Overview
The sweetest of holidays, cycling in Switzerland’s chocolate region, taking in the lakelands of Sihlsee, Brunnen, Zug and Lucerne. A seven day self-guided holiday that’s a favourite with families, it starts and ends in Zürich, with highlights including easy cycle paths, putting your bike on the boat to cross Lake Brunnen, and of course chocolate stops such as the Lindt & Sprüngli factory and Aeschbach Chocolatier. One of the cycling highlights is the challenging ascent to Ibergeregg Pass (1,406m), with superb views across Lake Lucerne. E-bikes are available on this tour, also reachable by rail.
- Lakes Lucerne, Sihlsee, Brunnen and Zug
- Lindt & Sprüngli guided tour
- Aeschbach Chocolatier
- Zürich
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Zürich
Arrive in the charming city of Zürich. Located in an Alpine setting at the northwestern end of Lake Zürich, this financial and cultura centre stretches out between two forested chains of hills, about 60km from the northern foothills of the Alps.
- Accommodation: Hotel Swiss Chocolate by Fassbind in Zürich or similar
Day 2: Zürich – Rapperswil | 45km
Cycle through the suburbs of Zürich to Kilchberg which is the hometown of the world-famous Swiss Chocolate brand Lindt & Sprüngli. After a guided tour, where you get to decorate your own chocolate bar, you continue cycling through the rolling hills of Hirzel, finally descending to the shores of Lake Zürich in Rapperswil.
- Accommodation: Hotel Speer in Rapperswil or similar
Day 3: Rapperswil – Brunnen | 45km
Transfer by train o Einsiedeln. We recommend visiting the town’s famous monastery before starting your cycle tour along the wetlands around Sihlsee. Todays’ challenge is the ride up to to Ibergeregg Pass, where you are rewarded with great views over Lake Lucerne. Your ride takes you through the small village of Schwyz and ends on the shores of the lake in Brunnen.
- Accommodation: City Hotel in Brunnen or similar
Day 4: Brunnen – Lucerne | 30km
Today’s cycling journey starts with a boat trip to reach the other side of the lake and start your trip in Beckenried. This part is easy and flat, riding past a small airfield and through the village of Stansstad. Now you are back at the lake where a peaceful ride on the shores of the peninsula Kastanienbaum takes you to Lucerne.
- Accommodation: Drei Könige in Lucerne or similar
Day 5: Lucerne – Zug | 30km
The mostly flat stage connects the cities of Lucerne and Zug. An stunning bike trail leads you along the Reuss towards Zugerland. On your way, we recommend a stop in Root to visit Chocolatier Aeschbach. Bring the day to a close in the Old Town of Zug with its picture-postcard lakeside promenade.
- Accommodation: Hotel Zugertor in Zug or similar
Day 6: Zug – Zürich | 45km
Today’s journey takes you through Sihlwald Natural Park, a perfect green escape on Zürich’s doorstep. Stroll along the world-famous Bahnhofstrasse before getting on your bike one last time.
- Accommodation: Hotel Swiss Chocolate by Fassbind in Zürich or similar
Day 7: Departure
Departure after breakfast.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation is in three-star and 4-star hotels in double ensuite rooms. We have carefully hand-picked all places and regularly monitor their quality. We have tried to choose accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
Click to view default accommodations
- Hotel Swiss Chocolate by Fassbind in Zürich
- Speer in Rapperswil
- Drei Könige in Lucerne
- Zugertor in Zug
- City Hotel in Brunnen
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included. When no restaurant is available on the route, lunches and snacks should either be bought from local shops, or you can pre-order packed lunch from your hotel the night before. Dinner is available either from the restaurant in your hotel or from restaurants near your hotel.
Difficulty and terrain
Perfectly marked and signed bike trails lead you through the most beautiful sceneries of central Switzerland. The route is almost continuously paved and often leads on tranquil side roads or designated bike paths. For the ride through the Hirzel hills and going up Ibergeregg Pass, stamina and good physical condition are required (read more about difficulty grades). We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never shorten the path through the unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime.
When to go
This trip is available between end-April and mid-October.
The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, and you can start your trip on any date during the season.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Zürich.
By train or bus
- If you are able to travel to Switzerland without flying, this holiday is reachable by rail with an international train station in Zürich. For more details, see the For more details, see Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) or the Omio planner above.
- If you are flying, the distance from Zürich Airport to the city centre is 12km and the travel time is around 10mins by high-speed train. The cheapest way from Zürich airport is by train – approx, €7 and if you go by taxi, it will be around 20mins (€70).
Inclusions
Included
- 6 overnight accommodation with breakfast included
- Daily luggage transfers
- Visit at chocolate world Aeschbacher Chocolatier
- Lindt & Sprüngli guided tour
- Boat trip Brunnen – Beckenried
- Detailed travel documents (one per room)
- Access to Navigation App
- SwitzerlandMobility-Plus subscription for one year
- 24/7 phone support by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinner, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Train ride Rapperswil – Einsiedeln (approx CHF18)
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- We regret that this tour is not available for solo travellers
- Extra nights in Zürich
- Bike rental
- Go digital – Discount available for opting out of printed travel documents
Bike rental
Touring bike Tour de Suisse. Pannier bag for the carrier is included in the rental. A spare tube per bike, pump and toolset are included, as well as a smartphone holder.
Equipment:
- Front and rear mudguards
- Lights and hub dynamo
- Luggage rack
- Chain guard
- Frame lock
- Side stand
Frame: Aluminium
Derailleur gear: Shimano Alivio 3×9-Gang
Brakes: V-Brake Shimano Alivio
Wheel size: 26″
E-bike Flyer C-series. Limitation of the speed: 25km/h. Minimum age for this bike is 16 years (or 14 years with a moped licence). Pannier bag for the carrier is included in the rental. One spare tube per bike, pump and tool kit are included, as well as one smartphone holder.
Equipment:
- Front and rear mudguards
- Lights and hub dynamo
- Luggage rack
- Chain guard
- Frame lock
- Side stand
Frame: Aluminium
Gearshift: Shimano Nexus 8-speed hub gears
Brakes: Magura HS22 (hydraulisch) rim brakes
Suspension fork: SR Suntour NEX, 63mm
Motor: Panasonic 36V/250W mid-engine
Battery: Panasonic Li-Ion-Mangan 15Ah/36V (540Wh)
Operating distance: max. 100 km
Wheel size: 26″
Total weight: max. 149 kg
Gallery
