Switzerland is a true paradise for cyclists - with breathtaking Alpine panoramas, beautiful lakes and idyllic villages. But even though Switzerland is ideal for cycling holidays in terms of its nature and infrastructure, many people ask themselves: How much does a cycling holiday cost? How can you experience the adventure without spending a small fortune?

This blog is aimed at Swiss women who are travelling by bike or planning a cycling trip in Switzerland or abroad. We'll give you valuable budget tips to help you organise your cycling trip on a budget - without having to compromise on the experience.

1. The basic costs of a cycle tour in Switzerland

Before you set off on a cycling holiday, it is important to know the most important cost factors that you may incur. These depend heavily on the nature of your trip, whether you are only travelling in Switzerland or also abroad.

a) The bike and the equipment

A good bike is the be-all and end-all for a successful cycle tour. In Switzerland, there are numerous specialist shops and online shops that offer bikes for different needs. A trekking bike, e-bike or even a gravel bike are often the best options for longer tours.

The cost of a bike starts at around CHF 500 for an entry-level model and can go up to CHF 2,500 or more for high-quality, specialised models. If you already own the bike, you can of course save these costs.

In addition to the bike, you need good equipment:

Bicycle panniers: Indispensable for longer tours. The price varies between CHF 50 and CHF 300 depending on the quality.
Protective clothing: A helmet, gloves and weatherproof clothing are essential. Good quality clothing is available from around CHF 100 for everything.
Puncture kit: Repair tools, spare inner tubes and a small kit for emergencies are a must and cost on average CHF 30 to 60.

b) Accommodation

Switzerland offers a wide range of accommodation - from campsites to luxury hotels. There are various options to keep costs down:

Camping: This is the cheapest option. You can pitch a tent for between CHF 20 and 40 per night at the numerous campsites in Switzerland. Some campsites also offer special bicycle camping facilities.
Private rooms or cheap hotels: If you don't want to camp, you can opt for cheap rooms in B&Bs or small guesthouses. Prices start at around 60-100 CHF per night.
Airbnb: A good way to find cheap accommodation. Here you can find private rooms or flats from around CHF 50-80 per night.

c) Catering

Catering in Switzerland can be expensive, but there are also affordable options:

Self-catering: If you live in a Campsite oder einer günstigen Unterkunft übernachtest, kannst du dein eigenes Essen zubereiten. Auf den lokalen Märkten oder in Supermärkten kannst du günstige Lebensmittel wie Brot, Käse, Gemüse und Obst für ein einfaches Abendessen kaufen. Rechne mit 20-30 CHF pro Tag für Verpflegung, wenn du selbst kochst.
Restaurants and cafés: If you don't want to cook for yourself, you should expect to pay CHF 15-25 for a meal in a simple restaurant.

d) Transport costs

Switzerland is well connected, which means that in most cases you can easily travel by public transport to start your cycle tour.

Train journeys by bike are relatively expensive in Switzerland, but there are special discounts and offers, for example with the Swiss Travel Pass or the SBB supersaver ticket. A one-way journey from Zurich to Lausanne, for example, costs around CHF 40-60, depending on when you book.

e) Insurances

It is advisable to take out good travel insurance that covers accidents as well as the repair or loss of your bike. The cost of travel insurance is around CHF 50-150 for a trip lasting several weeks.

2. cycling holidays abroad: costs and planning

If you want to take your cycle tour beyond the borders of Switzerland, there are various budget options here too. Most European countries are easily accessible by public transport and many offer great cycle paths that you can discover by bike.

Germany, France, Italy or Austria: these neighbouring countries offer numerous cycle tours at reasonable prices. Accommodation costs are often cheaper in these countries than in Switzerland. Here you can expect to pay around CHF 40-70 per night for affordable accommodation.
Transport in Europe: A train journey from Zurich to Munich costs around 40-100 CHF, depending on time and offers. In many countries you can also find cheap coach and air travel.

