The North–South Route leads through the large scenic Swiss regions of the Jura, Mittelland, Central Switzerland and over the Alps to the south. It follows many historically and culturally significant traffic routes and visits many places of interest.

The classic transit route follows major traffic routes and leads through large Swiss landscapes: the Jura, Mittelland, Central Switzerland then over the Alps to the south.

Basel, Liestal and Ergolztal: a busy, self-assured agglomeration. Lovely, peaceful landscapes of the Baselbieter Jura with the Schafmattpass. Thrilling ride down to Aarau. Off the beaten track through flat Suhrental, along Sempachersee, joining the stream of tourists in Luzern; now mountains fill the horizon. A complex water: the grandiose Vierwaldstättersee, often mild, but stormy when the Föhn wind blows.

Closely harried by traffic over the Teufelsbrücke bridge towards the Gotthard, the south beckons with a racy downhill ride. The climate changes, first granite, soon chestnut trees and vineyards, Bellinzona «La Turita» a glimpse of the vegetable garden of Magadino. Lago di Lugano with photogenic Morcote, at the end of the Mendrisiotto, a seething cauldron of railway, motorway, custom posts and shops.

Stages Places   Arrival / return travel  Rail, bus, boat recommendations  Diversion Giubiasco due to bridge construction  

Length365 km
of which unsurfaced: 30 km

 Height differenceBasel–Chiasso: 3'600 m
Chiasso–Basel: 3'600 m

 RequirementsGrade: medium (without pass)
Conditions: easy (without pass)

 SignalizationFor cycling, follow the logo indicated on the red signposts.