The Swiss Lakes Cycle tour starts from Montreux and ends in Lucerne. It is a bicycle tour that takes 7 days taking you through Rapperswill, Gruyères, Montreux and 5 other destinations in Switzerland.
Cycle through postcard-perfect landscapes from Lake Geneva to Lake Lucerne. The Lakes Route cycle path leads through some of the most outstanding and picturesque regions of Switzerland. Crystal clear lakes, traditional villages, sweeping valleys, views of snowy mountains and classic Swiss countryside, this cycle tour truly encompasses it all. Starting in Montreux you’ll discover the medieval town of Gruyères which gives its name to the favourite Swiss cheese, Gstaad with its reputation for attracting famous guests and the delightful city of Interlaken with its impressive views of the Bernese Oberland range.
Day 01: Arrive Montreux
On arrival in Montreux you can check-in at the first hotel mid afternoon. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Montreaux is situated at the eastern end of Lake Geneva, and each July hosts a Jazz Festival. You can stroll along the promenade and enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the snow-white glaciers of the nearby Mont Blanc massif. If you have the time a visit to the Château de Chillon, on an island in the lake, is highly recommended.
Day 02: Ascend funicular railway to Mt-Pèlerin.
Cycle to Gruyères or surrounds (40-50km/31Min)
The cycle begins this morning along the shores of Lake Geneva to the town of Vevey. Here you board the Mt-Pèlerin funicular railway (ticket included) which takes you up through the Lavaux vineyards (a World Heritage Site) to an altitude of more than 810m in less than 15 minutes. After absorbing the sweeping views you continue on quiet mainly level roads all the way to Gruyères. Enroute pass by green meadows with the sound of cowbells ringing as you ride. Whilst cheese is an obvious attraction of Gruyères, it’s rich medieval history is evident throughout and the imposing castle above offers a unique ambiance. Overnight Gruyères, Charmey or surrounds.
Day 03: Gstaad or surroundings
Cycle through postcard scenery to Gstaad or surroundings (40km/25Min)
Today’s cycle takes you through picture postcard Swiss countryside. You’ll pass by typical wooden chalets, snowy mountains and cable cars as you cycle through the classic landscape of the Pays d’Enhaut and the Saaneneland. Cheese producers abound and tastings of the Etivaz and Gruyère varieties are a must. Crossing over to the German speaking section of the Canton of Bern, you arrive in the ritzy resort town of Gstaad with its promenade lined with international designer brands. Overnight Gstaad or surroundings.
Day 04: Pass wooden houses en route to Spiez on Lake Thun (55km/34.5mi)
Today’s route takes you by artfully decorated wooden houses of the Simmental, which are some of the most beautiful in Europe. The trail follows the wild Simme river, through the valley along mainly level terrain. On reaching Spiez on Lake Thun, a water-sports paradise, take some time to soak up the highlights of the town which is surrounded by vineyards and dominated by a medieval castle in the historic heart.
Day 05: Spiez to Interlaken (By Boat) /By Bike & train to Obwalden
This morning you take a boat ride from Spiez to Interlaken (ticket included), a great way to view the towns and mountains from a different perspective. Reaching Interlaken, where you may like to stop at one of the many cafes, the trail continues along the shore of Lake Brienz. An ascending trail next to the Aare River brings you to Meiringen, home of the Meringue. There are a couple of bakeries along the ‘high street’ where these are much in evidence in all shapes and sizes. Meiringen is also known for the spectacular Reichenbach Falls into which Sherlock Holmes and his foe Moriarty, the master criminal, fell, locked in each other’s arms. A funicular railway may be used to take you to the top of the falls (time permitting) and you can also visit the ‘Sherlock Holmes Museum’ which is housed in the old Anglican church in the ‘open area’ by the Park Hotel, which is itself a national monument. From Meiringen you take the train across the Brünigpass (ticket included), then cycle to Obwalden: a small Canton in a vast valley with a pre-alpine landscape scattered with villages, flat lakes and rich cultural traditions.
Day 06: Cycle on lakeside routes to Lucerne (35km/22mi)
The route today takes you through picturesque lakeside inlets en route to Lucerne. Lucerne a breathtaking city with its mountain backdrop, lake and a historic heart brimming with watch shops and cafes.
Day 07: Trip concludes
The trip concludes in Lucerne after breakfast.
| City | Night (s) | Hotel |
| Montreux | 01 | Hotel Eden Palace Au Lac |
| Charmey | 01 | Hôtel de Gruyères |
| Gstaad | 01 | Ferienwohnung Weidhaus |
| Lake Thun | 01 | Eden Spiez |
| Obwalden | 02 | Hotel Hoheneck |
– Meeting and assistance by our representative.
– 06 Nights accommodation
– Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners.
– Entrance fee as per program
– Local English-speaking guide
– Boat ticket Spiez Interlaken
– Bicycle, 24 speed with pannier (electric bike available – supplement applies)
– All transfers, sightseeing, excursions as per the program by private vehicle.
– Transport, Parking, Gasoline & Toll ways.
– All present government taxes.
– International Airfare.
– Tips, gratuities, Portage, laundry, telephone calls, table drinks, camera/ video camera charges, or any other expenses of a personal nature.
– Visa fees, personal insurance.
– Any item not specified under cost includes.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– Sometimes, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.