Wadenswil To Alpthal Loop: The Joy of Cycling in Switzerland

Wadenswil – Alpthal Route

Distance: 30 miles

Ride With GPS

Switzerland is country so rich with cycling routes, it’s nearly impossible to settle on just one. Wadenswil, where I lived for seven years, is a good place to start. Cycling in Switzerland is unbeatable, with ubiquitous cycling lanes and plenty of options to detour from roads to the country’s network of biking and hiking paths.

From Wadenswil, you will roll through farmland towards alpine landscapes, treated often to sweeping vistas of Lake Zurich. This route covers about 30 miles with plenty of climbing. It’s not the most difficult ride in the region, but the change in terrain from Zürichsee’s shoreline to the mountain valleys makes it moderately difficult.

Wädenswil, a lakeside town, is easily accessible by train from Zürich or you can cycle from the city; it’s about a 12-mile ride. The town has plenty of shops and bakeries where you can pick up supplies before setting off. The first section of the route runs close to the lake, giving you clear views across the water of the smattering of towns in the distant hills. Early in the morning, when the water is calm and the sun begins to rise, the views are particularly striking. Distant peaks of the alps are always looming in the distance.

Leaving the lakeside, the route turns inland and begins to rise steadily. The roads are paved and well maintained, typical of Switzerland’s rural network, and traffic is usually light once you are a few kilometers away from the main road, making bike riding in Switzerland safe and, frankly, breathtaking. The first climbs are gentle, winding through open farmland and orchards. Cows graze in the meadows, bells clanging, and tidy farmhouses dot the landscape.

Alone in Alpthal

The landscape gradually changes. The farmland gives way to denser forest and narrower valleys. The route enters the canton of Schwyz. Here the road pitches upward more decisively, through Samstagern and Schindellegi with gradients that require some effort. It’s worth remembering that this is a mountain approach ride, not a flat spin.

The heart of the ride is the section that enters Alpthal, a valley surrounded by forested slopes and overlooked by rugged peaks. This area is quieter and less developed than the Lake Zurich area. The road narrows further, and the traffic is minimal. The sounds of rushing streams replace those of passing cars. Depending on the season, you may see snow lingering on the higher slopes even when the valley floor is green. In autumn, the forests turn vivid shades of gold and red, making this a particularly beautiful time to ride.

The gradients in the valley are steady, so you can settle into a rhythm and enjoy the scenery without constant shifting. There are some short ramps where the road kicks up, but nothing extreme. The valley floor is dotted with small villages, each with its church spire and a handful of houses. A few gasthofs and restaurants provide opportunities for a break. Simple fare such as rösti, soups, and local cheeses are available.

Restrooms are not as common outside of restaurants, so plan accordingly. For longer breaks, Einsiedeln, a short detour away, is worth visiting. This town is famous for its massive Baroque-style monastery and Black Madonna, and attracts religious pilgrims and lots of tourists. There are plenty of bakeries and cafés.

Into the mountains

As you near the turnaround point of the Alpthal valley, the road narrows further and the slopes rise steeply on either side. The sense of being enclosed by the mountains is stronger here. Depending on your time and energy, you may want to continue toward higher passes that branch off, such as the route toward Brunni, which offers tougher gradients and alpine views. Or, you can turn around in the heart at Alpthal and retrace the route.

The final stretch along Lake Zürich is a pleasant cooldown, with the prospect of a lakeside café or bakery in Wädenswil on the horizon.

Downhill to Lake Zurich (AI Image)

Abbey at Einsiedeln

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