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Cycling holidays in Switzerland
Cycling: North-South Route | Basel – Lugano 6/5
Cycling holidays in Switzerland
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Cycling holidays Basel - Lugano

Blue square logo with white number 3 and red Swiss flag. Text reads 'Nord-Süd-Route Veloland Schweiz' below the number.
Touring bike & e-bike
6 Days / 5 Nights
Self-guided tour
moderate
from
1'269.- CHF
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Rocky landscape at Gotthard Pass summit with buildings, monument statue on rocks, and mountain backdrop in Switzerland.
Scenic view of Lake Lucerne with white historic buildings along the waterfront, twin church spires, wooden pier, and blue sky with clouds.

The essentials at a glance

This moderate cycling tour leads from Basel through Switzerland to Lugano, covering approximately 306 km over 6 days. The route passes through the Jura hills, Lucerne, and along Lake Lucerne with a boat ride from Beckenried to Flüelen. A highlight is crossing the Gotthard Pass with an ascent of 1,570 m, followed by a scenic descent through the Leventina valley to Bellinzona and Lugano. Daily luggage transfers and digital navigation included.

Across the alps along the North-South Route

The North-South Route connects two of the most beautiful cities of Switzerland. It starts at the tripoint in Basel and crosses the Jura mountains to Lucerne.

Further through central Switzerland and up towards Gotthard pass. Then you roll past the castles of Bellinzona and continue to Monte Ceneri with a marvellous view over the lake Lago Maggiore. The last kilometres you enjoy on quiet roads to the sparkling waters of Lago di Lugano.

Cycling holidays Basel - Lugano
moderate
Touring bike & e-bike
6 Days / 5 Nights
Self-guided tour
from
1'269.- CHF
Calculate price
Book now Book
Prominent white limestone rock formation with trees on top towers above forested hills in Basel Jura during sunset with pink sky.
Renaissance church St. Pietro e Stefano in Bellinzona with medieval castle walls on forested hills above the historic town center.

Itinerary

Basel, Liestal and the Ergolztal: a bustling, self-confident agglomeration. In contrast: tranquility and charming countryside in the Baselbiet Jura. On through Aargau's Jurapark hills, followed by a racy descent down the southern Jura slopes to Aarau.

approx. 58 km
670 m
570 m

From Aarau the way leads to the idyllic Suhrental river valley; with views of the Alps spotted south and Jura chain north. Through rich orchards and fertile fields alongside Lake Sempach, this stage finally takes you to Lucerne.

approx. 57 km
220 m
170 m

Lake Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s largest and most beautiful lakes. Its many arms link the Mittelland and Alps. When the fierce Föhn wind blows, the lake reveals its wilder side! The Urnerland, an incessant, nervously pulsating transit corridor.

approx. 42 km
400 m
280 m

The trip continues through the canton of Uri where the wild Reuss river rushes down the Schöllenen Gorge, tamed only by steep mountain sides and the Teufels Brücke (Devil's Bridge).  If by horse, by train or by car. Everyone always wanted and still want to cross the Gotthard southwards.

approx. 35 km
1'570 m
0 m

The Leventina has been a transit corridor since ancient times. The further south, the milder the climate. An easy ride along the waters of the Ticino, soon passing chestnut trees and vineyards. Bellinzona, called «La Turrita» because of its many castles.

approx. 77 km
0 m
1'860 m

You cycle to Cadenazzo and take the train up to Rivera Bironico. From Monte Ceneri a clear view of the Piano di Magadino vegetable fields and Lago Maggiore. Lago di Luganos’  picture-postcard beauty marks the end of this tour. From Agno by train to the centre of Lugano.

approx. 37.5 km
330 m
280 m

Tour character

Challenging in the beginning in the hills of Jura and smooth during the ride through the Mittelland and past Lake Lucerne. Uphill from Amsteg towards the pass and downhill over the cobblestones of Tremola road. Some traffic around the urban centres.

The North-South Route at SwitzerlandMobility
moderate

 

Further variants of this trip

Boat trip at the Lake Lugano
Cycling holidays North-South Route
7 Days
8 ratings

Prices & dates

Category: 3* -hotels, Hospiz on Gotthardpass

Prices per person in CHF
Wonderful view at Lake Lugano
Cobblestone road ascending to Gotthard Pass with historic stone bridge over mountain stream, surrounded by green alpine vegetation and rocky peaks.
White baroque church with twin towers and medieval castle on rocky hill above stone bridge over river in Aarau, Switzerland.

Services & Information

Included:

  • Accommodation as mentioned with breakfast
  • Daily luggage transfers
  • Costs for luggage pick-up at the station (for direct arrival and departure)
  • Subsidy for arrival by train
  • Ticino Ticket with numerous inclusive services and discounts (upon request at the hotel)
  • Boat ride Beckenried – Flüelen (bicycle included)
  • Carefully elaborated route description
  • Travel documents (1 x per room)
  • Navigation app and GPS-data
  • SwitzerlandMobility-Plus subscription for one year
  • Service hotline

Note:

  • Tickets for bicycles on the train Cadenazzo – Rivera-Bironico and Bioggio-Molinazzo – Lugano not included, approx. CHF 5.-
  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
  • Reservation fee of CHF 20.- per adult (incl. legally required customer money protection)

Arrival/Departure:

  • Arrival in Basel by public transport. Hand over your luggage at the luggage counter by 10:00 a.m. at the latest.
  • Departure by public transport from Lugano. Suitcases will be returned to the partner hotel by 5:00 p.m. at the latest.

Arrival by train

Leave the car at home! For every bike, biking or hiking tour in Switzerland, you will receive an SBB coupon per participant, which you can use to deduct CHF 10.- from the ticket price for traveling by train. The reduction can be obtained in the SBB online store or in the SBB app.

On many trips, we use the luggage counters at the stations at the beginning and at the end to hand over the suitcases. You can conveniently combine this right away when you arrive by train. If you are a GA owner, you can provide this information when booking. We will credit you the amount on the invoice. If you don't need the coupon for the trip itself, you can use it during the year. Unfortunately, a retroactive refund is not possible for administrative reasons.

Travel documents "digital"

We reduce the amount of printed documents. You will receive instructions to help you find your way around using the Eurotrek Travel Guide App. We provide you with further information online.

In advance you will receive a small package of documents with the following contents:

  • Your travel program
  • Luggage tags
  • Description of how to use the app
  • Any vouchers
     

The Eurotrek Travel Guide App will help you find your way around. In addition to your digital map, you will find further information about your booked trip. The app is also available offline, simply download the trip in advance.

Our rental bikes

Silver Countrybike touring bicycle with 27-speed gearing, front and rear racks, fenders, and disc brakes on white background.
27-speed Country Bike

Our 27-gear, Tour de Suisse branded country bike is a robust and comfortable touring bike.

S = 44 cm (150 - 172 cm)
M = 50 cm (172 - 186 cm)
L = 56 cm (186 - 196 cm)
White Flyer Gotour 4 e-bike with step-through frame, black battery pack, rear rack, and disc brakes on white background.
©
Eurotrek
Electric bike 25 km/h

Our Flyer C8.1 features a high level of comfort, easy handling and state-of-the-art technology. NB: minimum age 16 years (or 14 years with moped licence)

XS = 41cm (bis 160cm)
S = 45cm (160-170cm)
M = 50cm (170-180cm)
L = 55cm (ab 180cm)

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