Ride the Vertical Coffee Backyard
A fantastic way to explore the Vertical Coffee Backyard is to get on your bike and ride one of our routes. They follow mainly quiet secondary roads and include a fair amount of climbing. We are in the Swiss Midlands here, so the climbs are never really long and even the highest points rarely see any snow in winter. Perfect hilly and punchy terrain for year-round riding. Unless specifically mentioned, the routes are on paved roads and if there should be any gravel, it is easily rideable on road bike tyres.
The routes are tried and tested by us as well as the riders of the Vertical Brevet and the Vertical Brevet Discovery Rides. Feel free to download the GPX files (simply click on the black buttons), ride the routes and say hi if you spot us!
You can also follow us on Komoot and check out more routes - simply hit the button below.
HAFNERBERG LOOP
This loop has some short gravel segments to connect several nice small roads so bear with us… You’ll get fantastic views of the Reuss valley from the top of Mutschellen and you’ll also know how it looks from the dips of the valley. Rest assured, the climb does stop!
It’s best to ride this loop on a weekend as a part passes through the military zone which has training going on through the week and parts may be closed. Open on Saturday and Sunday though!
This route was part of the 100km Discovery Ride in 2024.
OBERNIESENBERG LOOP
This loop gives you a real taste of the real Vertical Brevet: There’s a double track AND there’s a real spicy steep climb. And of course sweeping downhills and gorgeous views of lake Hallwil. What more could you want?
This route was part of the 100km Discovery Ride in 2024.
BUECHSTOCK LOOP
Forget the main road around Türlersee - you can do better! Discover the small roads between the "am Albis" towns and beware of the geese when you ride through the Old Hen’s Den, the "Hof zur alten Henne".
This route was part of the 100km Discovery Ride in 2024.
SAGENWALD GRAVEL
This fairly tame loop takes you through a fairy wonderland of a forest. You’ll find moss-covered grounds left and right while you tackle a few technical single trails. There is a local lore-themed stretch of a few kilometres giving you the opportunity to discover some things you didn’t know about the region. Look for the witch’s broom and take a ride!
This route was part of the Gravel Discovery Ride in 2024.
LINDENBERG GRAVEL
The Lindenberg is our local southern ridge and it offers an array of fantastic gravel roads. This loop consists of one long climb and an ever so sweet descent with great views of the Central Swiss Prealps.
This route was part of the Gravel Discovery Ride in 2024.
FRIEDLISBERG GRAVEL
Heading north towards the more densely populated outskirts of Zurich, you’d never guess you’re close to civilisation. The gravel roads are pristine but you’ll need to tackle one longer more technical section.
This route was part of the Gravel Discovery Ride in 2024.
LINDENBERG LOOP
This short loop on the Lindenberg will take you through Muri, the hub of the Freiamt and up to the Buttwil airstrip before the sweet descent back into the Reuss Valley.
This route was part of the 100km Vertical Brevet Discovery Ride 2023.
MÜLIBERG LOOP
Heading out east, this loop takes you through the dreamy Jonental up to Hedingen to the Müliberg before descending through some small villages and hamlets and returning to the Vertical HQ.
This route was part of the 100km Vertical Brevet Discovery Ride 2023.
HASENBERG LOOP
We suggest you ride this loop on the weekend (or public holiday) as it leads through the Reppischtal Military Zone which is closed on weekdays. After the steep climb up to the Hasenberg you can enjoy the views towards the Limmat valley from the wooden tower and the Reuss valley on the descent through Bellikon.
This route was part of the 100km Vertical Brevet Discovery Ride 2023.
HEITERSBERG LOOP
This loop heads out towards the more densely populated outskirts of Zurich. That doesn't mean that you'll be riding through the concrete jungle though: it is more like a journey along the fine line between the idyll (or stark contrast) of rural farmlands and the different shades of grey from shopping malls, high-rise apartment buildings and highways.
The first part leads through military training grounds (Waffenplatz Reppischtal) which are open to the general public on weekends. If you are planning to ride this route, please note that on weekdays the roads through the training grounds are closed.
This route was part of the 2022 Vertical Brevet.
ALBIS LOOP
Set between the busy hubs of Zurich and Zug, you’ll quickly forget where you are when riding this route. Enjoy the views of lake Zug, Rigi and Pilatus.
This route was part of the 2022 Vertical Brevet.
