Hello fellow cyclists,
We are continuing our cycling journey tomorrow along the North-South route (in the opposite direction) Chiasso to Basel. We have looked on all the websites linked to the route, but would like some first hand advice. Firstly, are there any very cheap campsites or B&B's along this route? We are on a huge budget!! Secondly, the route is described as medium without Gotthard's pass, how difficult is the whole journey? Is it necessary to take a boat along the way and how much is it, if so? Basically, we would love any tips, wise words or advice for this route.
Many many thanks in advance,
Jade and Ede
hey there
can't name you a very cheap b&b or campsite but I think the campsites are all +/- the same price. as for the route: no, you don't have to take the boat along the way but I suggest you take the train between Flüelen and Brunnen as the road is pretty narrow with lots of traffic. the train wont cost much, it only takes 10min. once you crossed the gotthard, the route is very flat except the jura mountain range, about 50km before Basel. make sure you take the old road (Tremola) up to the gotthard pass, it's beautiful.
Hi Andreas,
Thanks, that's really useful information.
> but I suggest you take the train between Flüelen and Brunnen as the road is pretty narrow with lots of traffic.
I rode this section rom Brunnen to Flüelen in 2007 and couldn't understand why the guidebook suggested taking the boat or train. There was traffic, but it made little difference since there was a dedicated bike path on the lake side of the road. It was an beautiful and scenic ride. Perhaps this is no longer the case?
Hi Jade and Ede
You could have a look for "Naturfreundehäuser" (Swiss Naturefriends Hostels)- http://www.naturfreundehaeuser.ch/en/hostels/ alonmg your route. On the other hand there should be plenty of friendly warm showers hosts, try them ;)
Have also a look for this one: SwitzerlandMobility – Cycling in Switzerland
http://www.veloland.ch/en/cycling-in-switzerland.html
and north south route:
http://www.veloland.ch/en/routes/route-03.html
Also, Andreas is correct, if you take the old, cobble stone pavement route over Gotthard, you'll be able to enjoy the silence, there won't be too many cars and motorcycles.
Cheers
Chris