Action-packed mountain adventures
The mountains not only offer stunning beauty but also a wealth of exciting activities. Adventure awaits at every turn – there’s never a dull moment! Tobogganing is a particularly exciting way to launch yourself into adventure.
The mild climate and wild rock faces make Ticino a climbing paradise. Whether sport climbing on the dam, on the via ferrata or bouldering, here you get to experience the thrill of climbing on granite, gneiss or dolomite rocks.
The Pradaschier adventure mountain near Churwalden is known for its leisurely ascents and exhilarating descents. Featuring the longest toboggan run in Switzerland and a zip line, the return journey is set to become the most thrilling highlight of your trip. Again, again… wahoooo.....!
Cycle routes
Cycling enthusiasts and mountain bike lovers alike are very welcome at our 50 or so youth hostels located across Switzerland. Our unique overnight accommodation network is perfect for both on-road and off-road adventurers, as well as those seeking a more leisurely experience. Saddle up and discover our tips on bike trails and excursion ideas.
Switzerland’s most popular multi-day cycle tour runs over 370 kilometres from Lake Constance to Lake Geneva. It is generally flat and takes you away from motorised traffic, making it ideal for leisure cyclists and families.
The popular 466-km e-bike tour takes you from Schaffhausen to Geneva and passes through no less than six regional nature parks.
From Locarno, this signposted cycle route heads across the Maggia and Melezza rivers into the enchanting Maggia Valley. The 34-km tour is suitable for everyone and includes captivating scenery and plenty of Ticino charm.
The Glatt Route runs in two stages from Glattfelden to Rapperswil. It follows the River Glatt, which many have heard of but have rarely visited. Experience its charms first hand on a road bike ride along its banks.
The 63-km long classic tour takes you from Gstaad over two Alpine passes with steep ascents and rapid descents to Chateau-d’Oex. Return to the starting point via Rougemont and Saanen.
The 430-km Rhine Route runs from Andermatt to Basel in ten stages. The route follows the river from the source of the Rhine at Lake Toma through the Rhine Gorge to Lake Constance, on to the Rhine Falls and finally to Basel.
The trail is the destination
The journey is also the destination when it comes to Switzerland’s magnificent cycle paths and bike trails. Discover the multitude of cycle routes and, of course, the youth hostels located right along the trails. After all, you need to eat and sleep every now and then.
With the Gstaad Card, you can travel free of charge on designated public transport routes, purchase cable car tickets at reduced prices and benefit from many other discounts on activities around Gstaad. Overnight guests can get the Gstaad Card directly at the youth hostel.
The Gstaad region boasts over 500 kilometres of cycle paths and routes for fans of racing bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes and gravel bikes. The region is particularly popular with cyclists who prefer moderately challenging routes and who value enjoyment as much as sporting endeavour. A popular tour on leisurely trails takes you to Lake Lauenen. Anyone longing for real mountain biking action in Gstaad should embark on a cycling tour to the Vallée du Gros Mont.
Crans-Montana boasts a wealth of fantastic mountain and gravel bike trails in untouched natural surroundings. The “1988 Bike,” “Bike Marathon,” “Valais Panorama Bike” and “Valais Alpine Bike” trails through the Tièche Valley are just a few of them. When out and about, you can always charge your e-bike battery or switch to free public transport.
Technical passages, flowing sections and jumplines alternate on the three routes of the Bikepark Crans-Montana and are sure to make the hearts of adrenaline junkies beat faster. Crans-Montana is a top destination for world-class bike events and is where you can tackle the same exhilarating trails that are revered by the cycling elite.
Instant inspiration
Your trusty bike is eagerly waiting to be ridden, but you’re still not sure where your next mountain bike trip will take you? Then why not be inspired by the adventures of our bike influencers and pros?!
Cycling & Mountain Biking
Whether on a gravel bike around the lake or on a downhill ride through the bike park, the fun begins right on the doorstep of our youth hostels! They are located along the most stunning cycle routes in Switzerland and in perfect proximity to the best bike parks in Switzerland.