The 10 Most Scenic Bike Routes in Zurich (Beginner to Advanced)
Discover Zurich – from peaceful city lakeside paths to panoramic mountain views.
Zurich is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Europe, offering a mix of flat lakeside roads, forest trails, and hilly panoramic climbs. Whether you're a beginner looking for a calm weekend ride or an experienced cyclist seeking a challenge, Zurich has a route for you.
Here are the 10 most beautiful and scenic bike routes in and around Zurich — ranked from easy to advanced.
1. Zürichsee Promenade Ride (Beginner)
Distance: 6–10 km
Start: Bürkliplatz
Highlights: Lake views, Seefeld promenade, cafés
A calm, flat route perfect for beginners or families. Ride along the lake from Bürkliplatz through Seefeld, passing parks, swans, and cozy cafés. Ideal for a relaxing afternoon with plenty of photo opportunities.
2. Sihl River Path (Beginner)
Distance: 8–12 km
Start: Manegg / Sihlcity
Highlights: Peaceful nature, riverside paths, shaded forests
Ride along the Sihl on a car-free path with gentle terrain. It’s quiet, green, and perfect if you want a refreshing nature escape close to the city.
3. Leimbach – Adliswil Riverside Loop (Beginner)
Distance: 5–8 km
Start: Leimbach
Highlights: River views, quiet residential areas, minimal traffic
This newly added beginner-friendly route offers a calm ride along the river between Leimbach and Adliswil. It’s mostly flat, very safe, and ideal for anyone wanting to avoid city traffic completely.
4. Uetliberg Foothills Route (Lower Intermediate)
Distance: 10–15 km
Start: Triemli
Highlights: Forest paths, small climbs, city views
A great introduction to light climbing. Ride along the base of Uetliberg through forested areas and enjoy occasional viewpoints overlooking the entire city.
5. Wollishofen to Kilchberg Lakeside Trail (Lower Intermediate)
Distance: 8–14 km
Start: Mythenquai
Highlights: Chocolate Factory stop, lake piers, quiet villages
Ride south along the lake past charming piers and quiet neighborhoods. Stop at Lindt Home of Chocolate for a sweet break before continuing towards Kilchberg.
6. Zürichsee Eastside Route to Küsnacht (Intermediate)
Distance: 12–20 km
Start: Bellevue
Highlights: Villas, vineyards, hidden swimming spots
A scenic medium-distance ride along the “Gold Coast.” Beautiful mansions, small vineyards, and turquoise lake views make this one of the most picturesque routes along Zürichsee.
7. Greifensee Lake Loop (Intermediate)
Distance: 19–25 km
Start: Uster
Highlights: Bird reserve, quiet countryside, sunset views
A full loop around the peaceful Greifensee. Flat, nature-rich, and popular among cyclists, runners, and skaters. Perfect for a half-day active escape.
8. Zürich–Adliswil–Sihlwald Forest Trail (Intermediate)
Distance: 15–22 km
Start: Wollishofen
Highlights: Deep forest, mountain river, wildlife park
Ride along forest trails through Switzerland’s oldest wild nature reserve. Ideal for adventure lovers who enjoy quiet, heavily wooded paths and natural landscapes.
9. Uetliberg Summit Climb (Advanced)
Distance: 10 km uphill
Start: Triemli
Highlights: Panoramic views, challenging ascent, forest climb
A famous local challenge. The steady climb to Uetliberg rewards you with Zurich’s most breathtaking view — from the lake to the Alps on clear days.
10. Zurich–Pfannenstiel Panorama Route (Advanced)
Distance: 30–45 km
Start: Zürichberg
Highlights: Mountain views, forest trails, rolling hills
One of the best long rides near Zurich. Expect rolling hills, sweeping landscapes, quiet forest trails, and a rewarding viewpoint from the Pfannenstiel tower.
