Today's 80km takes you up from the lake and into the heart of working Switzerland : pastures, dairy farms, and roads that feel like they were built just for cyclists. You'll stop at the medieval village of Gruyère (yes, the cheese is real, and so is the alien bar), roll through the quiet Intyamon Valley and cross a linguistic border somewhere around Rougemont. The day ends with a chalet-lined valley, a surprise climb to the hotel (sorry !) , and a spa that should be on the cover of a magazine. Around 1200m of climbing — nothing too nasty :)

It's the first riding day of the Bike Switzerland Challenge Tour. John walks you through everything you need to know before you roll out of Geneva — from bag drop logistics to what's ahead on the road. 87 kilometres, close to 800 metres of climbing, and one of the most spectacular stretches of cycling in all of Switzerland. Lake Geneva, the vineyards of Lavaux, and the French Alps on the horizon. A big first day — and an unforgettable one.

This episode covers everything you need for the final day of the tour. You’ll learn how to return and ship your bike from Romanshorn what to bring with you, and how to get back to Geneva by train.

If you have time, the episode also suggests an easy layover in Bern, with a short walk through the old town, food stops, and a final scenic viewpoint. A simple, stress-free wrap-up to your ride across Switzerland.

On the final ride of the tour, you’ll coast downhill through the countryside of Thurgau and St. Gallen, crossing a 500-year-old stone bridge in Bischofszell and passing the moated Hagenwil Castle, still lived in and a great place to stop for coffee. Soon, Lake Constance comes into view, and it’s all downhill to Romanshorn—where you can dip your wheels in the lake and celebrate crossing Switzerland by bike.

This episode covers the longest riding day of the tour, starting in Baden and heading east through the outer edges of Zurich, before passing Zurich Airport on dedicated greenways. Along the way, there’s al stop at Kyburg Castle above the Töss Valley. The route then continues through quieter countryside toward Fischingen in the Hinterthurgau region. We also explain a possible shortcut that includes a train ride and reduces the day’s distance by roughly half for riders who want an easier option.

Today’s ride follows the Aare through the heart of Switzerland, from the railway crossroads of Olten to the spa town of Baden. Along the way we pass through Aarau and Brugg, where medieval art, psychiatry, and everyday Swiss life quietly intersect . We finish in one of my favorite towns: Baden. A place shaped by Roman baths, railways, and centuries of travelers.

On Day 7 of the Lite Route, you’ll follow the quiet bends of the Aare through the Swiss Mittelland, passing tidy farms, wooden bridges, and peaceful stretches of countryside.

We stop in Aarwangen for lunch beneath the old castle where Bern’s reeves once ruled, then continue toward the striking fortress of Aarburg, perched above the river.

The day ends in Zofingen, a beautifully preserved medieval town that’s perfect for an evening walk and a relaxed dinner. This episode gives you the highlights, a bit of history, and what to look out for along the way.

Today is your well-earned rest day in Solothurn, and this episode helps you make the most of it. Whether you choose the forest walk to the Verena Gorge, the cable-car ride up Mount Weissenstein, a river cruise to Biel, or simply exploring Solothurn’s cafés, shops, and baroque streets, you’ll find plenty to enjoy at an easy pace. It’s a gentle day designed to let your legs recover and give you a different view of this beautiful region before you get back on the bikes tomorrow.