Cycling Tour Switzerland

Cycling Adventure in Switzerland – 7 Days, 365 km. 

4 Countries, 3 Lakes, 8 friends, 8 hire bikes, 7 Days, 365 km.
Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein, Germany.
Lake Constance (Bodensee) - Lake Zurich (Zürichsee)- Lake Walen (Walensee).

Wanting to encourage friends to join us to tour Switzerland by bike, we organised a group of 8 to meet in Konstanz, Germany on the southern shore of Lake Constance and booked a self-guided cycling tour. The aim was to cycle in 4 countries, along 3 lakes and at the end to remain as 8 friends. The outcome was 8 friends who had lot of laughs, good fun, good exercise, lots of food and wine and only a few arguments about the navigation process! Some of the group were regular cyclists, others were very casual cyclists. The tour was very achievable and well organised by RadWeg- Reisen GmbH, who provided sturdy bikes, good accommodation, luggage transfers and mapped rides.

All of us had travelled to different corners of Europe prior to meeting in Konstanz, and then again after this ride, we all continued with our own separate journeys.

Prior to meeting the group, we had visited the Czech Republic with some time in Plzen and Prague. We travelled by train to the small southern German town of Sonthofen where we spent several days with friends who took us for a memorable mountain bike ride in the Bavarian Alps. They kindly drove us to Meersburg, where we waved farewell to them from the ferry, as it took us across Lake Constance (Bodensee) to Konstanz. Here we were due to meet up with the other six West Australians to begin our Swiss cycle tour the following day.

From the ferry we found our way to the ABC Hotel where our tour bikes had been delivered and the rest of the group were in various stages of going for a test ride and familiarising themselves with European cycling. Needing to get our bearings, we had time to cycle around the German town of Konstanz and discover the border into the Swiss town of Kreuzlinger. Exploring the waterfront to see the fabulous Imperia Statue at the harbour entrance. It was good to be cycling again even though a bit of a nervous start into the European traffic (travelling on the opposite side of the road to what we are used to with brake levers on opposite sides) and to get a feel for these heavy steel bikes and make any needed adjustments. We had all been travelling for a number of weeks and there was a lot of storytelling to be done over our first dinner together at Holly’s on the Lower Lake waterfront. It was a pretty rowdy and joyous get together hearing everyone’s travelling tales.

Friends gathering for our Swiss Cycling Adventure. Choosing our mechanical friends for the next 7 days...

Many of us had previously visited Switzerland but this was going to be a journey into the Swiss countryside and to the smaller villages that was very different to the previous trips to the ski resorts or the main cities. A chance to really be part of the landscape to feel it and smell it, be immersed in the country and for the most part away from the tourist crowds.

Welcome to Switzerland – a very unique island country at the centre of Europe naturally fortified by high mountain ranges. A land of tradition and contradictions and unspoken rules with 4 languages, 26 cantons, breathtaking scenery of lakes, green valleys and soaring mountains. A country known for its neutrality, money and banking, cheese, chocolate, watches, skis, William Tell, Heidi, Helvetia, Cow Bells, Swiss Army Knives, velcroe, absinthe (the Green Fairy), LSD, Maggi stock cubes, cellophane, aluminium foil, electric toothbrushes and the toilet duck. With people power, high gun ownership, precision in everything and the origin of the IKRK (Internationales Komitee vom Roten Kreuz or the Red Cross). The confusing CH abbreviation for Swiss domains and car stickers = Confoederatio Helvetica (Latin). The constant smell of the cows in the fields, the sound of their bells tinkling as they quietly move over the mountain meadows and the unnerving sounds of gunshots at nearby shooting ranges. What’s not to love about this place?

