slowUp Switzerland: The Car-Free Cycling Day Every Family Should Do
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
Every year, across 19 regions in Switzerland, something unusual happens on certain Sundays. The roads go quiet. Cars disappear. And in their place — families on bikes, kids on scooters, seniors on inline skates, and groups of friends on foot — all sharing the same open roads with no traffic in sight.
This is slowUp Switzerland. And if you have never heard of it, or have always meant to try it, this guide covers everything you need to know — what to bring, how to join, and why the Werdenberg-Liechtenstein edition near St. Gallen is one of the most special free outdoor events Switzerland offers every year.
What Is slowUp Switzerland?
slowUp is a series of car-free experience days that take place across Switzerland every spring and summer. Roads are closed to motor traffic for one full day, and the route is handed over entirely to cyclists, walkers, scooter riders, inline skaters, wheelchair users, and pushchair parents.
The tradition began in 2000 at Lake Murten, with a single car-free Sunday that proved so popular it gradually spread to regions all across the country. Today, the slowUp season covers 700 car-free kilometres and draws more than half a million participants every year.
And it is completely free to participate. No registration. No entrance fee. No timing chip. You simply show up, get on your bike, and go.
Along every route you will find food stands, local vendors, sponsor activities, rest zones, and games for children. It is not a race — it is a moving street festival. That is what makes it one of the best free family activities in Switzerland, and the kind of day that sticks in a child's memory long after it is over.
The slowUp Werdenberg-Liechtenstein Route
The Werdenberg-Liechtenstein slowUp is one of the most unique in the country for one very specific reason: it crosses an international border. This is the only Swiss slowUp that takes riders from Switzerland into Liechtenstein — one of the smallest countries in the world — and back again, entirely by bike.
The 44-kilometre circular route passes through Sennwald, Gams, Grabs, Buchs, Sevelen, Plattis (Wartau), Vaduz, Schaan, Eschen, Gamprin, and Ruggell. The route is open from 10:00 to 17:00, and the terrain is largely flat, making it accessible for families with young children.
There is no fixed start or finish point. You can join the route anywhere and cycle in either direction. The route is clearly signposted throughout, with marshals at key junctions. If you are cycling with smaller children or simply want a shorter version of the day, there are cut-across points on the map — worth downloading in advance from the official slowUp website
Quick Facts — slowUp Werdenberg-Liechtenstein When: Annually in early May — check slowup.ch each year for the confirmed date Route: 44 km circular Open: 10:00 – 17:00 Cost: Free — no registration required Countries covered: Switzerland + Liechtenstein Terrain: Largely flat, family-friendly Website: slowup.ch |
What to Bring on the Day
Getting the packing right makes a real difference, especially if you are cycling with children. Here is what is worth having:
Essentials
• Your bike, e-bike, scooter, inline skates, or walking shoes — all welcome
• Helmets. You can rent them on-site for CHF 5, but bringing your own is easier
• Water bottles — refill stations are available but bring at least one per person
• Sunscreen and a light waterproof layer — Swiss spring weather can change quickly
• Snacks, especially for younger children between food stands
• A downloaded or printed route map, particularly if you plan to use cut-across points
Recommended Gear
• Handlebar bag or pannier — useful for snacks, a light layer, and the sponsor freebies you will collect along the route
• Basic bike repair kit — a mini pump and puncture patches take up no space and save the day if needed
• Kids' bike trailer or cargo e-bike — ideal for toddlers, both available to rent at the start point
You can find well-rated family cycling gear — panniers, helmets, portable water bottles, and repair kits — on Amazon.de.
Renting a Bike at slowUp
If you do not own bikes, or are visiting the region without yours, Rent a Bike operates a stand directly at the Festplatz Buchs. Available to hire:
• City bikes and e-bikes
• Children's bikes
• Bike trailers and Family Cargo e-bikes
• Helmets available on-site for CHF 5
Bikes can be reserved in advance at rentabike.ch. Reserved bikes must be collected by 11:00 on the day. Cancellations are free before 17:00 on the Friday prior to the event.
For participants with disabilities, adapted bike options are available — call Rent a Bike in advance on 041 921 05 75.
Tips for Families With Children
A few things that make the day smoother when cycling with kids:
1. Arrive early. Getting there close to 10:00 means quieter roads and a more relaxed atmosphere. By midday the route fills up considerably.
2. Do not commit to the full route upfront. Tell younger children you will see how they feel and use a cut-across point if needed. Often they surprise you.
3. Pack more snacks than you think you need. Every time. Without exception.
4. Let the children lead on quieter stretches. It makes the whole day feel like their adventure, not yours.
5. Plan a longer rest stop in Vaduz. This is roughly the halfway point and the most energetic section of the route — a good moment to eat, play at the sponsor activity stations, and reset before the return leg.
6. Make note of the pedestrian and cycle bridge between Buchs and Schaan — this is where the two loops of the route cross, so be aware of oncoming riders at this point.
slowUp Across Switzerland — Event Guide
One of the best things about slowUp is that it does not stop at Werdenberg-Liechtenstein. The season runs 19 events across Switzerland, covering regions from Ticino in the south to Lake Zurich in the north, from the Jura in the west to Lake Constance in the east.