BALDEGGERSEE LOOP
The name of this route may be a bit deceptive - it is by no means a flat loop around a lake. It crosses the Lindenberg via Horben and dives down into the Seetal valley and loops around the Baldegger Lake on the adjacent hill. A landmark nearby is the legendary Beromünster Radio Tower - in use during the Second World War and later the Cold War as an information lifeline.
This route was part of the 2022 Vertical Brevet.
HALLWILERSEE LOOP
This loop crosses the Seetal and heads into the Wyna Valley, once well-known for the many small cigar manufacturers at the turn of the century until the Second World War. The region was even called "Stumpenland" (cigar country) back in the day.
After climbing the "Mur de Leutwil", you will be treated with excellent views of Lake Hallwil and pass through Dürrenäsch, which in the 1950ies used to host hundreds of homesick Swiss Expats on homeleave. The last remnant of this era is the "Auslandschweizer Haus" you'll ride past.
This route was part of the 2022 Vertical Brevet.
HEITERSBERG REVISITED
The Heitersberg revisited! Just before heading to grey suburbia and shopping malls, this route swings left through the sometimes forgotten old town of Spreitenbach where the road winds up this classic climb.
After some technical descending we head over the river Reuss and check out what’s in store on the other side of the valley. As a wonderful bonus, the route passes through the beautiful old town and cobbled streets of Bremgarten.
This route was part of the 150km Vertical Brevet Discovery Ride 2023.
HORBEN LOOP
Horben is not only a pensioner’s lunch destination, it is also a punchy climb that has featured in the Tour de Suisse. We won’t take the main pull up though but the road less traveled: first up to the chicken farm of Wiggwil (10 points to you if you can spot the turkey) and then the quiet switchbacks up to the top.
This route was part of the 150km Vertical Brevet Discovery Ride 2023.
NIESENBERG LOOP
A short and sweet loop but don’t be deceived: will you keep your spirits high when the road kicks up a last time from Höllstrasse (Hell-Street)?
This route was part of the 150km Vertical Brevet Discovery Ride 2023.
HERLISBERG LOOP
After crossing the Lindenberg and the Seetal valley, you’ll climb the lower slope of the Blosenberg, of course renowned for it’s radio tower, also known as the Landessender Beromünster. Upon approaching Muri, you’ll be in for a small surprise… but you can reward yourself with some tasty gelato: In Muri, just turn left when you see the big monastery, there’s locally crafted ice cream just opposite!
This loop was featured in the 200km Vertical Brevet Discovery Ride 2023.
RÜTIHOF LOOP
The Rütihof is not exactly around the corner - you’ve got to bag the Lindenberg and the little nasty kicker that is the Schürberg to get over until you’ve reached its foot and can see what it’s all about: a beautiful and quiet plateau with farms, stables and some small culinary getaways. Of course, on your way back it’s over the hills again: Wandfluh, Rügel and Lindenberg again! Yay!
This loop featured in the 200km Vertical Brevet Discovery Ride 2023.
ISLISBERG LOOP
Starting off with an easyish ride towards lake Zug, you’ll start climbing properly when the road kicks up towards Oberalbis. This is one of the hidden gems of the region! The sweeping descent is fast and basically leads you into the uphill at Aeugsterberg where you can catch a sweet view of the Säuliamt. After a very quiet valley road there’s only one climb left: Islisberg starts rather friendly but kicks up towards the top!
This loop was ridden as part of the 200km Vertical Brevet Discovery Ride 2023.
WANNENHOF LOOP
This loop takes you out to the Rütihof which offers an array of climbs of which you will tackle more than one. There are a few gravelly sections in this route - they are however all on flat sections and of the smooth/fine kind so no extra skill required.
Ridden in the Vertical Brevet 2023.
RÜSLER LOOP
Hovering over the Limmat and Reuss valleys, Rüsler is a quick getaway for city dwellers and suburbanites. Ride this loop early in the morning and you will be treated to nice views of the foggy banks along the rivers and lots of sky.
This loop was ridden as part of the Vertical Brevet 2023.
GUGGIBAD LOOP
No Brevet without the infamous double track! That may be the highlight of the loop (you can enjoy a Snickers bar at the top - there is a bench) but there are several things to look forward to: Chickens at Wiggwil, Lamas at Lieli, Ponies at Hämikon and Ostriches at Müswangen.
This loop was part of the Vertical Brevet 2023.
