Four Countries, Three Days, One Epic Bikepacking Loop from Zurich
This past weekend was one to remember — a 390 km bikepacking loop starting and finishing in Zurich, crossing Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and even brushing past Liechtenstein.
Three days of mixed gravel and road riding, cozy hotels, amazing food, and scenery that made every km worth it.
Day 1 — Zurich to Geisingen
92 km, 1,300 m elevation
We kicked things off early Friday morning with a hearty breakfast at best brunch place - Être Pâtisserie in Zurich — because there is nothing better to start a ride than good coffee and a croissant. From there, we rolled out onto a mix of road and gravel, heading north toward Germany.
The ride was balanced: half smooth tarmac, half crunching gravel, with some hills. By the time we reached Geisingen, we were ready for a treat — and 1280 Krone, a super cure boutique hotel. Cozy rooms, incredible food, and the kind of place you want to recover after a long day on the bike.
Day 2 — Geisingen to Schwarzenberg
145 km, 1,200 m elevation
Saturday promised distance over climbing… until the very end. We rode through Constance for a coffee stop at the n°11 (save this place!), then continues all the long of Lake Constance (Bodensee) — a flat, scenic stretch that made the kilometers melt away.
The final challenge was the Lorenapass into Austria. It was steep, it was beautiful, and it was the kind of climb that tests you just enough to make the summit feel magical. The reward? A incredible downhill into Vorarlberg with views that made us forget all the pain of the 15% gradients we had to battle with.
Our home for the night, Hotel Hirschen in Schwarzenberg, was even after the long day: pool, spa, and amazing food! Soo good, you’ll not want to jump back on the bike the next day.
Day 3 — Schwarzenberg to Zurich
160 km , 1000 m elevation
Sunday morning greeted us with a climb right out of the hotel, up to Bödele. From there, it was a smooth and long flat ride — more precisely, river and lake riding — all the way back to Zurich.
The route goes along the Rhine river to Sargans, then followed the Seez river to Walensee. We traced the length of the lake, picked up the Linth, and finally reached Lake Zurich for the closing stretch. 160 km of beautiful Alps landscapes, quiet water, and the satisfaction of closing the loop on an incredible adventure.
Trip Highlights
4 countries in 3 days — Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein (briefly!)
Perfect mix of road & gravel for variety and challenge.
Best hotels that made recovery a joy: 1280 Krone and Hotel Hirschen in Schwarzenberg.
Amazing food: Etre Patisserie in Zurich, AGATHA at the 1280 Krone hotel, n°11 in Constance, Hirschen in Schwarzenberg.
