Herzschlaufe Wil

This varied, two-day bike tour through a glorious hilly landscape sets off from the small city of Wil, with its picturesque timber-frame houses, little alleyways and arcades. Heading south, you will soon be immersed in nature and extensive woodland. Up gentle inclines all the way, the route leads through meadows and pastures, over hills and through little hamlets – ever deeper into the nature paradise of the “Tannzapfenland” (pine cone territory).

In the valley of the river Murg, after a lengthy initial descent, the imposing abbey complex at Fischingen takes you by surprise. Another incline takes you to the scenic hill range that leads towards Tössbergland. If visibility is good, you can see the Alpstein and parts of the Alps in the distance. There are two rapid descents back into the Töss valley, where the first leg ends in Rikon. Many people associate this village with the cookware manufacture Kuhn Rikon and the Tibet Institute, the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery outside of Asia.

Gyrenbad is one of the most beautiful and authentic country inns in Switzerland. After tackling another uphill stretch, it makes for a great place to stop for a bite to eat. This elevated historic spot is followed in quick succession by another – more specifically, the highest point of the Herzschlaufe route beneath the Schauenberg. From this point on, the tour winds its way down to the picturesque little town of Elgg. Now the hills become more level and the ascents briefer. In a wide arc towards the northeast and passing by numerous hamlets and villages, you will arrive back where you set off at Wil railway station.