Rhône River Route: Oberwald to Geneva
★★★★★4/5 (4)
Rhône River Route: Oberwald to Geneva
Self guided from CHF 744
Bike tour in Switzerland
Tap above to jump to different sections of this tour
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Cycle among scenic landscapes and visit cultural sites as your travel along the Rhone River.
Between Oberwald and Geneva, the Rhône-Route connects three completely different types of landscapes. In the Goms, the landscape is alpine and the route consists mostly of downhill rides with an occasional rise. In Brig, the Rhône valley widens - there is more sunshine here in Wallis than anywhere in Switzerland!
You'll experience another change of scenery entering into Villeneuve. With the wide, light flooded area of the Lake of Geneva on one side and the wine hills with sounding names on the other side of the route, you will cycle on through this beauty towards the city of Geneva. The Rhône-Route offers scenic and cultural variety with a flat route profile, making it perfect for casual cyclists as well.
Highlights
- Marvelous mountain panoramas
- Vineyards
- Lake Geneva
- The Swiss Riviera
- Achateau de Chillon
- The Olympic Museum of Lausanne
- UNESCO world heritage site "Lavaux"
- Capial city of Sion
Learn More
Learn more about self-guided tours.
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Tour Photos
![Lavaux Switzerland (photo:vincentackermann-sarocomtemporaryartist)]()
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![Vevey on Lake Geneva in Switzerland. CC:Foto-Falk]()
![Champagne France (photo:puggirl) CC-BY-2.0]()
![A traditional lunch of Älplermagronen in Switzerland. CC:Adrian Michael]()
![Lavaux Switzerland Terraced Vineyards (photo:makukuma)]()
![Geneva Switzerland (photo:orkch) CC-BY-SA-2.0]()
![Lavaux Switzerland Vaud Terraced Vineyards (photo:gabrielgarciamarengo)]()
![Cheese fondue is a Swiss favorite. CC:Juliano Mendes]()
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![Castle estates around Lake Geneva, Switzerland. Marco Verch Professional@Flickr]()
![Delicious wines to try! Micheiledotcom@Unsplash]()
![Geneva Switzerland (photo:pablovelasquez)]()
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![A traditional Swiss Berner Platte for lunch! CC:Sandstein]()
![Rhône River through Geneva, Switzerland. CC:Xavier]()
![Switzerland is famous for its cheeses. CC:Smabs Sputzer]()
![Terraced vineyards along Lake Geneva, Switzerland. CC:Patrick Denoreaz]()
![Lavaux, Switzerland along gorgeous Lake Geneva. Gabriel Garcia Marengo@Unsplash]()
![Geneva Switzerland (photo:julienflutto)]()
![Geneva Switzerland (photo:carlitabenazito)]()
![Läderach chocolates in Switzerland! CC:bigbirdz]()
![Swiss beers in the mountains. CC:Uwe Hantsch]()
![Geneva Switzerland (photo:philipppotocnik)]()
![Swiss Riviera along the shores of Lake Geneva, Switzerland. Marcel Van den Berge@Unsplash]()
![Lavaux, Switzerland along gorgeous Lake Geneva. Soff Garavano@Unsplash]()
![Wine Shop in Lavaux, Switzerland. CC:Zeynel Cebeci]()
![Lake Geneva & Lavaux, Switzerland. CC:CalistaZ]()
![Schnitzel mit Spiegelei. Thomas Kohler@Flickr]()
![Lavaux, Switzerland along gorgeous Lake Geneva. Gabriel Garcia Marengo@Unsplash]()
Traveler photos
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Daily program
Day 1: Arrival at Obergesteln
Arrival in the Goms, with the remarkable sunburnt wooden houses, in the wide valley of the young Rhône.
Overnight in Obergesteln.Day 2: Obergesteln – Brig (31 miles/50 km)
In this part of Switzerland, the Rhône is still called the Rotten. You ride through the sunny high valley towards Brig. In the evening you visit the World Nature Forum in the neighboring village of Naters with information to the UNESCO World Heritage - Region Jungfrau-Aletsch.
Overnight in Brig.Day 3: Brig – Sion (27 miles/44 km)
The main valley in the Valais widens, the sun warms the dry mountain slopes. Between Leuk and Sierre, you will leave the river Rhône and drive through the vineyards to a winery. After a pleaseant wine tasting, you will continue on to the castles of Sion.