OBERALBIS LOOP
Ever heard of the Free Republic of Sihlbrugg? Well, look out for the sign and learn that Sihlbrugg is more than two roundabouts, a McDonalds and a few petrol stations. There are some truly magnificent and quiet roads and you’ll get to know them on this loop.
This was part of the Vertical Brevet 2023.
FRIEDLISBERG LOOP
This loop heads out towards the Mutschellen but goes beyond and circumnavigates both Heitersberg and Sänneberg. Which means that after a good portion of ups and downs you’ll tackle the Rüsler climb from the steep side. There’s a sweet descent but don’t be tricked into smooth sailing back to HQ: The relentless ups and downs continue through the second half of the loop. This is definitely a tough one!
This loop was ridden in the Brevet 2024.
HOMBERG LOOP
It’s a special loop of Lake Hallwil, one that includes some great views of the Swiss Midland Hills and the newly featured Homberg climb. On it’s steep gradients you might hear some echoes of cursing from the riders that have climbed it before… Watch out on the descent: it is mainly gravel so please take it easy. The way back to the roastery is mostly rolling and nothing too steep but as you know: it ain’t over ‘till it’s over!
Featured in the Brevet 2024
HARZERHOF LOOP
The loop that keeps on delivering. The climb out of Muri to the goat farm, the climb from Auw to the chickens of Wiggwil, the descent to the lamas in Lieli and who could forget THE infamous double track. But to make up for the hardship - the descents are particularly sweet and sweeping!
This was one of the loops of the Brevet 2024.
BAAREGG LOOP
Best of Säuliamt! No respite for the wild though, this is a rollercoaster of hills. Heading out towards Knonau and through Baaregg with the climb up to Ebertswil, you may be tricked into thinking this is it. But this is merely where the fun begins. After bagging Aeugst and Müliberg, there is still Islisberg to conquer. From there it’s all downhill and smiles back to HQ.
This loop featured in the Brevet 2024.
SCHÖNENBERG LOOP
We head out fairly tame, taking in the scenic old town of Bremgarten and farmland just beyond before the route really kicks just around the halfway point. From there it’s up to Bellikon - albeit the less steep option - and up to Heitersberg, which we descend. The road has seen its best days so beware of some potholes. There’s one more steep ramp to manage until you reach the top of the Schönenbergs until the course mellows out.
This loop was ridden as part of the 150km Discovery Ride in 2024.
MILCHMATTE LOOP
This is a rather straightforward loop onto and alongside the top of Lindenberg - one to enjoy the small roads and views. There are two sections of gravel to negotiate: one short one crossing Lindenberg and another one which is a climb up from Uezwil.
This loop was part of the 150km Discovery Ride in 2024.
GOOM LOOP
It’s not the doom loop, it’s the Goom Loop. With a chunk of climbing in the first half of the loop, double digit gradients are few and far between on this route. Highlights are always the feathered friends at Herferswil / Hof zur alten Henne and the pigmy sheep on the climb on the south side of the Goom Hill.
The loop was ridden in the 150km Discovery Ride in 2024.
IBENMOOS LOOP
This is one tough loop! It starts mellow with a 10km stretch of pan-flat road but kicks off with the climb up to Horben and then to Römerswil. On a hot day, make sure you fill your water bottles at the fountain on the town square by the church - there aren’t too many obvious and easy to spot fountains on this loop.
After a breezing downhill and the crossing of the valley, it’s up for a last time: Through the grapevines to Sulz and on to the top of the Lindenberg. All downhill, or is it? There’s a small kicker just before you enter Muri. But on a nice summer’s day, you can treat yourself to an ice cream at the Kloster Gelateria.
This loop was part of the 200km Discovery Ride in 2024.
TÄTSCHBÜEL LOOP
The topography of this loop actually looks a bit like a wood saw, it’s a constant up and down without much respite in between. A first highlight is another way up to Wannenhof followed by the classic detour up to Sood and then the Mur de Leutwil. You’ll need to tackle the crossing of the Lindenberg before it’s a sweet descent back to the roastery.
This loop was ridden as part of the 200km Discovery Ride in 2024.
GÖTSCHIHOF LOOP
Short and sweet and steep! Small and quiet roads through the more populated “am Albis” region. Discover the hidden (steep) road from Sihlbrugg up to the Oberalbis or the short bump past Götschihof. Of course Islisberg is a classic but no less of a challenge!
This loop was ridden as part of the 200km Discovery Ride in 2024.