If you miss one event, there is usually another within a few weeks. For families planning a trip to a different part of Switzerland, this calendar also makes it easy to time a visit around a local slowUp — a free family cycling day in any region.
The table below shows the typical order of events across the season. Exact dates shift slightly each year — always check slowup.ch for the confirmed schedule before you plan your trip.
Date | Region / City |
Early April | Ticino |
Late April | Lake Murten |
Early May | Werdenberg-Liechtenstein (Buchs / St. Gallen) |
Mid May | Schaffhausen-Hegau |
Mid May | Solothurn-Buechibärg |
Late May | Schwyz |
Early June | Valais |
Early June | Alsace (France) |
Mid June | Jura |
Late June | High Rhine |
Early July | Vallée de Joux |
Late July | La Broye |
Early August | Brugg Regio |
Mid August | Seetal |
Late August | Lake Constance Switzerland |
Late August | Sundgau (France) |
Early September | Mountain Albula |
Mid September | Emmental-Oberaargau |
Late September | Basel-Dreiland |
Late September | Lake Zurich |
Note: Exact dates shift slightly each year. Always confirm at slowup.ch before planning your trip.
Each event has its own character. Basel-Dreiland is the longest, crossing three countries with six Rhine crossings. Mountain Albula takes you through dramatic Alpine scenery. Lake Zurich closes the season on one of the country's most beloved routes. And for families already in the Rheintal or visiting eastern Switzerland, Werdenberg-Liechtenstein is the natural home edition — with the bonus of crossing into Liechtenstein.
Planning to explore a different slowUp region? GetYourGuide has day trips and activities across Switzerland — a great way to add something extra to your car-free Sunday. Browse Switzerland experiences on GetYourGuide → |
Why the Werdenberg-Liechtenstein Edition Stands Out
There are 19 slowUp events in the Swiss calendar. What makes Werdenberg-Liechtenstein worth singling out?
It crosses an international border. The bridge between Buchs and Schaan takes you from the Canton of St. Gallen into Liechtenstein and back again — entirely by bike. For expat families especially, this never gets old.
The Rheintal landscape is genuinely beautiful. The Rhine floodplain, the Alpstein massif to the south, rolling farmland and vineyard slopes — the scenery along this route is some of the most varied in the Swiss slowUp calendar.
It is largely undiscovered in English. Most coverage of this event exists in German. For expat families in the region and for international visitors to eastern Switzerland, this guide fills a real gap — and is exactly why this corner of Switzerland deserves more attention.
The community atmosphere is unlike most Swiss events. Up to 30,000 people participate each year. Cycling the same roads you would normally drive in a car — with thousands of other families doing the same thing — is one of those quietly memorable Swiss experiences.
✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
Completely free — no registration needed | 44 km can be long for very young children |
Flat, accessible terrain for all ages | Route gets crowded by midday on sunny days |
Unique cross-border route (CH + LI) | Parking near the route fills up fast |
Food and activities along the full route | Bike rental must be reserved in advance |
Open to bikes, scooters, skates, walkers | No fixed toilets along every stretch |
Perfect annual family tradition | Runs once a year — easy to miss if you forget |
Runs rain or shine |
|
Want to rent a bike for the day? Book your bike in advance at rentabike.ch — reserved bikes must be collected by 11:00 on the day. Helmets available on-site for CHF 5. |
FAQ
Is slowUp Switzerland free to participate?
Yes, completely. There is no entrance fee, no registration cost, and no ticket required. Some optional extras — such as renting a bike or helmet on-site — carry a small cost, but joining the route itself is free for everyone.
Do I need to register for slowUp?
No. There is no registration process for participants. You simply arrive, join the route at any point, and cycle in either direction. If you plan to rent a bike from Rent a Bike, that does need to be booked online in advance at rentabike.ch.
Can I join without a bike?
Absolutely. slowUp is designed to be inclusive. Inline skaters, scooter riders, walkers, joggers, and wheelchair users all participate alongside cyclists. It is open to anyone who moves under their own power.
How long does it take to complete the full Werdenberg-Liechtenstein route?
Most families complete the 44 km loop in 3.5 to 5 hours at a comfortable pace, including food stops and activity breaks. The route is open from 10:00 to 17:00 — starting around 10:00 to 10:30 gives you the most comfortable time window to finish.
Is the route suitable for toddlers and very young children?
Yes, with the right setup. Younger children can ride in a bike trailer or cargo e-bike, both of which are available to rent at the Festplatz Buchs. The terrain is flat and relaxed. Plan your distance based on your children's age, use cut-across points if needed, and bring plenty of snacks.
What if it rains?
slowUp takes place in all weather and is not cancelled for rain. Bring a lightweight waterproof layer just in case. In general, the Rheintal in early May tends to offer good cycling weather — but it is always worth being prepared.
Where can I find the official slowUp Switzerland schedule?
The complete schedule, route maps, and confirmed dates for all events are updated every year at slowup.ch. Dates are usually announced early in the year.
More Guides for Families and Expats in Switzerland
If you found this useful, here are a few more guides to help you get the most out of Swiss family life:
About the Author
Top Stuff Review is a Swiss family lifestyle and smart living blog covering expat life, finance, travel, and local experiences across Switzerland. Written for families and expats navigating Swiss life — with honest recommendations and local insight you can actually use.
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