Goldküste–Limmat
Overview
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Distance 28 km
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Ascent 190 m
Intro
The River Limmat winds steadfastly westward, the monastery looks on unperturbed. The Aargau mega shopping mile is only touched at its perimeter. Always following the Limmat, you reach the spa town of Baden.
Detour / Closure
There are detours or closures along this route, for more information see https://schweizmobil.ch/en/cycling-in-switzerland/route-66/stage-2
Description
L’ange protecteur («guardian angel») by sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle has hung in the concourse at Zurich station since 1997 and is supposed to bring good luck to travellers – including those going by bike, of course. Before you set off, you might consider popping into the Swiss National Museum next door, the most-visited museum in the country. If you’re not interested in seeing any of the exhibitions, you can also simply take a look inside the spacious inner courtyard. It will be time well spent. From the main railway station, you head towards the Hardbrücke bridge, where the cycle path switches from busy roads to a quiet natural path along the shore of the Limmat. This is an even and easy-going stretch along the river, which you will more or less keep to until you reach your destination in Baden. In many ways, it’s the archetypal riverside bike tour.
Despite its name, Baden – which means «bathing» in German – doesn’t have a monopoly on the activity, as you can also enjoy it in the river pool on the island of Werdinsel. Just before Fahrweid, you come upon Fahr Convent, a Benedictine nunnery that has been twinned with Einsiedeln Abbey since its founding in around 1130.
Hot on its heels comes the ruined castle of Schönenwerd, an island fortress built in the 11th century in a strategic position for trade along the Limmat and the road to Baden.
The path crosses the river several times in Dietikon before winding its way through woodland until it emerges again in Neuenhof. At the Würenlos motorway service station, known locally as «Fressbalken», a recreational trail that crosses the valley passes alongside the motorway and through the industrial estate as far as Wettingen. On this route, you pass the Wettingen peninsula, which is home to the best-preserved Cistercian abbey in Switzerland, together with its abbey church and historical gardens. The premises are also used by the cantonal school.
From here, it’s just a short hop to the finish line for this stage, with Baden’s old town visible from far off. All you need do is cross the covered wooden bridge, and you’ll have arrived in the city. Baden’s history dates back to the first century CE, when the Romans made use of the hot thermal springs in what they called the Aquae Helveticae. The most mineral-rich thermal spring water in Switzerland bubbles up in Baden from 18 different sources. The city has thus long cultivated a tradition of rest and relaxation and also boasts a packed calendar of cultural events.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Zürich
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Baden
|
| Ascent |
190 m
|
| Descent |
220 m
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| Distance |
28 km
|
| Distance on tarred ways |
10 km
|
| Distance on natural surface |
18 km
|
| Multiday route |
2 days
|
| Physical requirements |
Easy
|
| Theme |
Along Water
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| More information | https://schweizmobil.ch/en/cycling-in-switzerland/... |
Quick Facts
Route number
