Route from Zurich to Como?
#1
Every day a winding road
Thread Starter
Route from Zurich to Como?
I am strongly considering Italy for 2010.
It looks like Zurich might be a cheaper option than Milan (my favorite). Can I assume I would be in for a few killer climbs from Zurich to Como? What is the easiest route (if one actually exists ) ?
It looks like Zurich might be a cheaper option than Milan (my favorite). Can I assume I would be in for a few killer climbs from Zurich to Como? What is the easiest route (if one actually exists ) ?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Long Beach,CA
Posts: 1,410
Bikes: Kona Ute, Nishiki 4130, Trek 7000, K2 Mach 1.0, Novara Randonee, Schwinn Loop, K2 Zed 1.0, Schwinn Cream, Torker Boardwalk
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I haven't done it but I am sure others have. The route is #3 https://map.veloland.ch/?lang=en&route=3 You may be able to find what you are looking for here.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 687
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
There's a guy here on the forum named Ken Roberts who has posted numerous ride reports in Switzerland and the Italian Alps. See if he's got any advice. He often posts in the Regional/Europe section.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Rotkreuz, Switzerland
Posts: 248
Bikes: Trek 520, Gary Fisher Big Sur
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The hardest part is the Gotthardpass, but you can skip that and take the train from Goschenen (or earlier) to Airolo. From Airolo to Biasca is one of my favourite routes. It's 40km downhill with the most spectacular views.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Maastricht, NL
Posts: 584
Bikes: Gazelle Playa
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
You can cycle over the Splugen pass which I found to be quiet and very scenic in 2005. But you will need to make a right when you reach lake Como and just follow the shoreline.
The only thing to worry about its the descent, it's steep with many unlit tunnels but its a quiet road. Just need to do it slow.
The only thing to worry about its the descent, it's steep with many unlit tunnels but its a quiet road. Just need to do it slow.
#6
Macro Geek
The hardest part is the Gotthardpass, but you can skip that and take the train from Goschenen (or earlier) to Airolo. From Airolo to Biasca is one of my favourite routes. It's 40km downhill with the most spectacular views.
(I pushed too hard, lost the ability to climb, and in the end, spent five or six days resting in Bellinzona in southern Switzerland. The muscles in my legs simply gave out. If I were to do this trip again, I would take three or four days for the climb.)
In general, car traffic along the route was light. Traffic was somewhat intense as I neared Como. There are several tunnels on the Gotthard pass, so bright lights and a reflective vest are good things to have.
If you have the legs, check out the delicious mountain roads between Airolo and Biasca. After passing Airolo, head north into the hills, and follow the network of bucolic roads that parallel Route 2. Ahh!!!!