Cycle Day 1: Konstanz to Schaffhausen 54 km. 464m
Ready and excited to head off into the unknown and start our Swiss cycling adventure. Leaving Konstanz we cycled the southern shore of the Lower Lake (Untersee) through villages of Gottlieben, Ermatingen, Berlingen, Steckborn, passing the UNESCO Site Island of Reichenau. Of course, we had to stop frequently to take in the lakeside views, have a coffee or to marvel at the neat lakeside gardens. Lots of laughing and chattering as we paired up in different riding combinations with different eyes taking in different things and wonderment being expressed in many forms.

Ready to Go Explore...

It's all hands on deck

Some of us took the optional detour to take in a good climb to see the Napoleon museum at Schloss Arenenberg, which was the main residence of Napoleon III. Situated high on a hill with a stunning view of the lower lake and colourful gardens.

Re-joining the group, we crossed over to the northern shore at Stein am Rhein at the end of the Lower Lake, where the Rhein River flows out of Lake Constance. The old part of the town is beautifully preserved from the Middle Ages with a wonderful Town Hall Square. This was a perfect stop for a walk and lunch. All of us wide eyed and marvelling at the obvious history and the beautiful architecture surrounding us. This strategically placed town has a history of fishing followed by fortification and control of the trading route.

Staying on the northern bank of the Rhein until we reached the Medieval town of Diessenhofen where we cross once again on an old enclosed wooden bridge that rattled and echoed with every movement. Some shaded, green forest cycling as we passed the German enclave of Busingen – a community totally surrounded by Swiss territory.

Our day ended in Shaffhausen, a medium sized Swiss town on the banks of the Rhein, with many laneways to wander through with beautifully preserved houses in the old part of town. One small square features a William Tell figure and column, representing the symbol of the free Swiss. With plenty of time to explore the town and a rewarding sunset walk up through the terraced vineyards to the Munot Fort perched high above the town. This 16th Century fort offered fabulous views of the town and the Rhein landscape. Our accommodation was well located in the old part of town and next to the church tower.

Cycle Day 2: Schaffhausen to Zurich 71 km. 785m.
In the morning we had time for another walk around the town and up to the Munot Fort. The morning market stalls were busy, and the markets always prove to be an interesting place to spend some time to discover the seasonal fruits and vegetables on offer, marvel at the range of cheeses and meats, as well as watch the locals going about their shopping.

Leaving town our cycle tour map instructed us to proceed to the Rheinfall which is stated as being the most powerful waterfall in Europe. (150m wide with 600,000 litres every second crashing over the 23m fall). Our tour included a boat trip on the river to the base of the falls and to the RheinFall Rock where we were dropped off to climb the ladder to the small viewing platform to look down onto the falls as they roared, crashed, swirled and sent spray over the entire area. Fortunately, the boat did return to retrieve us from this rock in the middle of the river and return us to shore and our bikes.

Nervously perched on the RheinFall rock feeling the volume of water tumbling.

After this thrilling excursion, we headed back towards Schaffhausen then crossed over the Flurlinger bridge to the left bank of the Rhein and followed the cycle route (Rhein Route #2) downstream to Eglisau.

Cycling beside this iconic wide, fast flowing river was just too tempting and some of us just had to have a quick swim. With trees shrouding the bike path and the banks of the river, we found a protected sand bank out of the main flow and jumped into the clear, crisp, cold and fast flowing Rhein River. Rather brisk but totally exhilarating and refreshing. The others had cycled further along and were busily catching fish by hand on the bank of the river when we caught up to them. We were totally refreshed and cool while they were feeling rather warm from the cycling.

A quick swim in the Rhein was oh so cold.

We left the Rhein at Glattfelden where we discovered the intriguing "Zeit" Wooden Sculpture by Stephan Schmidlin. Standing tall in the riverside business complex, this piece of art, carved from sequoia, shows a small child imprisoned by the legs of six large adults. Every adult figure is busy - so has no time for the child. Telephoning, muscle training or newspaper reading.

