The best traffic-free bike rides around Wallisellen

There are nearly 200 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Wallisellen, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy, moderate, and challenging tours to explore.

The terrain around Wallisellen is quite varied, but many no-traffic routes feature mostly paved surfaces, especially around the Greifensee Cycling Path. You'll also find narrower dirt paths closer to the lakeshore for a more natural experience. Routes along the Glatt River are generally flat, while some more challenging tours might include gentle climbs through areas like the Hardwald forest.

Yes, Wallisellen offers several easy, car-free routes perfect for families and beginners. The area around Greifensee Lake is particularly well-suited, with its flat, asphalted 22-kilometer circular trail. An excellent option is the Dübendorf Weir – Greifensee Castle loop from Dübendorf, which is an easy 21 km ride. Another easy choice is the Greifensee Outflow and Weir loop from Dübendorf, a shorter 14 km route.

The region boasts several scenic highlights. The Greifensee Cycling Path offers continuous views of the lake and surrounding countryside, including distant mountains. The Glatt River trails pass through picturesque meadows and lead to the Grindel Nature Reserve. For panoramic views, the Hardwald forest is home to the Hardwaldturm observation tower. You might also encounter historical sites like Wart Castle on some routes, such as the Wart Castle – Eigental Nature Reserve loop from Wallisellen.

Wallisellen is well-connected by public transport, making it easy to reach the starting points of many routes. The comprehensive network of trains and buses in the Zurich canton allows cyclists to travel to various points around the Glatt Valley and Greifensee, often with dedicated bike carriage options. Check local transport schedules for specific route access.

Yes, many of the no-traffic touring routes around Wallisellen are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. The 22-kilometer asphalted trail circling Greifensee Lake is a prime example of a popular circular route. You can also find options like the Glatt River Trail – Old Covered Bridge (Zurich) loop from Wallisellen, which is an easy 30 km circular tour.

The best time for car-free bike touring in Wallisellen is generally from spring to autumn (April to October). Spring offers picturesque scenery with an abundance of flowers, especially around Greifensee. Summer provides warm weather, while autumn brings beautiful foliage. While some routes might be accessible in winter, conditions can be challenging due to snow or ice, so it's advisable to check local weather and trail conditions.

Yes, especially around popular areas like Greifensee Lake, you'll find various cafes and restaurants where you can stop for refreshments. The villages and towns along the Glatt River also offer dining options. It's always a good idea to check opening hours, especially outside of peak season.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained, car-free paths, the stunning natural beauty of Greifensee Lake and the Glatt River, and the accessibility of routes for all skill levels. The tranquil environment and opportunities for wildlife observation are also frequently highlighted.

Yes, the region is committed to inclusive cycling. Many of the paved and flat no-traffic routes, particularly around Greifensee, are suitable for handbikes. An example of a route that can accommodate handbikes is the Wallisellen - Embrach - Brütten (road handbike) tour, which is a moderate 41 km ride.

Parking is generally available in and around Wallisellen and the surrounding towns like Dübendorf, which serve as common starting points for many routes. Look for designated public parking areas, especially near train stations or recreational facilities. For routes around Greifensee, there are often parking lots specifically for visitors to the lake area.