A typical picture while riding from Frankfurt to Zurich

Why Cycling Abroad From Frankfurt to Zurich

Cycling abroad is about doing things you do not do in your home country. While riding your touring bikes, on this multi-days self-guided tour from Frankfurt to Zurich you will experience these feelings that are so different from the ones normally experienced.

Riding from Frankfurt to Zurich, along the scenic Rhine River will not let you down. From rustic and charming villages to sprawling vineyards, wandering off the beaten path can yield many wonderful discoveries. In addition, you will also have the chance to meet friendly locals who will add to the flavor of your trip. This trip will offer you many delights.

Autumn surely must be the best time for this tour. Not only were the cool, mild temperatures are perfect for riding from Frankfurt to Zurich, but the profusion of brilliant colors will never be ceased to dazzle your senses during this season.

About the Trip From Frankfurt to Zurich

This bicycle trip from Frankfurt to Zurich is going to be another one of these bike trips to remember. Most of this tour is rode along rivers, but you will also ride crossing the German, French, and Swiss beautiful countryside on some parts of the route.

The route along the Rhine River is mainly well-marked and well maintained, allowing you to take in the lush scenery at a leisurely pace. The route has many attractions, such as visiting Baden-Baden, or lovely Culmar, but not less important, it offers rest stops for lunch or just a short coffee break, to get some energy before continuing riding. And if talking about attractions, do not skip some of the many wineries along the way, especially while riding in Elsas, in France.

When cycling along the Rhine River, you’ll find that the route offers plenty of exciting diversions. My advice to you would be to take full advantage of those diversions. Try to avoid “over-planning” your trip by imposing a very restrictive schedule on yourself. Don’t rush from one place to another – take some time to soak in the wonderful atmosphere and see the sights.

The preferred type of places to stay overnight is what so-called Zimmers – bed & breakfast establishments, or small, pleasant hotels.

Trip Information

Origin	Frankfurt
Via	Salzburg, Basel
Destination	Zurich
Cycling Distance	479 Km (1610m Climb)
Cycling Level	Moderate
Map (Komoot)	Download the planned route

Frankfurt to Zurich Trip Details – Day by Day

Day 1

On the first day of the tour you will ride along the Maintz River, on a well-marked bicycle trail, connecting Frankfurt to Maintz. The route is quite flat, with some slopes from time to time. You will probably not be alone while riding along the two banks of the river, as many other people are enjoying this charming area.

Riding along the Rhine River is delightful. Flat, well-marked bike routes allow the cyclist to take in the lush scenery at a leisurely pace. Isn’t this why one travels by bike?

Route	Hotel
	Hof Ehrenfels

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 2

On this day you will start your long journey along the Rhein River. From time to time you will find yourself close to the river, but not always. This part of the route is connecting Maintz to Mannheim. This part of the route offers several rest-stops to eat lunch and catch one’s breath before continuing. Another attraction along the way is visiting some of the Rhine River castles.

Route	Hotel
	Maritim Hotel Mannheim

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 3

Another enjoyable route along the Rhein river, on your way from Frankfurt to Zurich by bicycle. Don’t rush. Enjoy the track, meet other people. Try the local food. Visit some charming places along your way.

Route	Hotel
	Hotel Vater Rhein

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 4

After breakfast you will start riding towards Baden-Baden – a city famous for its bathing culture. Located in the western foothills of the Black Forest (Schwarz Wald). If you like hot tubs, this detour is just for you. Baden-Baden is a lovely city with a historic center. You can stay at the Bischoff Hotel, located just in front of the Friedrichsbad (a Roman-Irish Bath), where you can spend the evening. The baths will do marvels to your tired muscles and invigorate your spirits for the trail to come.

Route	Hotel
	Bischoff Hotel

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 5

Today is yet another great day on the saddle, along the Rhine River. At one point you will cross the German-French border toward Strasburg. This city is charming, its center is full of people, with an atmosphere of a carnival. Stop there, enjoy a short coffee (and cake) break, we decided to find a place to stay outside of Salzburg.

And this is just the beginning: after leaving Strasburg, you will ride along a beautiful canal lined with historic buildings. For the night I can suggest staying in a beautiful B&B (Chez-Dany, runs by a charming hostess named Dany).

Route	Hotel
	Chez-Dany

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 6

Today you will ride through the scenic routes of Alsace. Well-maintained bike routes unraveled through historic villages, placid canals, and lush, rolling hills. But the best is still waiting for you as you are approaching Colmar: the wine route!

As you cycle through the grape fields, do not miss visiting some of the wineries along the way, for a good wine tasting. Colmar is a charming city, and after visiting its canals you can also stay there overnight. Another option is to ride a bit further, to one of the smaller villages along the wine route, such as the picturesque town of Eguisheim. It is a great place to spend the evening! Walking through the narrow, winding streets of the old village is indeed like “traveling through a picture.”.

Route	Hotel
	Auberge du Rempart

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 7

Today you will continue riding south, along the wine route. After a couple of hours of riding, you will approach again the Rhine River, this time from the West. Crossing the river you will return to the German side of the river. The roads we cycled along were quite varied, and dodged between rolling hills and flourishing fields of grapes. Some roads might be unmarked and unpaved.

Route	Hotel
	Kurhotel Markushof

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 8

The first half of the ride will take you south along the Rhine River, until reaching the outskirts of Basel. The scenery of the Swiss side of the Rhine River is spectacular. Lofty mountains and low-rising hills are painted in deep green, with yellow and red foliage starting to emerge. Old wooden and stone bridges spanned across the Rhine at narrow points.

For the night, you can stop over at Laufenberg. Hotel Rebstock is a good choice. After all, the sign outside of the hotel says “bicycle hotel”. A tantalizing cappuccino and a warm piece of the house apple strudel will give you the energy needed for your next and final riding day.

Route	Hotel
	Brutsches Rebstock

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 9

It was hard to believe, but today is your last riding day on your jurney from Frankfurt to Zurich by bicycle. You might feel a mixture of melancholy and joy. You will ride about 16 km along the German bank of the Rhine River before reaching Switzerland, near Koblenz.

The route is quite hilly, as you have to climb from the Rhine River up to Zurich. Switzerland is very cyclists friendly. The routes are well marked and maintained. As you are approaching your final destination near Zurich airport you may feel a great joy of your achivement!

Route	Hotel
	Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport

Here you can download the Planned Route.

What’s Next

If you like my Frankfurt to Zurich self-guided bicycle trip you are invited to Contact Us to get more detailed information, including variations to the basic trip, tips about the best season to travel and much more advice from my and other travelers experience. You are also welcome to check out some of my own bicycle trips to get an idea of this type of exciting cycling style.

Useful Links

• Komoot – The Best bicycle trip planning and tracking tool
• Bicycle Route Planner
• Frankfure Weather
• Colmar Weather
• Basel Weather
• Zurich Weather

Pictures

Books About The Rhine River

More information about the Rhine River can be found on several informative books. Take a look at these selected books:

“Don’t go around saying the world owes you a living.
The world owes you nothing. It was here first.”
Mark Twain