Switzerland, with its majestic Alps, pristine lakes, and picturesque villages, offers a motorcyclist’s dream playground. This blog post recounts an unforgettable two-week journey through the heart of Europe, exploring a country renowned for its natural beauty, precision timepieces, and delectable chocolates.
Week 1: Western and Central Switzerland
Days 1-2: Geneva and Lausanne
Our Swiss adventure began in Geneva, where we picked up our bikes and quickly set off along the shores of Lake Geneva. The ride to Lausanne offered stunning views of the lake on one side and terraced vineyards of the Lavaux region (a UNESCO World Heritage site) on the other. We spent the evening exploring Lausanne’s charming Old Town and sampling local wines.
Days 3-4: Gruyères and Interlaken
Heading northeast, we rode through rolling green hills to the medieval town of Gruyères, famous for its cheese. After a fondue lunch, we continued to Interlaken, nestled between Lakes Thun and Brienz. The next day, we took a thrilling ride up to Jungfraujoch, “The Top of Europe,” for breathtaking views of the Aletsch Glacier.
Days 5-7: Lucerne and Zurich
Our journey continued to Lucerne, with its iconic wooden Chapel Bridge and Water Tower. We spent a day riding around Lake Lucerne, stopping at quaint villages like Weggis and Vitznau. From Lucerne, we headed to Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, where we explored the historic Altstadt (Old Town) and enjoyed a sunset cruise on Lake Zurich.
Week 2: Eastern and Southern Switzerland
Days 8-10: St. Moritz and Davos
We rode east into the heart of the Alps, tackling the twisting turns of the Klausen Pass before reaching the glamorous resort town of St. Moritz. From here, we took a day trip on the famous Bernina Express railway (leaving our bikes for a day) to appreciate the alpine scenery from a different perspective. The next day, we rode to Davos, passing through the stunning Flüela Pass.
Days 11-13: Ticino and Zermatt
Our route then took us south through the Gotthard Pass, one of the most important north-south connections through the Alps. We entered the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, where palm trees and Mediterranean flair created a striking contrast to the Alpine landscapes we’d seen before. We spent a night in the beautiful town of Locarno on the shores of Lake Maggiore.
From Ticino, we rode west to Zermatt, home of the iconic Matterhorn. While Zermatt itself is car-free, we parked our bikes in nearby Täsch and took a train for our final approach. We spent a full day here, taking the Gornergrat cogwheel train for unparalleled views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks.
Day 14: Return to Geneva
Our final day took us back to Geneva via the Rhône Valley, completing our circuit of Switzerland. We rode through the Valais region, known for its excellent wines and apricots, before returning our bikes in Geneva.
This two-week motorcycle tour of Switzerland was truly a ride of a lifetime. From the crystal-clear lakes to the soaring Alpine peaks, every turn revealed new wonders. The impeccably maintained roads, efficient infrastructure, and stunning scenery make Switzerland a premier destination for motorcycle enthusiasts.
Travel Tips:
- Switzerland has excellent roads, but mountain passes can be challenging. Ensure you’re comfortable with hairpin turns and steep gradients.
- Weather in the Alps can change quickly. Always carry rain gear and warm layers, even in summer.
- Some high mountain passes are only open from June to October due to snow. Check road conditions before your trip.
- Switzerland isn’t part of the EU, but it is part of the Schengen Area. Ensure your visa allows entry if you’re coming from outside Europe.
- Swiss traffic laws are strict. Familiarize yourself with local rules and speed limits before riding.
- Consider purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass if you plan to use trains or other public transport on rest days.
Safe travels and enjoy your ride through the heart of the Alps!
