Dreiland-Radweg
Overview
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Distance 54 km
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Ascent 720 m
Intro
From Lörrach through the Wiesen valley to the Dinkelberg with its mysterious karst caves and wide views down to the Rhine. Up to the Table Jura with its cherry trees and through the busy Ergolz valley to Liestal.
Description
Lörrach’s famous landmark – Rötteln Castle with its two fortified towers – sits proudly on a hill. The first documented mention of the castle was in 1259, when it was one of the mightiest fortresses in southwestern Germany. Travelling from sun-kissed Markgräflerland over the wooded Dinkelberg and crossing the Rhine from the German town of Rheinfelden, you will reach its Swiss counterpart. Rheinfelden is one of Switzerland’s oldest Zähringer towns; its medieval townscape certainly makes an impression. Your journey through the old town will end at the eastern fortified tower, known as the Stork’s Nest Tower or the Copper Tower. This 14th-century curiosity is available for hire for hosting events. From the roof terrace, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the old town and the Rhineland landscape.
There are yet more opportunities to take in the views of the Rhine and across the border on the journey through the Wäberhölzli forest area. After this you will find yourself on a salt trail just under five kilometres long, which connects the Rheinfelden town park with the Riburg saltworks just outside Möhlin. The trail tells the story of salt deposits in Switzerland, from the primordial ocean to antiquity, and from the Middle Ages through to the present day. Passing by Melihus, the Möhlin village museum, the trail zigzags towards Zeiningen. The region becomes more and more rural as you go, with the Möhlinbach river by your side along the way. Sparrowhawks and falcons once again demonstrate their flying prowess, diving on their prey in a flash.
In Hellikon, which means “at the farms of the Hello family” (bei den Höfen der Sippe des Hello) and alludes to a German settlement in the 6th or 7th Century, the route turns southwest. The hamlets of Fürstenhof and Junkerschloss mark the border between the cantons of Aargau and Basel-Landschaft. The view of the valleys, meadows and forests is magnificent. Simply idyllic – especially when the cherry trees and dandelions are in bloom. Things get busier as you enter the Ergolz valley. Starting in the folded Jura and joining the Rhine in Augst, Basel-Landschaft’s main river is 30 kilometres long. The villages of Gelterkinden and Sissach adorn the landscape like jewels. Fine wines and spirits are served up in Chriesiland.
The “Cheditte” is not the fine establishment it once was: the former explosives factory was decommissioned long ago and now has an almost romantic quality here at the edge of the forest just outside Liestal. Some former warehouses are used as studios. But it’s not long until the romance is dead: suddenly, new buildings start to spring up. However, at least some of the old buildings remain protected. The Liestal Roman water aqueduct is easy to miss. This 6.5 kilometre-long underground conduit served as the main water supply for the Roman colony of Augusta Raurica (now Augst). Crossing the motorway and the Ergolz, you will finally reach the picturesque old town of Liestal, most likely with rather tired legs after a long trail. Many people only know this charming little town from the stories they hear or from looking out of a train window. This is a shame, as it’s certainly worth a visit.
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 |
Lörrach
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Liestal
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| Ascent |
720 m
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| Descent |
700 m
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| Distance |
54 km
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| Distance on tarred ways |
51 km
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| Distance on natural surface |
3 km
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| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
Quick Facts
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