From here we followed the Glatt Valley through farmlands with crops, grazing cattle, and the stray red poppies peeking through on the roadsides. A scarecrow every so often, some scattered vineyards and a patchwork of crops with varying shades of green draping down the steep slopes. Villages with white painted houses with colourful window shutters – many sporting the vibrant red of the Swiss flag. Tiled rooves with timber eaves and gables and decorated with brightly coloured flower boxes.

As we approached Zurich we cycled past the Zurich Airport then circled west through some farming lands before descending down into Zurich City. We had a few navigational issues as we headed into Zurich missing a turn after the airport. I’m sure we must have done a circle somewhere, as there was one road that certainly looked familiar and I’m sure we cycled it twice.

This resulted in a few extra kilometres and put us into the peak hour afternoon traffic. We approached the city centre via a busy down hill road, with tram lines to cross and multiple bike lanes that were in the middle of the road, with local cyclists zooming around us. A bit daunting but it was the case of Greg saying “come on follow me” and away we all went bouncing over the tram tracks, dodging traffic, avoiding the faster local cyclists and not really knowing where we were going. We knew we had to get down into the City Centre, where we could then find our directions to our hotel.

Once at the Central Railway Station on the bank of the Limmat River, we regrouped, caught our breath, got our bearings again, only to discover our hotel was up a rather steep hill on the other side of the River. With weary legs, we decided to walk our bikes up to the hotel, avoiding the busy “rush hour” traffic on the hill, but having to negotiate busy pavements instead. By now we were all rather frazzled, tired and hungry (some were just plain hangry!) so it was with great relief we found our hotel, parked the bikes, freshened up in body and mind, and headed out to a rather good Italian Restaurant within close proximity to the hotel. Corinne (of Italian heritage) took great delight in being able to communicate with the Italian waiter (“Minu”), who then proceeded to give us his full attention and tend to all our needs. Smiles were quickly back on our faces and bodies were re-fuelled and re-energised. Sleep was easy that night, sinking into the soft bed with fluffy continental pillows and snug under the down quilt.

Cycle Day 3: Zurich to Lachen 44 km. 355m
Some of us rose early to be able to explore the old city of Zurich on foot. As is so often the case if you get up early and walk a city, it is really peaceful and quiet and definitely the best time to see it. The city glistened in the early morning sunshine with the Limmat River opening out into Zurichsee (Lake) with snow-capped mountains forming a stunning backdrop. The three old town churches dominate the city skyline. The Grossmunster (Cathedral) with its twin towers, on the opposite side of the river the Fraumunster (Church of our Lady) with prominent green steeple and stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall, and the church of St Peter. Lindenhof hill (the historic city centre) with shaded gardens, roses and providing views of the river and the lake beyond was a reprieve from the up market shopping opportunities. We wandered many interesting alley ways with enticing shop windows, marvelled at the architecture of the Guild houses and the Old Town.

A rather unusual place to visit was the Regional City Headquarters of the Zurich Police Force, where upon showing our passports, we were given access to the entrance hall. Once a gloomy basement of a former orphanage, it was transformed into a bright entrance hall. Now known as “Blüemlihalle” (hall of little flowers), its walls and vaulted ceilings are adorned with frescoes by Augusto Giocometti (created between 1922 and 1926). Such a light filled space bursting with warm red and ochre colours was a surprise to us all, as the workings of the city Police Department casually continued around us. The vaulted ceiling frescoes are a mass of bold ornamental floral designs and geometric patterns. The walls depict the people - stone carvers, carpenters, astronomers and magicians.

It was time to regroup, check out and cycle out of Zurich with it’s city bustle and ever present trams. Our route was to take us along the length of Zürichsee (Lake Zurich) referred to as the Swiss “Gold Coast”, to the town of Lachen. This northern shore of the lake is most sought after due to its geographical position being bathed in evening sunshine as opposed to the cool ‘steel coast’ of the southern shore in the shadow of the mountains for much of the day. The lake is about 42km long and broadest at about 4km wide.

