Biking in the Basel region
If you’re a road biker and a recent arrival to Basel you’ve definitely come to the right place. This region at the intersection of 3 countries; Switzerland, Germany, and France, offers a huge variety of routes in terms of natural beauty, climbing challenges, cycling clubs and cycling shops. Routes are well signed and decent quality (especially in Switzerland and Germany). Routes in France are pretty quiet and reaching them from Basel is quick and easy via Allschwil, Hegenheim, or Huningue. There are plenty of bakeries (especially in France) and restaurants to fuel up in when you get tired of energy bars.
For about 10 months, March through October, temperatures are mild enough to allow for cycling. The tougher bikers head out, extremities well wrapped, in February and November.
Good bikes are often stolen in Basel even inside apartments. Be sure to lock your precious bike even indoors AND have good insurance
Cycling routes
Use the Strava App and website - it provides a wealth of useful information, a way to log your activities, find routes, and monitor your cycling buddies. It’s free but definitely worth paying for the Premium membership.
Other Apps such as Komoot and Swissmobile are fantastic for finding routes in the region.
quäldich is for the fanatics – “quael dich” means torture yourself so many challenging climbs available here!
Popular climbs
Passwang (1200m) approach from Solothurn or Basel
Gempen (640m) - approach from Dornach or Muttenz. A little higher up is the Gempenturm @ 750m which offers a wonderful view and a great restaurant for coffee/food.
Shelten pass (1200m)
Challpass (754m) approach from Basel or from Laufen
Tough climbs
Hochblauen (1165m) , Belchen (1100) , flat from Basel to Kandern then climbing begins.
Grand Ballon in the Vosges, France (1400m)
Flat routes from Basel
To Mulhouse, or along the Rhine to Rheinfelden.
Annual Cycling events
The following all have 3 or more different routes of varying difficulty with spectacular scenery guaranteed. None of these events are for the faint hearted.
Schwarzwald Super
This race in the Black Forest is a lower key event than Alpenbrevet, organised by a group of local enthusiasts but nothing low key about the climbs. No website for this one but here’s an article about the 2021 event.
For all of these wonderful events it’s worth travelling the night before in order to be ready for the early start. Cheap dormitory style accommodation is available for Alpenbrevet and Schwarzwald Super which is especially relevant for Switzerland where hotel are pricey.
Top Cycling Stores
Grenzacherstrasse 10
4058 Basel
Leimenstrasse 78, 4051 Basel
Solothurnerstrasse 19
Trek Bicycle | Giovanni Manna
Salinenstrasse 1
4313 Möhlin
Clubs
The VCC THURSDAY RIDE is an “open-to-everyone” cycling group ride, organized by the Voyage Cycling Store that takes place every Thursday evening from April to October. Different level groups cover the local ROADS and rides generally are around +/- 2 hours.
VCC also organises a Sunday “coffee ride”
Novartis and Roche had summer cycling groups pre-pandemic where outsiders would join in if they happened to have a contact at the company.
There are many clubs in the area – the best way to identify the most suitable one is via Strava.
Favourite snack stops
Be aware that on Sunday afternoons it’s difficult to find any restaurant/bakery/coffee shop open in France. In all countries the “Ruhetag” day(s) off is unpredictable so check in advance and always bring some snacks in case.
Boulangerie Fritschy, Ferrette.
Hotel/Restaurant Collin in Ferrette – fantastic mid week lunch deals and homemade tarts to die for.
Auberge et Hostellerie Paysanne in Lutter – best lunch deal in Alsace region.
Le Petit Kohlberg - this is an upmarket charming hotel/restaurant with a beautiful outdoor setting in summer. It’s well worth the short very steep climb up from Winkel.
Pizzeria San Lorenzo in the square in middle of Kandern.
Restaurant Alte Brennerei in Nuglar, shortly beyond Gempen.
Restaurant Kreuz in Metzerlen (bottom of Chalpass).
Petits Four café in Reigoldswil.
Boulangerie Fritschy in Oltingue.
Susy’s Hoflädeli in Seewen – unique and delightful place where breads, cakes, baked goods stored in a glass fronted cabinet. Self-service with a cash-box provided for payment based on honour system. Table available in the small yard with flasks of hot water for making (instant) coffee
Travelling with your bike.
To go further afield from Basel it’s pretty convenient to make the outward or return journey by train. Be aware that not only a ticket for the passenger is required but also a ticket for the bike (often a day pass for the bike at 13.50 chf is the best value). Importantly a numbered spot for the bike must also be reserved and it is advisable to do this well in advance of your trip as spaces often get sold out in which case you may have to have the bike shipped on the following day(s) which comes with risk of damage to your precious bike. All these bookings can be done on the recently updated SBB mobile app.
So BE ALERT, wear your helmet and enjoy!
