Air-cooling With 6 Descents In & Around Zurich

It's summer. And it's hot. I know most of you Ronsters like to cool off in the water but air cooling is pretty effective too. And that is why you may have seen me streaking down some of the hills in and around Zurich recently. And i can assure you that it is a lot of fun. In all the tips that follow, you have the option of pedalling up yourself, (no pain, no gain, etc…) or transporting your bike to the starting point by public transport. However, you should be aware that there are some restrictions on transporting your bike. Here are my 6 best and breeziest descents in and around Zurich.

Number 1: Please get off in Uitikon

Photo: Baugeschichtliches Archiv, Wehrli

Wouldn’t it be nice if the old railway was running up to the Uetliberg? And it would be even nicer if I could take my bike all the way to the top. Unfortunately, this is not possible. You are only allowed to take your bike to the Uitikon-Waldegg stop. But even from there it's worth jetting back to the city. Here are my two suggestions for the descent:

1) If you like it steep, there is the road to Albisrieden. If you want to take a short break halfway down, I recommend the Hasenrain viewpoint, from where you have a beautiful view of the whole city. On the second section, with a bit of luck you can roll through to the Siemens stop and fill your belly at southern  Italy’s answer to Sprüngli, the Pasticceria Ama.

I love the view on the way down at Hasenrain.

2) If you like it a bit more leisurely, I recommend the descent towards Triemli. But beware: here you won't find a delicious pasticceria like in Albisrieden.

Number 2: Welcome To Türlersee - Let Me Know If You See Any Tülers

Photo: Wikipedia, Adrian Michael

Somehow this picture reminds me of a mountain lake in Graubünden. But the good thing is that it's only 30 minutes by post bus from Zurich's Goldbrunnenplatz. If you want to do a little round trip, you can take the public transport to the Albispasshöhe and then ride your bike to the camping site at Türlersee. And if you still haven't had enough cooling off, you can take a dip in the lake and then enjoy a portion of chips on the meadow. The brave can pedal back or you can join me and take the post bus back to Zurich.

Number 3: They Tried To Make Me Go To Rehalp, I Said...

Photo: Baugeschichtliches Archiv

Every time i  see the tram number 11 i always sing the Amy Winehouse classic, «They tried to make me go to Rehalp, i said No,No,No!» But in this case i say Yes, Yes, Yes because there is a lovely airy descent down to the lake. And while you are up there be sure to take a break at the botanical gardens.

Number 4: It's Short But Political

Photo: Critical Mass

Every last Friday of the month, the «Critical Mass» takes place in Zurich. The bicycle ride is also a political issue from time to time as just recently it was decided that future rides will require a permit. But I still hope that it will continue to be possible to ride through the city with so many other great people. Because I enjoy it every time when I can whiz down the Hardbrücke on my bike and without cars getting in my way. When the sun goes down at the same time, it’s just perfect.

Number 5: Get Colder From The Dolder

Photo: Wikipedia

No, you are not seeing things, the Dolderbahn does allow cycles. Not only does the Dolder hotel blow me away but the descent too! So if you are feeling hot up in Hottingen it might be worth buying a day ticket and trying the several different routes down to the city. All day long.

Number 6: James Bond Style

Photo: Wikipedia

If you've read the listicle carefully, you'll have noticed that you take your bike to the top with a different means of transport for each tip. In addition to the post bus, funicular, train and tram, the cable car is, of course, a must. But beware: bicycle transport to the Felsenegg is only permitted if space permits and also if your bike is clean. It get’s pretty busy on the weekends before 3pm but it might be better to visit during the week. At 804 metres above sea level you can follow the ridge Uetliberg or to the Albispass and enjoy a descent to Adliswil or the Türlersee where you can paddle or swim in either the river or lake. Have fun cooling off.