Cycling tour Switzerland - How to get started - even without your own bike
Do you want to get out into nature, get moving and discover Switzerland on two wheels - but you don't have your own bike or have no idea where to start? Don't worry: a bike tour doesn't have to be expensive or complicated.
With a rented bike, the right route and a few simple tips, you can easily get started - even if you've never done a tour before.
Bike tours stand for freedom, nature and small adventures. But many people think: “I need my own bike for that - and a lot of experience.” Not true. There are countless beautiful, beginner-friendly routes in Switzerland - and thanks to modern rental bikes, all you need is a desire to get moving.
In this article, we show you how to start your first cycling adventure without your own bike. You'll get tour suggestions, planning tips, experience reports - and find out how easy it is to rent a high-quality touring or gravel bike from Pedalmondo. Ready? Then let's go!
Bike hire made easy - how to find the right bike
You don't need your own bike to discover Switzerland on two wheels - and certainly not an overstuffed everyday bike from the cellar. At Pedalmondo, you can get high-quality touring and gravel bikes that are perfectly designed for longer bike tours - including matching bike bags for your luggage.
Touring bike or gravel bike - what suits your adventure?
At Pedalmondo, you have the choice between two high-quality bike types - both are made for multi-day tours in Switzerland and come with a suitable luggage solution. Your decision depends above all on how you want to travel.
Touring Bike - for classic routes with plenty of comfort
Our touring bike from the Swiss manufacturer Tour de Suisse is ideal for longer distances on well-maintained cycle paths. It offers:
- a upright, comfortable sitting position
- Lots of storage space thanks to luggage rack front and rear
- Puncture-proof tires and reliable technology
- Ideal for traveling with classic Ortlieb bike bags
If you are riding on paved roads and value comfort and stability, the touring bike is the right choice.
Gravel bike - for sportier routes with light luggage
Our gravel bike Aquilia from MTB Cycletech is designed for anyone who likes to ride a little faster or off the beaten track. It offers:
- a sportier sitting posture
- Good control on gravel, forest and nature trails
- Lightweight bikepacking bags instead of large panniers
If you enjoy being active on the road and like a bit more variety, the gravel bike is perfect for you.
What you should know:
- Both bikes are for at least 72 hours (3 days) rentable
- You select the frame size directly when booking
- The matching bag is included - The right system automatically depending on the bike
Tour suggestions from Bern - 3 easy routes to get you started
You want to get out into nature, get some exercise and just start cycling - but without stress, without fear of heights, without 1000-kilometer ambitions? No problem. These three tours all start in Bern, can be completed in three relaxed days and are perfect for anyone who wants to get their first ever bike tour to make.
You ride on well-signposted routes from SchweizMobilwith moderate stages, beautiful scenery and enough time for breaks. Just right to get to know cycling at your own pace.
Tour 1 - Aaretour: Simply follow the direction of the river
This tour is perfect for getting started: it leads slightly downhill Along the Aare, on quiet paths, through pretty old towns and riverside landscapes. No navigation stress, no climbs - just let it roll.
Daily stages
- Day 1: Berne - Aarberg (approx. 40 km)
- Day 2: Aarberg - Büren an der Aare - Grenchen (approx. 40 km)
- Day 3: Grenchen - Solothurn (approx. 30 km)
Why ideal for beginners
- almost completely flat
- Direct stations along the route
- Many quiet sections away from the traffic
Route: Cycling country 8 - Aare route
Tour 2 - Three Lakes Tour: flat, quiet, with great views
Do you want to see a lot but not be overwhelmed? Then this route is perfect. It combines three lakes with small towns, vineyards and promenades - and remains almost always flat.
Daily stages
- Day 1: Berne - Kerzers - Murten (approx. 45 km)
- Day 2: Murten - Mont Vully - Neuchâtel (approx. 40 km)
- Day 3: Neuchâtel - Erlach - Biel (approx. 45 km)
Why ideal for beginners:
- Varied, but never exhausting
- Many cafés, bathing spots & viewpoints
- Perfect for slow driving with breaks
Routes:
Tour 3 - Emmental Tour: A little hilly, but very rewarding
This tour has a little more ascent - but also more views, nature and tranquillity. The Emmental is a dream come true for anyone who appreciate some exercise, but don't want steep passes.
