Gravel races in the canton of Zurich

Gravel in the canton of Zurich unfolds between forests, farm tracks and trails running along the lakeshores 🌿. Between the vineyards of Lake Zurich, the meadows of the Oberland and the forests of the Albis, the surfaces change constantly: compact gravel, packed earth, stretches of rough asphalt. This variety lets you ride all day without taking the same path twice, with little traffic as soon as you leave the urban area.

The terrain remains accessible, with long, steady climbs rather than steep walls, which suits beginners and seasoned riders alike 🚵. The routes have no shortage of water points: village fountains, kiosks and lakeside terraces dot almost every loop. In spring, the trails are dry and fast, while autumn adds slippery fallen leaves that call for caution in the corners. A wide tire, around 40 mm, remains the most versatile choice for linking forest and road.

The Finishers calendar does not currently list any gravel races in the canton of Zurich. However, the Bodensee Radmarathon, on September 11, 2027 in Thal, in the canton of St. Gallen, is on the Finishers gravel calendar and takes place on the shores of Lake Constance 🍎. It is a reasonable trip from Zurich for anyone who wants to test their tires and endurance at a marked event, with aid stations and safety provided by the organizers.

For a discovery ride, the loop around Greifensee and its lakeside paths suit all levels 🦆. Once the effort is over, a Zurich-style sliced veal in a country inn is the perfect reward for the day. Choose your gravel ride according to your mood, from a family outing to a big endurance loop, and check out the cyclosportives in Zurich for more route ideas.