Cycling holidays in winter: Cycling in sunny Ticino in Switzerland
Text: Kerstin Börß
Glorious light, empty cycle paths and plenty of stops with warm drinks: cycling in winter has many beautiful facets that are worth discovering. This applies to the routes on your own doorstep, which change with the seasons, as well as to cycle tours in other regions. To make sure your bike doesn't get stuck in the cellar this winter, we've put together a few cycling travel tips that will inspire you to plan your holiday or simply daydream. They include a trip to Lake Lugano in Ticino, the sunny south of Switzerland, where fantastic views of the water beckon.
No matter where you are cycling this winter, you should of course check the weather and the condition of the paths and roads before setting off. Because even where mild temperatures usually prevail, there are sometimes more uncomfortable days in winter. Then, for once, the bike can be parked for a short time and the regional delicacies can be savoured. As many of the regions are close to the sea or mountains, a good rain jacket should always be in your bike bag. In the best case scenario, it will stay there untouched for the entire holiday.
Cycling holidays in winter: In sunny Ticino
Welcome to the valley of the sun. While large parts of Switzerland disappear under a blanket of snow in winter, Ticino is usually spared this white winter visitor - much to the delight of bike fans. The rule of thumb is: the further away from the Alps, the more trails are accessible. Those who enjoy mountain biking in particular will find a large selection of routes with different levels of difficulty in Switzerland's southernmost canton.
A wonderful example is Vicania Bike No. 351, an easy tour of around 25 kilometres that focuses on the Mediterranean region around Lugano. The start and finish point of the tour is the municipality of Paradiso on Lake Lugano, where the name says it all. On the peninsula that juts out into the picturesque lake, you cycle past churches and monasteries as well as meadows and pastures and a botanical garden. Or you can explore the Magadino plain on a more challenging 20-kilometre tour called Ceneri Bike. Steep climbs, marvellous chestnut forests and views as far as Lake Maggiore are some of the main ingredients on this route.
There is also a journey into the past - thanks to themed panels on the history of the region along the Via del Ceneri. Of course, if you cycle a lot, you also need enough food to keep you going. Fortunately, Ticino is also a top address when it comes to food. In the region's kitchens and wine cellars, the aroma of polenta wafts from the copper pot, the Torta di Pane (Ticino bread tart) is baking in the oven and the glasses are filled with Nocino walnut liqueur or a local wine. And of course, a piece of Ticino cheese should not be missing from your bike bag.
Information about a cycling holiday in Ticino
- General: www.ticino.ch/de From MTB to bike to e-bike, there are routes for everyone here: ticino.ch/en/explore/excursions/two-wheels.html
- Tip: Guided tours are available from Bike Brix, for example, and (e-)bike hire from 2wheels Rental and Bike Port.
- Train journey: If you are travelling by train in Switzerland, you have several options when cycling. Options: load it yourself, carry it as hand luggage or check it in as baggage.