Leaving Zurich we passed through many lakeside parks, with tree lined promenades, interesting sculptures, jetties with swimming areas, and shady places to sit back and take in the view of the lake with the Swiss Alps constantly in the background. Yachts and motorboats gathered together in many marinas and around jetties along the shore while the ZSG ferries provide a range of lake transport options between Zurich and Rapperswil. Leaving the city and taking the ‘higher’ road to avoid the lakeside residential sprawl we found we were once again cycling through the green hillside slopes of terraced vineyards, fruit trees and pastures. The agriculturally minded amongst us were tempted to inspect the grape vines and comment on the quality of the pastures.

Reaching the town of Rapperswil-Jona it was a good time for another walk to explore this pretty lakeside town and enjoy a lakeside lunch. Known as the town of roses it is a very compact city with cobbled alleys and small squares in the medieval old part of town. Roses adorn the harbour area and many streets and squares. The Rapperswil Castle with its pentagonal clock tower and the Church of St Johann tower over the Old Town.

Rapperswil-Jona - time to cross to the south side of Lake Zurich

 Here we crossed the lake on the artificial causeway to the Hurden Peninsula which separates the Upper Lake from the main part of Lake Zurich to the south side of the lake. This crossing point dates back to a wooden bridge built in the 14th century.

Cycling a bit further brought us to our lakeside destination for the day Lachan, which was bathed in afternoon and evening sunshine. Known for its dominant twin ‘onion domed’ church, Lachan proved another delightful place to promenade on the lakeside and soak up some sunshine. Lakeside, we loved their giant red ‘pot plants’, a walk-through water fountain park and some more lakeside sculptures along with the inquisitive white swans gliding smoothly along the lake edge. The sun appears to gently slide into the waters of the lake as it sets.

We found a corner restaurant for our evening meal where we could relax and enjoy the balmy evening at an outdoor table. A couple of West Australian wines on the menu but we opted to try the local Müller-Thurgau. An ice-cream shop opposite and a nightcap at a street side bar completed the day for us all.

Cycle Day 4: Lachen to Wessen, ferry to Walenstadt. Cycle 25km.
Our cycle today was only 25km to take us east to the next lake the Walensee. Today we experienced the Foehn (föhn) wind as we cycled through the farmlands in the valley floor of the Linth Plain which connects Zurichsee to Walensee. It was more like being in a wind tunnel and made the relatively short cycle today seem an awful lot longer.

Experiencing the Foehn (föhn) wind - made it hard work

This warm and dry, gusty wind descends the leeward slopes of mountain ranges and creates a warmer climate in Switzerland as a result but is not at all helpful to cyclists when heading into it.

The valley becomes quite narrow with high peaks rising on both sides of the valley. Cows tinkling their bells, hay being cut, totally flat valley floor, old timber shingled farm buildings, strange cloud formations. The wind was really quite a battle and had got inside our heads so we were thankful of a coffee stop out of the wind at Niederurnen, to revive ourselves before our final 5km cycle to our scheduled ferry transfer at Weesen.

We had some time to explore the small lakeside village of Weesen at the foot of the Speer Mountain, before boarding the ferry with our bikes. Now it was time to sit back on the open deck as we cruised up Lake Walen (Walensee) which is sandwiched between mountains rising steeply from both the northern (Churfirsten) and southern shores (Mürtschenstock & Flumserberg), making Walensee the deepest and coldest lake in Switzerland.

Walensee from Weesen to Walenstadt

The ferry stopped at several small places on either side of the lake, some only accessible by boat or by walking (Quinten on the northern side). Groups of excitable children boarded the boat to cross the lake, we assumed for a school outing or perhaps they lived on one side and attended school on the other side of the lake. Some of our group managed a quiet snooze as we travelled the length of this lake, lulled by the gentle movement of the boat and the warmth of the sun on their backs. They weren’t allowed to miss too much as others soon prodded them awake again.

