2019
The Alpine Rhine Cycle Tour
From Grisons through Appenzell to Lake Constance
- Radweg-Reisen Tour
- Chur – Constance
- Daily routes ●●○○○
- Altitude profile ●●●○○
The Swiss Alpine Rhine connects the mountains of Grisons with Lake Constance. From Chur you will have the opportunity to discover the 400 m deep Ruinaulta Ravine, which is an impressive landscape formed by the Anterior Rhine. The beautifully situated Swiss wine-growing villages in this region line the route towards the principality of Liechtenstein, where visitors will experience the sharp contrast between modernity and tradition. On the second half of this diverse cycle tour you experience the traditional Swiss Appenzell region and finally cycle towards Constance where the Rhine leaves Lake Constance.
Itinerary
Brief Information
- Booking code
CH-CK5 - Start / Destination
Chur / Constance - Duration
6 days, 5 nights - Length
approx. 220 km
Daily routes ●●○○○
between 45 and 65 km, Ø 55 km
Altitude profile ●●●○○ - Route condition
Mainly along asphalted cycle paths or quiet back roads. In towns and villages the route may run along main roads. The stage along the Anterior Rhine is partly on gravel tracks and has some minor hilly sections. In the area near the Ruinaulta there is a major ascent which is long (approx. 9 km) but not too steep. At narrow sections of the Rhine there are also some hills. - Parking information
Parking Tivoli, opening hours: 24 / 7, cost: approx. 18 CHF / day.
Parking Arcas, opening hours: 24 / 7, cost: approx. 18 CHF / day.
SBB Park & Ride, opening hours: 24 / 7, cost: approx. 10 CHF / day. - Returning to Chur
Travel by train (on your own initiative), hourly connections, duration approx. 3 hours, 2 – 3 train changes. - Tour operated by
Radweg-Reisen
Day 1: Individual arrival in Chur
The history of Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland, dates back over 11,000 years. Stroll through the winding laneways and the Bärenloch in the Old Town. The complex network of courtyards in the town gives visitors an insight into Medieval life. Enjoy your evening in one of the many Beizen (Swiss German for pub). Chur is well-known for its lively cultural scene.
Day 2: Excursion to Disentis, approx. 65 km + train ride
First you will take to train to Disentis. From there you will follow the Anterior Rhine through the Surselva Valley. The official language in this region is Swiss Rhaeto-Romance. The impressive landscape of the Ruinaulta was formed by a large landslide thousands of years ago. The Rhine had to find a new route through the rubble and fallen rock – the result of which is the Rhine canyon with white steep walls and peaceful lakes along the swirling waters of the river.
Day 3: Chur – Feldkirch, approx. 65 km
Today you will cycle along the Rhine through the Bündner Herrschaft, one of the most famous wine producing areas in Switzerland – the Completer wine is aged for five years in larch barrels and an absolute rarity. You will then continue on cycling through the homeland of the heroin of children's books, Heidi, and on towards Feldkirch. The Schattenburg Castle, one of the best preserved castles in Central Europe, towers above the town at the end of the Ill Valley.
Day 4: Feldkirch – St. Gallen, approx. 45 km + train ride
Today on your Alpine Rhine cycle tour you cross the Rhine and then go by train from Altstätten up to Appenzellerland. Alpine pasture and cows are your constant companions on the hilly route to St. Gallen, the town known for its linen and embroidery. Particularly worthy of a visit is the baroque collegiate church from the 18th century and its library. The entire St. Gallen collegiate complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Day 5: St. Gallen – Constance, approx. 45 km
Enjoy the downhill stretch to Lake Constance and your arrival near Arbon. Next, cycle along the lake through cultivated little Swiss villages and orchards, back to Constance. Take a break wherever you want in any of the many cafes along the lakeside, or jump into the water to be refreshed! Finally, there should still be time for a visit to Rosgartenmuseum or a relaxed wander through the old quarter of Constance.
Day 6: Individual departure or extension of stay
After breakfast your Alpine Rhine cycle tour comes to an end. If you would like to stay a little longer in the Lake Constance region, we would be more than happy to extend your stay in Constance.