The best traffic-free bike rides around Wetzikon

There are over 25 dedicated traffic-free gravel bike trails around Wetzikon, offering a wide range of experiences from moderate to difficult. This guide focuses on routes designed to keep you away from vehicular traffic, allowing for a more peaceful ride.

The no-traffic gravel bike trails in Wetzikon and the broader Zurich Highlands offer a diverse mix of terrain. You'll encounter picturesque gravel roads, serene forest paths, and some asphalt sections connecting these off-road segments. The landscape varies from agricultural land to dense forests and rolling hills, providing a varied and engaging riding experience.

Yes, there are routes suitable for beginners looking for traffic-free gravel biking. While many routes are moderate to difficult, you can find easier options that allow you to enjoy the scenery without significant technical challenges. For example, the Oberland-Short-Cut Gravel-Round is a moderate route that offers a great introduction to the region's gravel paths.

Many routes offer stunning vistas. The Bachtel-Kulm Viewpoint – Bachtel Tower loop from Kempten and the Bachtel-Kulm Viewpoint – Bachtel Tower loop from Wetzikon ZH will take you to the prominent Bachtel Tower, offering expansive views across the Zurich Highlands, including Pfäffikersee and Greifensee lakes. You can also find beautiful views of the Pfäffikersee lake itself, a national nature reserve, on routes that circle its shores.

Absolutely! The region is rich in natural beauty. You can find impressive gorges and waterfalls. For instance, the Zunftshof Ghöch – Wolfsgrueb Waterfall and Gorge loop from Kempten will lead you to the Wolfsgrueb Waterfall. Other notable natural features include the scenic Kemptner Tobel gorge and the Sagenraintobel Waterfalls (Sagenraintobel Waterfalls).

Yes, many of the gravel bike trails around Wetzikon are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. This is ideal for exploring the diverse landscapes, from lake circuits to forest loops. The Oberland-Short-Cut Gravel-Round is a great example of a circular route.

While many routes in the Zurich Highlands can be challenging, there are options that families can enjoy. Look for routes with less elevation gain and smoother gravel paths. The area around Pfäffikersee, with its flat circular trail, is often a good choice for families, offering beautiful scenery and a safe environment away from traffic.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.56 stars. Reviewers often praise the peacefulness of the routes, the stunning natural scenery, and the excellent network of gravel paths that allow for extensive rides away from traffic. The diverse landscapes, from lakeside trails to forest climbs, are frequently highlighted as major draws.

Beyond the natural beauty, you can find unique attractions. The Speck Airfield – Jucker Farm at Lake Pfäffikon loop from Kempten offers a stop at Jucker Farmart, known for its farm shop and restaurant. The region also features historical sites like the Irgenhausen Roman Fort and the Bubikon Commandery, which can be incorporated into your rides.

The spring, summer, and autumn months generally offer the best conditions for gravel biking in Wetzikon. During these seasons, the weather is typically pleasant, and the trails are in good condition. Autumn, in particular, provides beautiful foliage. While some trails may be accessible in winter, conditions can be more challenging due to snow or ice, and daylight hours are shorter.

Wetzikon is well-connected by public transport, making it possible to reach many starting points without a car. For those driving, parking is generally available in and around Wetzikon and at various trailheads. It's advisable to check specific parking options for your chosen route's starting point beforehand.