Self-Guided Zurich to Lausanne Mittelland Route Bike Tour
The Mittelland Route (SwitzerlandMobility National Route 5) is one of Switzerland’s classic long-distance cycling routes, crossing the broad Swiss Plateau between the Jura Mountains and the Swiss Alps.
Known for its gentle terrain and scenic diversity, the route links historic towns, fertile farmland, vineyards, and lakes across the heart of the country.
This tour takes you from Regensdorf near Zürich toward Lausanne, as you traverse peaceful countryside, charming medieval centres, and rolling landscapes before reaching the shores of Lake Geneva. Compared with Switzerland’s high Alpine routes, the Mittelland Route offers a more relaxed cycling experience while still showcasing the country’s cultural heritage, picturesque villages, and varied natural scenery.
Following mostly traffic-free paths, the Mittelland Route offers smooth, accessible cycling with minimal elevation, making it ideal for families, leisure riders, and anyone seeking an authentic Swiss journey without strenuous climbs.
Self-Guided
easy to moderate
59 km / 37 mi
5
casual Inns
Min. 2, Max. 12
Highlights

Switzerland's Three Lakes Region
Discover the enchanting Dreiseenland with its unique landscape shaped by 19th-century engineering. Cycle along the shores of Lakes Neuchâtel, Murten, and Biel, exploring the Grande Cariçaie reed belt home to over 100 bird species.

Medieval Towns and Roman Heritage
Wander through beautifully preserved medieval towns like Murten and Estavayer with their cobbled streets and shady arcades. Explore Avenches, the former capital of Roman Helvetia, with its rich archaeological treasures and magnificent mosaics.

Swiss Cultural Highlights
Experience Switzerland's attention to detail with visits to Baden's modern thermal baths, baroque Solothurn with its 11 altars and bells, and the stunning Gothic stained glass windows of Königsfelden monastery.
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 | Regensdorf | Hotel Thessoni Classic | |||
| DAY 2 | Olten | Hotel Arte (4-Star) | B | 67 km / 42 mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Biel | Mercure Hotel Plaza (4-Star) | B | 76 km / 47 mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Murten | Hotel Murtenhof & Krone | B | 47 km / 29 mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Yverdon-les-Bains | Hotel du Théâtre | B | 52 km / 32 mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Lausanne | Moxy Lausanne City | B | 52 km / 32 mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Lausanne |
Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Regensdorf
Arrive in Regensdorf, a suburban town within the Zurich metropolitan area, and settle into your hotel as your journey along Switzerland’s scenic Mittelland Route begins the very next day.
Take time to relax, explore your surroundings, and prepare for the rewarding days of cycling ahead.

Day 2: Olten
Today, pedal through the peaceful Limmat Valley toward the elegant spa town of Baden, famous for its revitalizing thermal waters and contemporary bath architecture.
From there, ride on to Königsfelden to admire its remarkable Gothic church and intricate stained-glass masterpieces. The route then follows the tranquil Aare floodplains, where wetlands and wildflowers line the path, before a relaxed stretch along the Aare dam leads you smoothly into the welcoming town of Olten.
Elevation: +350 m / -390 m

Day 3: Biel
Today, ride through the elegant baroque town of Solothurn, where harmonious architecture and historic landmarks reflect its distinctive heritage. From here, follow the gentle curves of the Aare River toward the expansive Three Lakes region.
Once a marshy landscape reshaped by ambitious 19th-century engineering projects, the area is now fertile and productive farmland. Known as Seeland, Switzerland’s “vegetable garden,” it offers peaceful cycling paths that wind through neatly cultivated fields and open rural scenery.
Elevation: +315 m / -275 m

Day 4: Murten
Cycle through the idyllic landscapes of the Three Lakes region, where open water, fertile plains, and vineyard-dotted hills create a serene setting. Today’s destination is the medieval town of Murten, beautifully situated along the shores of Lake Murten. Within its well-preserved old town, arcaded streets and cobbled lanes invite leisurely exploration. To reach Murten, you temporarily leave the main Mittelland Route, following well-marked regional paths that guide you gently to the lakeside.
Elevation: +215 m / -210 m

Day 5: Yverdon-les-Bains
Cycle from medieval Murten to the small city of Avenches, situated in the wide Broye Plain between Lakes Neuchâtel and Murten. Explore the rich Roman heritage of this former capital of Roman Helvetia. Return to Lake Neuchâtel's shores where you'll experience the Grande Cariçaie, a 40-kilometer marsh and reed belt supporting over 100 bird species. Listen to birdsong in the reeds while the Jura mountains shimmer in the distance.
Elevation: +290 m / -300 m

Day 6: Lausanne
Today, traverse the flat and fertile Plaine de l'Orbe, framed by ancient Roman mosaics and the rolling hills of Vaud. Pass through Mormont, the watershed dividing the Rhone and Rhine river systems. Experience a dramatic change of scenery from the wild waters of the Venoge River to the stunning silver expanse of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva), arriving in the vibrant city of Lausanne.
Elevation: +380 m / -440 m
Day 7: Lausanne
After breakfast, you depart from Lausanne and continue your onward journey or extend your stay to explore this beautiful lakeside city and its surroundings.
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.
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 C8.1 or similar
Available at a surcharge
Regensdorf
Lausanne
Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Geneva Airport (GVA)
Arrival
Your tour begins in Regensdorf which is served by Zurich Airport (ZRH). You can take a taxi to hotel takes around 15–20 minutes. Another convenient option is train. From Zurich Airport railway station (located directly beneath the terminal), take a train to Zürich Hauptbahnhof (HB), which takes about 10 minutes. From Zürich HB, change to an S-Bahn suburban train (such as S6 or S21, depending on schedule) toward Regensdorf-Watt.
Departure
Your tour ends in Lausanne which is served by Geneva Airport (GVA). Direct InterCity and regional trains run frequently from Lausanne’s main railway station to Geneva Airport. The journey takes approximately 45–55 minutes, and most services operate without the need to change trains. The airport station is located directly beneath the terminal, providing seamless access to check-in and departure areas.
You can also hire a taxi taking around 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
The Mittelland region enjoys a long and pleasant cycling season, typically from late March through mid-October. Spring brings fresh greenery and mild temperatures, with April and May offering comfortable riding conditions and blossoming landscapes across fields and vineyards.
Summer months provide the warmest and most stable weather, with sunny days ideal for lakeside stretches and open countryside, though brief afternoon showers are occasionally possible. Early autumn is equally rewarding, with crisp air, golden vineyards, and harvest activity adding color and character to the journey. Thanks to its mostly flat terrain and well-maintained, traffic-free paths, this route remains enjoyable even during cooler early spring or late autumn days.
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
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.
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.
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend purchasing adequate travel insurance to 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
Yes, absolutely! The Mittelland Route is mostly flat and follows car-free paths through natural landscapes, making it perfect for family bike tours with children. The distances are manageable and the route is well-marked.
The route is predominantly flat, passing through the Swiss Central Plateau without any major hill climbs. You'll cycle mostly on natural field and forest paths that are car-free, with some sections on quiet roads.
Your luggage (one piece per person, maximum 20 kg) is transported daily from hotel to hotel, so you only need to carry a daypack while cycling.
A service hotline is available throughout your journey. You'll also receive detailed route descriptions and access to a navigation app with SwitzerlandMobility-Plus subscription for one year.
Yes, both standard touring bikes (Tour de Suisse Country Bike with 27 gears) and electric bikes (Flyer C8.1) are available for rent. E-bikes require riders to be at least 16 years old (or 14 with a moped license).
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.
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