Overnight in Sion.Day 4: Sion – Martigny (29 miles/47 km)
The capital city of Sion displays its historic castles, churches, and mansions. The lower Rhône-Valley is dominated by the high-alpine scenery of the Dents du Midi- a world of fertile fruit orchards and vineyards.
Overnight in Martigny.Day 5: Martigny – Vevey (35 miles/56 km)
From the heights, a round tower guards Martigny on its bend in the Rhône. At the valley's narrowest point, St-Maurice guards golden church treasures. Experience high mountains and lowlands, Lac Léman hidden behind reeds, and defiant Schloss Chillon on the water.
Overnight in Montreux/Vevey.Day 6: Vevey – Prangins (41 miles/66 km)
Lac Léman (aka Lake Geneva), the massive, silvery lake surrounded by snowy summits and terraced vineyards, e.g. at UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lavaux. Along the shores: Vevey, Montreux, and the metropolis of Lausanne, known as Olympia City and the center of life for the people of Vaud.
Overnight in Nyon surroundings.Day 7: Prangins – Geneva (16 miles/26km)
Above the terraced La Côte vineyards, below on the lake the market towns of Morges, Rolle, and Nyon. Open shore becomes rarer, villas and yachts larger- soon, cosmopolitan Geneva greets us with boulevards and its 140m-high water fountain Jet d'eau.Day 8: Individual departure
Departure after breakfast. -
Accommodation
Hotels
This is a sample hotel and may vary by availability.
Obergesteln: Hubertus
Brig: Hotel Stockalperhof
Sion: Hotel Castel
Martigny: Boutique Hotel
Vevey: Astra Hotel
Prangins: La Barcarolle
Geneva: Ibis Genève Centre Lac
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
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Bikes
Standard touring bike
Touring Bike Country-Bike TdS
Specifications:
- Frame: Aluminium
- Derailleur gear: Shimano Alivio 3x9-Gang
- Brakes: V-Brake Shimano Alivio
- Wheel size: 26"
Frame sizes:
- S = 44 cm (body height 150 - 172 cm)
- M = 50 cm (body height 172 - 186 cm)
- M = 56 cm (body height 186 - 196 cm)
Electrically-assisted bike
E-bike Flyer C-series
Specifications:
- Frame: Aluminium
- Gearshift:
- built 2021: Shimano Nexus 8-speed hub gears
- built 2022: Shimano Nexus 5-speed hub gears
- Brakes: Magura HS22 (hydraulisch) rim brakes
- Suspension fork: SR Suntour NEX, 63mm
- Motor: Panasonic 36V/250W mid-engine
- Battery: Panasonic Li-Ion-Mangan 15Ah/36V (540Wh)
- Operating distance: max. 100 km
- Wheel size: 28" (size XS: 26")
- Total weight: max. 149 kg
Frame sizes:
- XS = 41 cm (body height < 160 cm)
- S = 45 cm (body height 160 - 170 cm)
- M = 50 cm (body height 170 - 180 cm)
- L = 55 cm (body height > 180 cm)
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Accessories
All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge:
- Saddle bag (water-repellent), rear
- Tools
- Repair kit (with extra bicycle tube)
- Pump
- Lock
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.Helmets:
Helmets are available on this tour but must be reserved in advance. We recommend that you bring your own helmet or plan to purchase one upon arrival for safety and hygiene purposes.Dates & Prices
Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.
