Self-Guided Dreiland Cycle Path Three Country Bike Tour
Discover the meeting point of three nations on this captivating cross-border cycling journey through Switzerland, Germany, and France. Your adventure begins in Basel, a dynamic riverside city where contemporary creativity blends effortlessly with centuries of history along the Rhine.
From here, ride into the gently undulating landscapes of the Tafeljura and the vineyards of Markgräflerland, passing through inviting towns such as Liestal, Rheinfelden, and Lörrach. Continue across borders into France, where Mulhouse reveals its rich industrial heritage and vibrant Alsatian character. Pedal onward through the tranquil countryside of the Sundgau, dotted with quiet villages and open farmland, before ascending toward the serene hilltop monastery of Mariastein.
Blending scenic nature, cultural diversity, and seamless border crossings, this rewarding route offers an enriching journey through three distinct regions — each with its own flavor, landscape, and story to tell.
Self-Guided
casual hotels
Basel
Basel
moderate
53 km / 33 mi
5
Min. 2, Max. 12
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL/MLH/EAP)
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL/MLH/EAP)
Highlights

Three Countries, One Unforgettable Journey
Experience the unique cultural diversity of cycling through Switzerland, Germany, and France, with each country offering its own distinct landscapes, architecture, and atmosphere along the well-marked Dreiland cycle route.

Historic Towns and Spiritual Sanctuaries
Discover charming towns including Liestal, Rheinfelden, Lörrach, and Mulhouse, with highlights including the remarkable Ottmarsheim abbey church and the magnificently renovated Mariastein Monastery, perfect for contemplative reflection.

Diverse Landscapes from Rhine to Jura
Ride through varied terrain including the vibrant Rhine riverbanks in Basel, rolling hills of Tafeljura and Markgräflerland adorned with cherry trees, peaceful Sundgau villages, and scenic climbs through fragrant fir forests.
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.
| Day | Place | casual Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Basel | Steinenschanze Charming City & Garden Hotel | |||
| DAY 2 | Liestal | Hotel Engel (4-Star) | B | 60 km / 37 mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Lörrach | Pension Sieben Hotel | B | 55 km / 34 mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Mulhouse | La Maison Hotel Mulhouse Centre | B | 65 km / 40 mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Mariastein | Klosterhotel Kreuz | B | 55 km / 34 mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Basel | Steinenschanze Charming City & Garden Hotel | B | 30 km / 19 mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Basel | B |
Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Basel
Arrive in Basel, the cultural crossroads where Switzerland, France, and Germany meet. Take time to explore this vibrant city known for its world-class museums, historic old town, and picturesque Rhine riverfront. Settle into your accommodation and prepare for the cycling adventure ahead.

Day 2: Liestal
Start your ride at the unique tri-border point where Germany, France, and Switzerland meet, a symbolic gateway to your cross-cultural journey. Pedal away from Basel’s revitalized harbor district, where industrial heritage blends with modern energy, before transitioning onto peaceful canal-side paths and protected nature reserves. As the landscape softens into rolling countryside, you continue through the scenic Basel-Land region, eventually arriving in Liestal — the charming cantonal capital known for its historic old town and relaxed atmosphere.
Elevation: +240 m / -190 m

Day 3: Lörrach
Today, you pedal past Sissach and through the densely populated Ergolztal valley. On the way, face an exhilarating steep climb into the Jura mountain chain south of the Rhine, where your efforts are rewarded with stunning views. Countless cherry trees line your descent to Rheinfelden on the Rhine. Cross the border into Germany and continue through rolling terrain with steady ups and downs until reaching Lörrach.
Elevation: +495m / -530m

Day 4: Mulhouse
Today’s ride unfolds across gently rolling countryside as you make your way toward the quiet town of Kandern, climbing steadily through vineyard-dotted hills and open landscapes. A rewarding descent brings you down to the Rhine at Bad Bellingen, where smooth riverside paths offer relaxed pedaling alongside the water.
Crossing into France, pause in Ottmarsheim to admire its distinctive octagonal abbey church, a rare architectural treasure. From here, continue onward to Mulhouse, a lively Alsatian city where culture and industry meet, and settle in for the evening.
Elevation: +355m / -415m

Day 5: Mariastein
Today, take time to explore Mulhouse, a city shaped by innovation, where grand civic buildings and world-class museums reflect its proud industrial past. Leaving the urban energy behind, follow the Dreiland cycle path south into tranquil farmland and open countryside. Pause in the charming town of Altkirch for a relaxed break before crossing back into Switzerland. From Leymen, a challenging ascent winds through aromatic fir forests, leading to the serene hilltop monastery of Mariastein — a peaceful sanctuary and memorable place to spend the night.
Elevation: +465 m / -190 m