Disembarking at Walenstadt, at the eastern end of the Walensee, we were amused to see a swan was raising her cygnets in a nest created on the pier around which we had to manoeuvre the bikes. Our hotel was only 100metres away overlooking the lake.

Look closely for the swan and her cygnets behind the ramp.

Still with plenty of daylight we cycled around the town, discovering eating and drinking options for the evening, and even a bike shop. We explored a little along the lake edge and to the river inlet to the lake where some flat stone skimming was carried out with much youthful delight. Steep terraced vineyards clung to the hillsides and once again received a rigorous inspection from our touring viticulturalist.

As the sun set on the lake we found ourselves settling into another session of food and drinks at our hotel. We were able to watch the passing parade of uniformed army personnel walking with their eskies for their evening lakeside barbecue and drinks. We found an “Aussie” bar in town to indulge in a night cap as the daylight finally faded.

Cycle Day 5: Walenstadt – Vaduz - Feldkirch 58 km. 379m
Today was a day of crossing borders and being in 3 countries in one day. We cycled from Switzerland into Liechtenstein and then into Austria. We delayed our departure until 9am due to unwelcome rain. Rain jackets were donned as we headed off, fortunately it cleared up quite quickly.

Leaving the lake at Walenstadt we cycled along the Seez Valley to Sargans. The town built around it’s prominent 13th century castle, at the foot of the Gonzen Mountain, and is located at the intersection of the Rhine and Seez valleys. Historically important strategically and commercially because of this location, it is now also at the junction of main railways and motorways. Iron ore was mined from the Gonzen mountain for 2000 years until 1966.

From Sargans, we soon reach the Rhine River and crossing to the right bank we find ourselves in Liechtenstein. Just a sign in the middle of the bridge indicating this border crossing.

The highly fertile farmlands, with many cattle and lush pastures, and the mountain backdrop, once again fits the ‘picture perfect’ image of this tiny principality of Liechtenstein (all of 160km2) which is squeezed in between Switzerland and Austria.

Liechtenstein lush pastures and castles

We cycle through Balzers and make the walk up to the 13th century Castle Gutenberg with its 70m rock face looming high on the hill overlooking of the town. Dominating the entrance to the castle is a rather stunning ‘Trojan Horse’ sculpture with a golden face and small golden wings standing on exaggerated long legs and commanding the view from the hill over the town and into the valley.

Continuing on through this lush green Rhine valley with the Alps as a backdrop we cycle into the capital of Liechtenstein – the city of Vaduz which is dominated by the Vaduz Castle once again perched on a commanding high spot on a steep hill in the middle of the city. The home of the reigning Prince and the Royal family. The centre of the town is pedestrian only with many interesting, some confronting, modern sculptures. It was here, when we parked our bikes, I thought I’d lost my koala bear who had been riding with me throughout the trip. There were groups of excited school children visiting the city and I thought one of them must have taken a fancy to my koala. Not to be, it was just the jokers we were riding with testing out to see if I missed it from my bike. One koala bear safely reinstated onto my handlebars.

Leaving Vaduz we continued in a northerly direction along the Rhine valley, crossing the border into Austria and arriving in the medieval Austrian town of Feldkirch on the Ill River. Our accommodation was 2.5km out of the old town, which was a pleasant cycle along the river, but meant cycling back to explore the old town and find a place to dine in the evening. Entering through the Chur Gate and finding a safe park for our bikes, we then had a good walk to explore the narrow, cobbled streets, arcades and beautiful facades, along with some remnant city walls and guard towers, including the 8-storey Cats Tower (Katzenturm). Looking for a relaxing spot to enjoy an evening drink and meal, we found a large table at a restaurant in the corner of the cobbled town square. Here we could watch the evening activities and enjoy a good meal. Many people were just strolling through the square, a group of musicians including a piano organ player were entertaining at the next-door bar, also providing entertainment for us with their boisterous and catchy tunes. As darkness fell it was time to return to our hotel which proved an interesting ride in the dark trying to find our way. Fortunately, some were wearing light clothing, so they became our beacons to follow.

