My partner and I are delighted to be travelling to Switzerland for 2 weeks this July. We'll be meeting up with two others while we're there to undertake a 2-day cycle trip. Because we're happy to cycle in any region and because most websites we've read don't compare the different trails, we have not been able to narrow down our search at all. Would you be able to suggest a region, or, even better, a specific loop we could take?
Considerations:
1. We're open to any trail accessible by public transport. That said, we'll be coming from Stein am Rhein and heading to Zermatt afterwards, so ideally we would cycle somewhere that makes geographical sense with this itinerary.
2. We'll be renting bikes, and we're happy to do mountain or road biking.
3. We want to cycle for roughly ~2-4hrs each day—including time to stop for a beer and plenty of stops for photos and a rest.
4. We'll have suitcases, so ideally we would cycle a loop so that we stow this at the start/end point.
5. We want a trail with little-to-no traffic.
6. In terms of difficulty, we are seeking a moderate challenge. We are happy to take on a mountain pass provided the views are worth it, but we're not interested in a route that's too demanding or steep. To put this into perspective, we'd be interested in a route that's half as steep and demanding as the Klausen and Pragel passes, both of which I have done in the past.
7. The San Bernardino Pass and the Kunkelspass were two routes we considered. We couldn’t find a loop for the San Bernadino Pass, and it’s out of the way from both Stein am Rhein and Zermatt. As for the Kunkelspass, the route we found was only a one day loop.
8. We’d love a trail in the countryside, surrounded by echoing cowbells, traditional townships or taverns dotted along the way and classic Swiss scenery, be it the alps or rolling green hills.
9. Although we enjoy riding bikes, we're mostly looking forward to the scenery along the way.
10. We’re going to see the 'best' of Switzerland's scenery after the cycle trip, so we'd prefer to cycle somewhere off the beaten path.
11. With #10 in mind, I’m partial to Appenzell as I’ve heard this area has retained its traditional culture—and has plenty of cows. Rick Steve's book also recommends seeing this area.
I hope that’s enough information.