3. Budget tips for an affordable cycle tour in Switzerland and abroad

Now that you know the most important cost factors, we want to give you some valuable budget tips to make your cycling holiday an inexpensive yet unforgettable experience.

a) Travelling in the low season

Switzerland is a popular destination, especially in the summer months, but prices for accommodation and transport often skyrocket then. If you travel in the low season, for example in spring or autumn, you can travel much more cheaply.

b) Rent or buy a used bike

If you don't have your own bike, you don't have to buy a new one. Many bike hire shops in Switzerland offer high-quality bikes at reasonable prices, often between CHF 30-60 per day. Alternatively, you can get a second-hand bike from the internet or from local dealers.

c) Less luggage - more freedom

Lighter luggage not only makes travelling more pleasant, but also saves money on accommodation. Less luggage means less wear and tear and a faster journey. Remember to take only the essentials with you.

d) Use the Swiss Travel Pass

If you are travelling by train, the Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited journeys. The card costs around CHF 75-100 per day, but offers you discounts on many attractions and free access to many forms of public transport.

e) Camping and wild camping

Wild camping is only permitted in Switzerland under certain conditions, but there are many beautiful, unspoilt places where you can camp without spending a lot of money. If you stay at official campsites, the accommodation costs are usually cheaper than in hotels.

f) Favourable catering

Shopping at markets or supermarkets is the best way to save money on food. If you are travelling in Switzerland, you can shop cheaply at the many markets in cities such as Zurich, Basel or Bern and find fresh, local produce at reasonable prices.

g) Voluntary overnight stays with hosts

If you want to get to know the local culture better, you can also stay overnight with local people, e.g. via couchsurfing or similar platforms. This option is not only free, but also a great way to get to know the locals.

4. Conclusion: your cycle tour doesn't have to be expensive

To summarise, a cycling trip in Switzerland or abroad doesn't have to be expensive if you plan your trip well and pay attention to a few things. With the right equipment, affordable accommodation and smart transport choices, you can enjoy an unforgettable cycle tour - all within your budget.

If you are travelling by bike in Switzerland for a week, you can expect the following costs:

Bike and equipment: If you already have a good bike, the costs for equipment (puncture kit, bags, protective clothing) will be around 100-200 CHF if you don't already have everything. If you hire a bike, you can expect to pay 30-60 CHF per day, which adds up to 210-420 CHF for a week.
Accommodation: If you are camping, you can expect to pay around 20-30 CHF per night for a campsite, i.e. a total of 140-210 CHF for a week. If you are staying in budget accommodation such as hostels or B&Bs, around 60-100 CHF per night is realistic, which comes to 420-700 CHF for a week.
Catering: If you mainly cook for yourself and rely on local markets, you can expect to spend around 20-30 CHF per day on food, i.e. a total of 140-210 CHF for the whole week. If you eat out more often, the costs rise to CHF 25-50 per day, which means a total of CHF 175-350 for the week.
Transport costs: If you are travelling by train or bus, expect to pay around CHF 40-60 for a one-way journey. Depending on the type of journey, e.g. if you use the Swiss Travel Pass or other discounts, the total cost could be around CHF 100-150 for the week if you use public transport.
Insurance: Travel insurance for one week costs around CHF 20-40.

Total costs for a week's cycling holiday in Switzerland:

Budget trip (camping, self-catering, bike hire): About 400-700 CHF
Comfort trip (hostels, occasional meals out, own equipment): About 800-1,300 CHF

As you can see, the cost depends heavily on your personal preferences and choices. You can organise a cycling trip in Switzerland for around CHF 400 for a week if you are thrifty and cook for yourself. For a more comfortable option with more hotel nights and occasional restaurant visits, you can expect higher costs.

However, with the right budget tips and good planning, you are sure to make your cycling holiday an unforgettable experience - without breaking the bank. So, pack your bike and experience the adventure that awaits you! And if you're still looking for cheap hire bikes, you probably already know that at Pedalmondo hire your suitable gravel or touring bike with bike bags.