem. After a small…
by Kristof
- Intermediate03:5337.1 mi9.5 mph1,100 ft975 ftIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The fourth stage on the Mittelland route is all about the Aare. But you don't always drive along the riverbank, but make a small detour here and there. There are no long climbs on this stage, but there are often small hills that you overcome.
Let's start in Aarau. You first drive onto a small island…
by Kristof
- Intermediate04:1038.6 mi9.3 mph975 ft950 ftIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
This stage also begins with a bike ride along the Aare. Even before you have left Solothurn, you have a great view of the crooked tower. It got its name from the slightly crooked roof, which was constructed that way on purpose. Shortly thereafter, an extremely beautiful route begins, sometimes directly…
by Kristof
- Intermediate03:1331.7 mi9.9 mph1,050 ft1,050 ftIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
It starts from Ins through a landscape that is criss-crossed by countless small and large canals. With a view of the small Mont Vully, you cross the Broye Canal on a wooden bridge, which connects Lake Murten with Lake Neuchâtel. You then also crossed the language border and are now in Romandie, the French…
by Kristof
- Intermediate03:2732.9 mi9.5 mph1,375 ft1,575 ftIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
The last stage of the Mittelland route takes you from the southern tip of Lake Neuchâtel south to the northern end of Lake Geneva. At the beginning you cycle on the flat through a beautiful landscape. Small villages, canals and ponds are on your way.
After the first ascent you reach La Sarraz and the…
by Kristof
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Collection Stats
- Tours7
- Distance237 mi
- Duration24:46 h
- Elevation8,375 ft8,450 ft
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