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Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Switzerland

Nordwestschweiz

Basel-Stadt

Small Three-Countries Cycle Trail

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Switzerland

Nordwestschweiz

Basel-Stadt

Small Three-Countries Cycle Trail

Moderate

4.5

(82)

430

riders

Small Three-Countries Cycle Trail

Q: What is the difficulty level of the Small Dreiland cycle path?

The Small Dreiland cycle path is generally rated as a moderate bike ride. It's suitable for most skill levels, assuming a medium fitness level. While primarily on paved surfaces, some sections might present minor challenges with moderate ascents and descents.

Q: What is the terrain like on the Small Dreiland cycle path?

The route features a varied surface. Approximately 67% (27.1 km) is asphalt, 7% (2.8 km) is paved, and 18% (7.3 km) is compacted gravel. Smaller sections include cobblestones and unpaved paths. While mostly smooth, some unpaved segments might require you to dismount and push your bike.

Q: What can I see along the Small Dreiland cycle path?

The path offers diverse scenery, including river landscapes, nature reserves, and architectural heritage. Highlights include the Rheinsprung, Basel , the impressive Basel Cathedral , and charming Traditional fishing huts on the Rhine . You'll also pass the Birsfelden Lock and Hydroelectric Power Plant and the Grand Canal d'Alsace Lock and Waterway . Nature lovers will enjoy the Petite Camargue Alsacienne Nature Reserve and the Beach and park at Birsköpfli .

Q: What is the best time of year to cycle this route?

The trail can be enjoyed throughout the warmer months. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer is ideal for enjoying the riverside activities. Always check local weather conditions before you go.

Q: Is the Small Dreiland cycle path dog-friendly?

While the trail itself is generally accessible, specific regulations for dogs may vary across the three countries (Switzerland, Germany, France) and within nature reserves like the Petite Camargue Alsacienne. It's always best to keep dogs on a leash, especially in populated areas or protected natural spaces, and to carry waste bags.

Q: Where can I park or access the Small Dreiland cycle path?

Given that the route traverses three countries and passes through urban areas like Basel, there are numerous access points. You can find parking in towns along the route in Switzerland, Germany, and France. Public transport connections are also excellent, particularly in Basel, making it easy to start and end your ride.

Q: Are there any permits or entrance fees required for the cycle path?

No specific permits or entrance fees are required to cycle the Small Dreiland cycle path itself, as it uses public paths and roads. However, if you plan to visit specific attractions or nature reserves along the way, there might be separate entry fees or regulations.

Q: Are there any specific regulations for visiting the Petite Camargue Alsacienne Nature Reserve?

The Petite Camargue Alsacienne is Alsace's first nature reserve, spanning over 900 hectares. While cycling through, please respect the natural environment. Stay on marked paths, do not disturb wildlife, and take all your litter with you. Specific regulations regarding pets or access to certain areas might apply, so look for signage upon entry.

Q: Does the Small Dreiland cycle path connect with other cycling routes?

Yes, the route intersects with several other well-known paths. Notable connections include sections of the EV6 France 33, EuroVelo 15 - Rhine Route - part France, and the Südschwarzwald-Radweg. It also overlaps with local routes like 2 Ufer 3 Brücken - Tour 11 and 2 Ufer 3 Brücken - Tour 9.

Q: What makes this cycle path unique?

Its most unique feature is traversing three countries—Switzerland, Germany, and France—within a relatively short 41 km distance. This tri-national connection allows you to experience diverse cultures, languages, and regional specialties, all while cycling along the scenic Rhine river.

02:24

40.9km

110m

Cycling

Cycle the Small Dreiland cycle path (979), a 25.4-mile route through Switzerland, Germany, and France, featuring diverse landscapes.

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 26 m for 137 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

114 m

Rheinsprung, Basel

Highlight • Historical Site

The Rheinsprung leads from the Grossbasel bridgehead of the Mittlere Brücke up the slope of the Rhine bank to the corner of the museum building built between 1842 and 1849 on the site of the old Augustinian monastery and continues into Augustinergasse. In its course it overcomes a height difference of around 16m. The steep climb at the lower beginning of the alley becomes somewhat flatter after about two thirds of the route, before leveling out in the last section. The Elftausendjungfern-Strasse and the Archivgässlein connect the Rheinsprung with the higher Martinskirchplatz and Martinsgasse. On the Rhine side, the road is intercepted by a sloped retaining wall, which is visible in two gaps in the rows of houses on the bank.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

478 m

Basel Cathedral

Highlight • Religious Site

You can visit the tower of the church and enjoy the wonderful view of the whole of Basel.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

1.47 km

Traditional fishing huts on the Rhine

Highlight • Structure

There are many traditional fishing gallows on both sides of the Rhine. The small houses were mainly used for fishing in earlier times, but are rarely used today. The fishing gallows are almost all privately owned.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.56 km

