From the Vaud Riviera to the gentle hills of St. Gallen: the Lakes Route (National Route 9) from SwitzerlandMobility is one of the most beautiful cycling routes in Switzerland. Over roughly 500 kilometres, youâll experience Switzerland at its very best: sparkling lakes, charming old towns, and spectacular Alpine panoramas.
Weâve made a few small adjustments to the route and put together a selection of hotels along the way. Perfect for indulgent stopovers after a day in the saddle. And of course, you can shorten or extend the trip at any time to suit your plans.
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đ Start: Montreux Kick off your tour in luxurious style at the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace*****. This legendary grand hotel, right on the shores of Lake Geneva, offers not only stunning views of the Alps but also the perfect place to recharge before your first stage. Perhaps with a refreshing dip in the lake or a stroll along the Montreux Riviera. By the way: the Fairmont was recently named âHotelier of the Year 2025â!
Montreux â Bulle: 42 km ⏠563 m ⏠187 m/p>
A steady ascent leads you into the heart of the Gruyère region. Saying you can smell Gruyère cheese everywhere would be an exaggeration, but tasting it is a must, and you can buy it just about anywhere.
In French-speaking Bulle, the Hôtel Rallye***(s) awaits you with comfortable rooms and a kitchen that showcases the famous cheese to perfection. As a guest, you can relax your tired legs for free at the Bains de la Gruyère thermal baths.
Bulle â Château-dâOex: 30 km ⏠326 m ⏠123 m
From one small town to the next, you roll from Bulle towards Gruyères. If you like, make a detour off the Lakes Route to the Lac de la Gruyère, Switzerlandâs longest reservoir.
Stay overnight at the charming HĂ´tel de Ville*** in the centre of Château-dâOex. After a drink at the Karibu Bar, head upstairs to âLe Bistrotâ for traditional regional dishes. A stroll through town reveals impressive carved wooden chalets and living traditions.
Château-dâOex â Spiez: 65 km ⏠695 m ⏠1â066 m
Much of the ride to Spiez undulates up and down. The Lakes Route often crosses the Montreux-Bernese Oberland Railway line. Along the Simme River, Simmental farmhouses dominate the scenery, some dating back to the 16th century, with painted façades among the most beautiful in Europe.
In Spiez, the BelvÊdère Strandhotel****(S) sits right on the deep-blue Lake Thun, perfect for a swim.
In Thun, the charming traditional Hotel Emmental awaits you in the heart of the old town.
Spiez â Meiringen: 46 km ⏠482 m ⏠475 m
From the deep blue of Lake Thun to the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz. The route runs gently along Lake Thun towards Interlaken. On the way, youâll pass Leissigen Church â one of the legendary â12 millennial churches of Lake Thun.â.
Through the Bernese Oberland mountains, forests, and past the impressive Giessbach Falls , the route descends to Lake Brienz. Then, across the flat Aare plain, you roll easily into Meiringen in the Haslital, where the modern, newly renovated  Hotel Dakota**** awaits.
Meiringen â Stans: 47 km ⏠758 m ⏠903 m
The BrĂźnig Pass separates the Bernese Oberland from Central Switzerland, and the descent to Sarnen is thrilling. In Sarnen, the 16th-century guild house and the baroque town hall â representing Canton Obwalden for 600 years â are worth a look. Following the Sarner Aa River, you reach the small Wichelsee, then Alpnachstad, where the worldâs steepest cogwheel railway climbs up Mount Pilatus.
Stop at the  Tailormade Hotel Stans Sßd*** and maybe take a short evening trip up the Stanserhorn. With the Nidwalden guest card, available at reception, you get 20% off the CabriO Stanserhorn cable car ride.
đ Stop 6: Rapperswil
Stans â Rapperswil: 76 km ⏠466 m ⏠504 m
Always following the water, you reach Lucerne, the cultural and social hub of Central Switzerland. Along the Reuss River, continue to Cham for a short break by Lake Zug , then enjoy sweeping views of Lake Zurich. The medieval town of Rapperswilâ now known as the City of Roses â charms with its graceful old town and castle.
Im Moxy Rapperswil*** a hotspot on the Riviera, is the perfect place to relax and have fun. After this long stage, treat yourself to your favourite cocktail at the stylish hotel bar.
đ Stop 7: Walensee
Rapperswil â Walensee: 42 km ⏠338 m ⏠322 m
The Linth River leads you on this stage to Lake Walen. In the adventurous bike tunnel , water drips from the walls, creating a ghost-train-like atmosphere. A helmet is a good idea â occasionally, small stones fall from the walls. In Mols, just two minutes from the lake shore, the  Hotel Schiffahrtawaits you. The rooms are simple but practical and cosy.
đ Finish: Lake Constance
Walensee â Lake Constance: 80 km ⏠90 m ⏠125 m
After a short climb to Sargans, itâs all downhill through the St. Gallen Rhine Valley. On the way, you pass Werdenberg - Â ÂŤthe smallest town in SwitzerlandÂť with historic town rights. Itâs worth a detour into the old town. Through Europeâs largest freshwater delta, follow the Rhine directly to Lake Constance, the end of the Lakes Route. A final swim is the perfect way to celebrate your journey.
We wish you a fantastic ride, plenty of sunny kilometres, and unforgettable moments on your journey from lake to lake! đ´ââď¸đ/p>