How it all began
Two years ago, five of us set out for the first time to explore Switzerland by bike. We wanted to be flexible and as lightly packed as possible – no one wanted to carry a tent or unnecessary luggage. With almost 50 locations in this country, the Swiss Youth Hostels quickly became our choice of accommodation, and so it was time to plan the route. You can read where the first tour took us in the first article on the Tour de Jeunesse.
Packed full and yet only the most important should be with. ©Daytrippers
The #tourdejeunesse is born
The idea was taken up again last year, but this time not just for us, as we have officially launched the #tourdejeunesse. Unlike the first tour, we organised a driver to transport the luggage. Food and accommodation have also been taken care of – so that you can concentrate on cycling and enjoying the week to the full. The tour took place twice in total, once in June and once in July. 30 participants joined in and many will be there again this year.
Packed full and yet only the most important should be with. ©Daytrippers
The 2021 tour
As in the previous year, the tour started in Aarau – from there it went to “the Ländle” on the first day. A rather flat stage, but boasting several kilometres, before heading to Scuol via Davos – Flüela on the second day. The first highlight on day three was the Passo dello Stelvio. One of the most impressive, but also longest climbs you can ride. Stage three started in Sta. Maria – via Ofenpass we rode to St. Moritz. On day five, the participants had the choice of continuing to Laax either via Julier or via Albula.
If you make it to the top of the pass, you can skip it again afterwards. ©Daytrippers
For those with heavy legs, wellnessHostel3000 in Laax was just the thing. There they could relax and recuperate to prepare for the remaining two days. Due to the weather, the original route to Interlaken via Susten had to be adjusted a little. Fortunately, the youth hostel in Lucerne was not yet fully booked and so we turned right after the Oberalp Pass and continued past the Susten Pass to Lucerne. On the last day, we took a leisurely ride to Aarau, where we ended the tour together.
It’s much easier to pedal with a smile on your face. ©Daytrippers
The 2022 tour
A Tour de Jeunesse will take place again this year. As we do not want to ride the same stages as last year, a completely new route was planned. First we will ride along the Aare towards the Three-Lakes region. From there, it’s on towards the Bernese Oberland, with detours to the Valais and back again. After circling the lakes of Brienz and Thun and also overcoming the Grosse Scheidegg, the way home takes us via the capital back to Aarau.
Impress the interplay of different shades of green. ©Daytrippers
You have the choice
New this year is the option to choose between two different routes each day – Mocha or Flat White. “Mocha”: further, higher, faster. On average, 100 km / 1800 metres in altitude are covered per day. “Flat White”: you need a rest day or want to take it easy. That is to say: 60 km / 800 metres in altitude per stage.
Registration
The July tour is almost fully booked, but individual registrations may still be accepted. In August, however, there are still double and dormitory rooms available – but don’t hesitate to register as soon as possible. See you there!
Even more tour stories
We have more reading material for all cycling enthusiasts and other interested people. You can read more about planning and how it all started in the blog article “Discovering Switzerland on two wheels”.
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