Daily stages:
- Day 1: Berne - Worb - Langnau (approx. 45 km)
- Day 2: Langnau - Huttwil - Willisau (approx. 45 km)
- Day 3: Willisau - Sempach - Lucerne (approx. 45 km)
Why also suitable for beginners:
- moderate gradients, well distributed
- Many opportunities for stopovers
- Ideal route if you want to experience a little more
Route: Veloland 24 - Heart Route (stages 3-5)
Stress-free tour planning - what you really need
Your first bike tour shouldn't be a logistical tour de force. You don't need professional equipment or weeks of preparation. With a few basics and a good overview, you'll be well on your way - safely, comfortably and relaxed.
Clothing & equipment - simple & functional
Normal, comfortable sportswear is sufficient for spring to fall. It is important that you can move well and are prepared for changing weather conditions
You should pack this:
- Clothing adapted to the weather (layering principle: shirt, windbreaker, possibly rain protection)
- Sneakers or light hiking boots
- Sun cream, sunglasses, cap or helmet
- Drinking bottle, snacks (nuts, dried fruit, bars)
- Cell phone with power bank + offline map
Luggage - less is more
You get from us waterproof bike bags for rent - for the rear wheel, front wheel and handlebars. That's easily enough for three days. If you are traveling with a gravel bike, you will receive lightweight bikepacking bags.
Packing tip:
Instead of washing a lot of clothes, it's better to do a little hand washing on the go - saves space and weight.
Navigation - digital & simple
You don't have to juggle with maps. The routes can be conveniently tracked using the app - either via GPS or as a saved offline version.
Recommended tools:
- SwitzerlandMobility App - All official cycle routes with description
- Komoot - for GPX navigation & own planning
- Google Maps - for orientation in towns & villages
What you should know
- All suggested routes are officially signposted
- You need no special technical knowledge
- Daily 3-4 hours travel time enough - the rest is yours: for breaks, discovery, enjoyment
“I wasn't sure - and then I was just on my way”
Many people who go on their first bike tour don't come from the world of cycling. They come from everyday life, from the city, from yoga or the football pitch - and ask themselves: Is that even something for me? The answer: yes. Here, two of them tell us how they fared.
Nicola, 32 - Footballer in search of variety
"I've been playing football for years, but somehow I felt like doing something new. Cycling sounded good - nature, exercise, but still sporty. I rented a gravel bike, just went for a ride and was surprised how much fun it was. It was challenging, but never too much. The three days went by quickly - and I was really proud that I went through with it."
Nora, 27 - didn't know if this was her thing. Now she is
"I do a lot of yoga and also like to go hiking, but cycling outside the city has never really appealed to me before. To be honest, I had a bit of respect - especially for the position on the gravel bike. I thought it would be uncomfortable or somehow too sporty for me. But then I just tried it out. The riding position was more comfortable than expected, the route was flat and I was able to set my own pace. And a break at the lake in between - that was exactly my rhythm. Now I know: this is definitely something I want to do again."
What you can take away from these experiences:
You don't have to be sporty or experienced. It's enough if you A desire for movement and discovery have. You'll find everything else along the way.
Ready for your first cycling adventure? Now is a good time.
You don't need your own bike, perfect equipment or a detailed plan. You already have what you need: The desire to move and the curiosity to try something new.
In this article, you have read initial ideas for tours, tips on preparation and real experiences from people who started out just like you - with uncertainty, but also with anticipation.
Now it's up to you: Take the next step - at your own pace.
Sometimes all you need is a rented bike, a little curiosity - and three days off to discover something new for yourself. Perhaps this is just the beginning.
If you feel like discovering Switzerland by bike, then take the first step: find your favorite route, reserve your Rental bike - and look forward to three days that belong only to you.