Beach and park at Birsköpfli

Highlight • Beach

The Birs flows into the Rhine at Birsköpfli. In summer, the park is a popular place for swimming; there is a small bistro and public toilets nearby.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

3.50 km

Birsfelden Lock and Hydroelectric Power Plant

Highlight • Structure

The construction of the power plant opened up the Rhine above Basel for large-scale shipping and enabled the construction of the port facilities in Muttenz and Birsfelden. Initially, one lock was sufficient to regulate shipping traffic. In 1979, as demand increased, the second lock basin was inaugurated. 11,000 locks now take place each year, each lasting around 20 minutes.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

20.8 km

Grand Canal d'Alsace Lock and Waterway

Highlight (Segment) • River

Great, quiet racetrack, bolt upright. Road conditions (07/2021) grade 2 to 3, sometimes quite rough.

I recommend, however, not to go on a cut, but to enjoy the swans, ducks, other birds, as well as the ships that may be seen.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

28.5 km

Petite Camargue Alsacienne Nature Reserve

Highlight (Segment) • Natural

The small Alsatian camargue is a nature reserve managed by an association.
The marsh adjoins the Rhine and extends over 904 ha where dragonflies, grasshoppers, fish, amphibians and orchids are preserved.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

40.4 km

View of Kleinbasel and the Kaserne

Highlight • Viewpoint

Very very nice view. Wonderful.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

40.9 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

18.9 km

14.9 km

4.01 km

2.80 km

264 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

26.6 km

7.45 km

5.87 km

556 m

184 m

162 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Friday 8 May

24°C

8°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

This route was planned by komoot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difficulty level of the Small Dreiland cycle path?

The Small Dreiland cycle path is generally rated as a moderate bike ride. It's suitable for most skill levels, assuming a medium fitness level. While primarily on paved surfaces, some sections might present minor challenges with moderate ascents and descents.

What is the terrain like on the Small Dreiland cycle path?

The route features a varied surface. Approximately 67% (27.1 km) is asphalt, 7% (2.8 km) is paved, and 18% (7.3 km) is compacted gravel. Smaller sections include cobblestones and unpaved paths. While mostly smooth, some unpaved segments might require you to dismount and push your bike.

What can I see along the Small Dreiland cycle path?

The path offers diverse scenery, including river landscapes, nature reserves, and architectural heritage. Highlights include the Rheinsprung, Basel, the impressive Basel Cathedral, and charming Traditional fishing huts on the Rhine. You'll also pass the Birsfelden Lock and Hydroelectric Power Plant and the Grand Canal d'Alsace Lock and Waterway. Nature lovers will enjoy the Petite Camargue Alsacienne Nature Reserve and the Beach and park at Birsköpfli.

What is the best time of year to cycle this route?

The trail can be enjoyed throughout the warmer months. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer is ideal for enjoying the riverside activities. Always check local weather conditions before you go.

Is the Small Dreiland cycle path dog-friendly?

While the trail itself is generally accessible, specific regulations for dogs may vary across the three countries (Switzerland, Germany, France) and within nature reserves like the Petite Camargue Alsacienne. It's always best to keep dogs on a leash, especially in populated areas or protected natural spaces, and to carry waste bags.

Where can I park or access the Small Dreiland cycle path?

Given that the route traverses three countries and passes through urban areas like Basel, there are numerous access points. You can find parking in towns along the route in Switzerland, Germany, and France. Public transport connections are also excellent, particularly in Basel, making it easy to start and end your ride.

Are there any permits or entrance fees required for the cycle path?

No specific permits or entrance fees are required to cycle the Small Dreiland cycle path itself, as it uses public paths and roads. However, if you plan to visit specific attractions or nature reserves along the way, there might be separate entry fees or regulations.

Are there any specific regulations for visiting the Petite Camargue Alsacienne Nature Reserve?

The Petite Camargue Alsacienne is Alsace's first nature reserve, spanning over 900 hectares. While cycling through, please respect the natural environment. Stay on marked paths, do not disturb wildlife, and take all your litter with you. Specific regulations regarding pets or access to certain areas might apply, so look for signage upon entry.

Does the Small Dreiland cycle path connect with other cycling routes?

Yes, the route intersects with several other well-known paths. Notable connections include sections of the EV6 France 33, EuroVelo 15 - Rhine Route - part France, and the Südschwarzwald-Radweg. It also overlaps with local routes like 2 Ufer 3 Brücken - Tour 11 and 2 Ufer 3 Brücken - Tour 9.

What makes this cycle path unique?

Its most unique feature is traversing three countries—Switzerland, Germany, and France—within a relatively short 41 km distance. This tri-national connection allows you to experience diverse cultures, languages, and regional specialties, all while cycling along the scenic Rhine river.

Is the Small Dreiland cycle path a loop?

The Small Dreiland cycle path is designed as a loop, allowing you to start and end your journey at the same point, typically in or around Basel. This makes it convenient for day trips without needing to arrange return transport.