The St Gotthard Pass summit

Mountainous Switzerland may not be everybody's choice of cycle touring destination, but for me it is a destination par excellence. With its network of well signposted cycle routes and stunning scenery it is a Mecca for cycle tourists. Tours need not be hilly as there are many interesting routes through the Mittelland, and some of the Alpine passes can be avoided by using public transport, but for me crossing a high Alpine pass by bicycle is one of the great cycle touring experiences.

In 2005, with retirement approaching, I set out on my first ever cycle tour by riding from Basel to Como over the St Gotthard pass. The magnificent scenery and Swiss hospitality enticed me to return each year to follow a variety of routes though Switzerland over some of the high Alpine passes.

Check out my slide show and route descriptions for a flavour of the magic of cycling in Switzerland.

View of the Furkapass from the Grimselpass