Cycle Day 6: Feldkirch to St Gallan 43km.
Leaving Feldkirch, our route was along the Ill River to the Rhine and back into Switzerland to the town of Altstätten at the foot of the hills of the Appenzellerland. A market town with a delightful town centre. A bit of a climb up into this town, but it was here we were catching the cogwheel train to Gais.

We loaded our bikes into the open carriage and took our seats to take in the scenery as we were transported up a steep gradient - up by 500vm and along 7.4km. From Gais, we now spend the day cycling in the hilly meadows with some hills to conquer and some rewarding downhills. Quintessential Swiss countryside.

Once up in the hills we couldn’t help but occasionally burst into song as we cycled through this glorious Swiss countryside. The songs which came to mind were always those from The Sound of Music with bursts of “the hills are alive with the sound of Music….”.

Appenzell was worth the walk

The town of Appenzell was a great stopping point as we explored the quaint and colourful centre comprising timber houses brightly painted, with decorative gables and flowers adorning windowsills.

We had quite a hill to climb out of Appenzell but our next treat was a visit to the Appenzeller cheese dairy. With tours and tastings of this traditional cheese renowned for its unique flavours from this region created by the special mix of herbs and flowers in the mountain meadows.

Throughout these Swiss farmlands was the constant smell of liquid cow manure which was being spread on the pastures. In one place we had to time our passing along the road to avoid the tractor and spreader as it went up and down the hillside next to the road we were cycling on. To this day when I smell cow poo it reminds me of the Swiss meadows.

We also learnt that the Swiss have a unique gun culture with a very high gun ownership rate (but low gun related crime) as a result of their mandatory military service for men, who can then buy and keep their issued service weapons. Target shooting is a very popular national sport with many shooting ranges and apparently many in the hills. We had seen targets in the distance in many areas but now there was a set of targets much closer to the road on the hill on our right. We had cycled past a sign we didn’t understand (but in hindsight realised it was a warning sign), we were soon ‘under fire’ as we were cycling under the firing path from a shooting range (which we hadn’t seen on the left), across our road to the targets on the right. With varied levels of screams and crouched cycling positions, we all increased our pedalling to get past this, around the corner and there we could see their shooting house where they were firing from. They must have enjoyed a laugh on us as they watched our reaction when we heard the shots being fired. Maybe they couldn’t see us as I believe they shoot from a concrete bunker, which blocks their vision of the road that is lower than their targets on the opposite hill. Another bit of Switzerland we will all never forget.

Look closely ... the row of targets on the hillside behind the clubhouse.

St Gallen was the largest city we had encountered since leaving Zurich. Our hotel Metropol was opposite the Bahnhof making it a great central position for us to walk this city centre after our day of cycling.

We discovered the very innovative art installation – the City Lounge Red Square, which is in the open public spaces and streets between buildings creating a red oasis filled with sofas, chairs, tables, and even a parked Porsche all covered in a bright red rubber granulate. Overhead are huge pearl like suspended lights and lovely ginkgo trees. Pipilotti Rist & Carlos Martinez created an outdoor urban living room in the middle of the city. Quite delightful and absurd at the same time to see office workers gathering in this bright red zone, a group of men quietly playing chess at one set of chairs, mums and bubs gathering under the ginkgo trees. We couldn’t help but pause, admire and try out the red seats.

Our street wanderings showed us the apparent historic wealth of this city, due to its fine textile & embroidery industries, with many houses showing off their quite spectacular oriel windows – decorative upper storey bay windows, a typical status symbol. With much of the older part of the city a pedestrian zone, St Gallan was quite a delight to walk and explore. With the need for food and drinks, the next morning was set aside for more exploring of St Gallan.