Jun 14–30 (Daily)Jun 14–30 (Daily) fr. 1710 Book Jun 14–30 (Daily)Jun 14–30 (Daily) fr. 744 Book Jul 1–31 (Daily)Jul 1–31 (Daily) fr. 1710 Book Jul 1–31 (Daily)Jul 1–31 (Daily) fr. 744 Book Aug 1–31 (Daily)Aug 1–31 (Daily) fr. 1710 Book Aug 1–31 (Daily)Aug 1–31 (Daily) fr. 744 Book Sep 1–12 (Daily)Sep 1–12 (Daily) fr. 1710 Book Sep 1–12 (Daily)Sep 1–12 (Daily) fr. 744 Book Sep 13–28 (Daily)Sep 13–28 (Daily) fr. 1624 Book Sep 13–28 (Daily)Sep 13–28 (Daily) fr. 2183 Book Show pricing details and extra options →
Pricing details and extra options
Daily, Jun 14 – Sep 28, 2025
Season 1: Sep 13 – Sep 28
Season 2: Jun 14 – Sep 12- Season 1 2025 Daily Sep 13–28 from fr. 16242025 departures: Daily Sep 13–28
2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Double occupancy fr. 1624 Single occupancy fr. 2183 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electrically-assisted bikes fr. 158 - Season 2 2025 Daily Jun 14–Sep 12 from fr. 7442025 departures: Daily Jun 14–Sep 12
2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Double occupancy fr. 1710 Single occupancy fr. 744 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electrically-assisted bikes fr. 158 - Extra options
Miscellaneous Additional piece of luggage fr. 222 Extra nights, Obergesteln Price Double occupancy fr. 139 Single occupancy fr. 179 Extra nights, Geneva Price Double occupancy fr. 145 Single occupancy fr. 260
Included services
- 7 nights accommodation
- Breakfast buffet
- Daily luggage transfers between hotels (1 piece of luggage per person/44lbs per suitcase, extra luggage with surcharge)
- Guidebook and detailed tour documentation (1 x per room)
- Service Hotline available in case of problems or questions
- Wine tasting in Varen (not posible on Sundays, discount of CHF 18/person offered if you want to start your tour on Friday)
- Navigational App
- GPS tracks available upon request (must request in advance)
Note: some hotels may require visitor's tax. This is not included in your tour package, and needs to be paid directly at time of checking out.
Map
Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.
Surface and terrain
This route is hilly in the first sections in the high valley of Goms. From Brig, the route leads through flat areas and is suitable for leisure cyclists. From Sion you will have to face some headwinds. A highlight is the tour through the vineyards of Lavaux. In the urban sections you will have to face some traffic and busy roads.
How to get there
Tour start
Nearest aiport: Zurich, Switzerland
Nearest train station: Oberwald or Fiesch Switzerland and by bus to ObergestelnTour end
Nearest airport and train station: Geneva, SwitzerlandTips on getting to and from your tour
Reviews
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★★★★★ ArmannI September 17, 2018
Nice mountain view
Good way to experiece Switzerland. More information needed regarding interesting places to visit. The first day was the most wonderful day
- What was the date of your tour?
- 26.8 - 30.8
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Icebiker1 September 9, 2018
Trip with a view
The perfect way to discover Valais. The bikes were quite new however we had to buy new pedals on one of the bikes,
- What was the date of your tour?
- 1. week of September
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Dagbjört September 9, 2018
* It was our 3d tour that we have booked with BikeTours and always been very pleased with the organizing, until now, we are sad to say.
* We never meet anyone from the tour company and that was very strange.
* Accommodation on one of the "hotels" was very poor, very cheep hotel, that was right across the street from the train/bus station and that was very disturbing through the night.
* It was only breakfast that was incl in the price. Maybe you should considered to have dinner incl. also.- What was the date of your tour?
- 26th of august 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ apitzer October 19, 2017
Enjoy Mountain Views, Lake Geneva, Swiss Villages, and Geneva
I went on a portion of this tour as a BikeTours.com staff member from Geneva to Lausanne and Vevey. The Lavaux Vineyards, on the Swiss side of Lake Geneva, are a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site. The wine has been produced in this region since the 11th century. Alpine views and the stunning, clear Lake Geneva are other highlights. This level 2 tour is relatively flat with a few hilly sections up by the vineyards. You can experience Switzerland without having to pedal up mountains, and an e-bike makes the journey even more accessible for all. The Schweiz Mobil national network of cycling paths is well-maintained and clearly marked. In my 8 days of cycling, we were confused about signage only a handful of times. Be sure to plan for lunch or attractions before you begin cycling, as restaurants are generally only open from about 11:30 - 2:00 for lunch, and they may not be able to serve lunch at 2:00. We had to do a lot of research ourselves about site-seeing, lunch stops, and directions to each point of interest along the way. Don't miss the Old City in Geneva, the Promenade du Lac with the famous Jet d'Eau (Jet of Water), the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, or Charlie Chaplin's estate in Vevey. The combination of the lake, vineyards, mountains, French-inspired cuisine and culture, and well-marked bike route make this tour a wonderful first tour in Switzerland.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 3, 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was my first!
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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