Day 6: Basel
Today, a short and pleasant final cycling stage allows time to visit the magnificently renovated Mariastein Monastery before departing. Follow the Dreiland cycle path through the scenic Schwarzbubenland region, passing through the charming small towns of Aesch and Dornach. Complete your circular journey with a satisfying ride back to Basel city center.
Elevation: +110 m / -340 m
Day 7: Basel
After breakfast, depart from Basel for your onward journey or extend your stay to further explore this fascinating tri-border region.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.
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Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
Luggage Transfer
Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
Exclusions
Airport pickup
We recommend to book direclty from airport.
Airport drop
We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Bikes
A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

Tour de Suisse Country Bike or similar
Included in your trip price

Flyer C-Series E-Bike or similar
Included in your trip price
Arrival & Departure Details
Arrival
Your tour begins in Basel which is served by EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL, MLH, EAP). You can book a cab to reach your hotel premises. You can take a bus from airport to reach Basel SBB railay station. From here, you can walk or take a tram to reach the hotel premises.
Departure
Your tour ends in Basel which is served by EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL, MLH, EAP). You can book a taxi to reach the airport which takes about 15-20 minutes.
You can also reach the airport by train. Take a taxi to Basel SBB railway station (5–10 minutes) and then a train to Basel Flughafen (Airport) station with take about 3–5 minutes of travel time.
Weather
Cycling through the Dreiland region is most rewarding between late spring and summer. May to August offers the best conditions, with warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and lush green landscapes ideal for riding. March and April bring mild spring weather and blooming countryside, making them good months for active travel.
September and October are also good, with pleasant temperatures and beautiful autumn colors across vineyards and rolling hills. November to February is considered off season, as colder temperatures, shorter days, and occasional frost or rain make cycling less comfortable.
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Good
April
Good
May
Best
June
Best
July
Best
August
Best
September
Good
October
Good
November
Offseason
December
Offseason
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
What to Pack
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear
- Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
- Padded cycling shorts.
- Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
- Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
- Synthetic cycling socks.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
- Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
- Rain jacket or windbreaker.
- Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Clothing
- Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
- Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
- Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
- Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
- Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.
Other Necessities
- Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Plug socket adaptor.
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.
Pro Tips
- Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
- Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
- Pack light to leave room for shopping.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Visa Information
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Insurance
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
Is proof of medical insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
This tour is suitable for experienced cyclists. While the first and last stages are relatively flat, most days feature some hills to overcome. You should be comfortable cycling 30-65 km per day with elevation gains ranging from 110m to 495m.
Yes, the routes follow the well-signposted Dreiland cycle route No. 97, making navigation easy. You'll also receive carefully elaborated route descriptions and digital travel documents with a navigation app.
The routes are diverse and include bike paths along canals, country roads through villages, and some short sections with more traffic in Germany and around urban centers. The terrain varies from flat riverside paths to hilly climbs in the Jura region.
Daily luggage transfer is included in the tour price. You can have one piece of luggage per person (maximum 20 kg) transported to your next accommodation while you cycle with just a daypack.
No, bike rental is available. You can choose between a 27-gear Tour de Suisse Country Bike (CHF 165) or a Flyer C-Series E-Bike (CHF 299). If you prefer to bring your own bike, you're welcome to do so.
You'll need a valid passport or ID card. Switzerland is part of the Schengen area along with France and Germany, so border crossings are typically straightforward for EU/Schengen citizens. Check current visa requirements for your nationality.
The tour includes accommodation with breakfast, daily luggage transfer, subsidy for train arrival, detailed route descriptions, digital travel documents with navigation app, SwitzerlandMobility-Plus subscription for one year, and service hotline. Tourist tax is not included.
Yes, extra nights in Basel are available for CHF 125 per person (double room) including breakfast, with a single room surcharge of CHF 70.
A self-guided bike tour allows you to explore independently using our detailed app-based navigation and pre-arranged logistics. We provide route notes via app, luggage transfers, hotel bookings, and emergency phone support. There is no local guide riding with you, so you manage your own navigation and basic bike upkeep.
For self-guided tours, the fitting process is designed to be simple and flexible while ensuring you start with a bike that suits your measurements.
Before Your Tour
When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.
At the Start of the Tour
The setup experience varies by destination:
-
In some locations, you may receive an in-person handover with basic adjustments made by the local partner.
-
In others, especially in more remote regions, you may receive a bike that is pre-set based on the measurements you provided.
All self-guided bikes include basic tools, so you can make simple adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle yourself.
During the Tour
You can adjust the bike as you ride using the provided tools. If anything feels off and you need assistance, our local partners are reachable and will support you as promptly as the location allows.
What to Expect
The self-guided bike fit is practical and rider-adjustable. It ensures:
- You start with the correct frame size
- You can fine-tune your comfort easily
- You have the flexibility to adjust as needed along the route
It’s not an in-depth professional fitting, but it’s perfectly suited for multi-day touring comfort.
We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.
Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.
To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.
A mobile holder is not provided. Since you’ll be using your phone for navigation, we strongly recommend bringing your own sturdy, handlebar-mounted mobile holder to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.
We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.
For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.
Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.
For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.
Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour. Please note, road bikes do not support panniers.
Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.
Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.
It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.
We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.
We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.
Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.
For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.
For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.
We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.
We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.
On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.
Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.
We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.
The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.
Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.
Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)
Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.
You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