Cycle Day 7: St Gallan to Konstanz 48 km. 323m
First up we needed to visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Abbey complex including St Gallan Monastery, Cathedral and Library. The Library houses an exquisite collection and is the oldest library in Switzerland and the largest monastic library in the world. With manuscripts and books from a period of over 1000 years. The library also houses the Schepenese Mummy reportedly from 610BC. All quite jaw dropping to see this collection of ancient writings all housed in a magnificent Baroque room.

Dragging everyone away from the beauty of St Gallan it was time to get on our bikes again for our final day of riding. Today, heading from the highlands along quiet country roads back down to Lake Constance, gave us a beautiful downhill ride to the lakeside town of Arbon. With an expansive shady lakeside promenade it was time for a parkland lunch stop watching the swans and all the lakeside activities.

Following lakeside to Romanshorn we found ourselves in the middle of a Fire Brigade Festival parading through the town with all kinds of old and new fire fighting vehicles and crowds lining all the streets as marching bands filled the town with their music.

At this point Greg and I decided to take the high road and stay above the Lake until we dropped back down into Konstanz, while the rest of the group continued along the lake. We had a delightful ride on back roads through fields, orchards and forests all with views down to the Lake. Having purchased a small bottle of Appenzeller in St Gallan it seemed appropriate to stop several times for a quick swig of this fire liquid to help us on our way.

Arriving back in Konstanz at the harbour we discovered the annual 4-day Yacht Regatta & Expo in full swing along the foreshore, creating a hive of activity. We inspected the 1993 controversial satirical rotating Imperia Statue at the harbour entrance, which has now become a city landmark. Quite a story and a lot of detail. Also referred to as “The Prostitute and The Pope”. Across the Lake “The Magic Pillar” statue on the dock at Meersburg is another satirical collection of personalities by the same artist. We certainly saw some amazing sculptures on our cycle tour of Switzerland.

A brief stop for a beer on the waterfront to take in all this activity before finding our ABC Hotel and the rest of the team. Our final evening together, we walked the evening promenade with everyone else. The mobile Piano Man was entertaining the crowds on the walk bridge on our way to our waterfront restaurant. Many memories reminisced over food and wine. Just to remind us how the weather can change quickly, the skies opened, and a violent thunderstorm and heavy rain made our return walk full of laughing, squealing, and shrieking Aussies as we dashed and ducked our way back to our hotel. Great end to a great ride.

Our Swiss adventure over, the next morning we all said our farewells and headed off for our own continued adventures. For the 2 of us it was a continuation of our Swiss travels, going by train to Zermatt followed by the most amazing train journeys – first Zermatt to Chur on the Glacier Express then from Chur to Tirano and Lugano on the Bernina Express (train and bus). Then it was some time in Italy before heading back to France where we had another cycling adventure in Brittany. 

Reference List:
Tour completed 19^th May 2014 to 25^th May 2014. 
Cycle Tour Company:
Radweg-Reisen GmbH Konstanz Radweg-Reisen.com
Hotels:
Konstanz: ABC Hotel, Steinstrasse 19 – large rooms and a good breakfast.
Schaffhausen: Hotel Kronenhof, Kirchhofplatz 7
Zurich: Sorell Hotel Rex, Weinbergstrasse 92
Lachen: Hotel Baren, Markstrasse 9
Walenstadt: Hotel-Restaurant Seehof, Seestrasse 104
Feldkirch: Hotel Gasthof Lowen, Kohlgasse 1
St Gallan: Hotel Metropol, Bahnhofplatz 3 

Recommended reading if you are travelling or have travelled to Switzerland:
“Swiss Watching – Inside the Land of Milk & Money” by Diccon Bewes. A fascinating book full of anecdotes, facts and figures about this landlocked island of a country.

...Jen & Greg
August 2022 ... finally posted this story of a wonderful adventure in Switzerland with some great friends - still strong in our memories.