Family-Friendly Bike Zurich Tour: Scenic Sihl River Ride from Zurich

Looking for a scenic, family-friendly bike tour starting right from Zurich city? This relaxing loop takes you along the picturesque Sihl River, through forests, Swiss villages, and past lakes and picnic spots — all with minimal time on roads. Whether you're riding with kids or just looking for a low-stress weekend activity, this route is packed with nature, culture, and even a brunch stop worth the detour.

River flowing through a forest with vibrant green trees under a blue sky. Power lines overhead, people sitting by the riverbank. Peaceful scene. — The Sihl River meandering through lush greenery just outside of Zurich, under a clear blue sky.

Overview: Bike Tour Details

Feature	Info
Start/End	Zurich (Sihlcity area)
Route Numbers	94 (Zurich to Shilbrugg), 32 (Horgenberg to Zurich)
Distance	~35–40 km round-trip
Elevation	Moderate climb to Horgenberg (~5 min push)
Kid-Friendly?	✅ Yes, mostly bike paths
Highlights	Sihlwald Park, Fork & Bottle brunch, Waldweiher Lake

Where to Start the Bike Tour in Zurich

Begin your journey between the Sihlcity shopping center and the Sihl river, right on the designated bike path. From there, follow Route 94 (Direction Zug) toward Allmend, passing football pitches and skate parks — a great warm-up stretch.

Optional Brunch Stop

Hungry already? Make a pit stop at Fork & Bottle — one of Zurich's best brunch spots and a kid-friendly atmosphere.

Sihl River Path: Adliswil to Sihlwald Park

A church with a tall steeple sits on a hill surrounded by trees. A river runs nearby with a town and mountains in the background. Quiet, serene. — A charming view of a small church in Adliswil overlooks a scenic bike path by the river, surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills.

Keep following Route 94 as it hugs the Sihl River south through Adliswil and Langnau am Albis. In Langnau, there is a short 150m road crossing before rejoining the riverside path — manageable and safe, even with children.

After traveling another 3 or 4 kilometers, you'll find a small wooden bridge on your right that allows you to cross the river. Once you enter Sihlwald Nature Park, you can choose to proceed with your tour or take a brief break to explore the park. You'll find:

🚸 A playground
☕ A small café
🔥 Fireplaces for a cozy atmosphere

Child in pink tank top and helmet rides a balance bike on a wooden bridge, surrounded by greenery. Sunlight casts shadows on the path. — The wooden bridge, heading towards the animal park on a sunny day.

The Climb to Horgenberg: Short but Steep

Just before the Sihlbrugg hydro power station, turn toward Horgenberg. This is the steepest section of the tour — expect a 5-minute bike push up the hill.

But it’s worth it: once at the top, you’re greeted by:

🏡 Rolling hills
🐄 Farmhouses
🌳 Forest trails perfect for cooling off

Switch to Route 32, a lightly-trafficked road that quickly dives back into the forest. Avoid Route 32 (which runs near the motorway) by taking parallel forest paths dotted with picnic and fire pit areas.

Sun sets behind a lone tree on a grassy hill, casting golden light. A quaint house and trees are in the foreground, creating a serene scene. — A picturesque sunset in Horgenberg casts a warm glow over a lone tree on a hill and the charming rural landscape below.

Waldweiher Lake & Return to Zurich

Don't miss a break at Waldweiher, a hidden lake gem near Thalwil — perfect for a picnic or a splash. After the lake, Route 32 briefly merges onto a busier road (approx. 200m). You can either ride this section or push your bike until you're back in nature.

Cruise through peaceful countryside behind Rüschlikon and Kilchberg, enjoying the final

scenic stretch back to Zurich.

Autumn trees with orange leaves by a misty lake, reflecting vibrant colors on water. Ducks glide across, serene and tranquil setting. — Autumn leaves and calm waters make Waldweiher Gattikon in Thalwil super chill, with a light mist that just adds to the peaceful vibe.

Key Stops & Highlights

Stop	Why Visit?
Fork & Bottle	Best brunch stop near Sihlcity
Sihlwald Park	Playground, and nature center
Horgenberg	Idyllic Swiss hilltop views
Waldweiher	Quiet lake surrounded by forest
Fire Pit Areas	Family BBQ spots throughout the ride

Is This Route Child-Friendly?

Yes! Most of the ride is on dedicated bike paths or quiet roads. The few short road crossings are manageable with kids, and the uphill section can be walked easily. Plus, the route is packed with kid-focused attractions, shaded forest trails, and frequent places to stop.

Map Download

Final Thoughts

This Zurich bike tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and relaxation — all easily reachable from the city. Whether you're biking with kids or just want to escape the crowds, the riverside paths, forest trails, and charming stops along the way make for an unforgettable day trip. Looking for more ideas for a day trip in or from Zurich? Check out our article with 30+ day trip ideas from Zurich!

Family-Friendly Bike Tour from Zurich: Scenic Ride Along the Sihl River