ViaGottardo
Overview
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Distance 20 km
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Duration 5 h 25 min
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Ascent 600 m
Intro
A section characterized by highlights of railway history, such as the Muttenz marshalling yard (Wakker-prize 1983) and the Basel Region Bahnwanderweg (Railway Trail) from Pratteln. Bienenberg affords wonderful views across the Ergolztal valley.
Description
From Basel railway station, the Rhine is reached via St. Alban Tor Park. The view back to Basel Cathedral is well worth it. On the opposite riverbank: the Roche Tower, designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron and, at 178 metres, the tallest building in the country (as of 2020). Pass under the Schwarzwaldbrücke (Black Forest Bridge), the city’s most widely used Rhine crossing, to reach the mouth of the Birs. The route follows the riverside promenade along the Birs, where you find a succession of renaturalised riverbanks, small gravel banks and riverside forests. The imposing St. Jakob-Park stadium soon comes into view, with its glass façade. You cross the covered wooden bridge at “Neue Welt” (new world), a district of Münchenstein, where you leave the urban hustle and bustle behind and continue through forests and meadows to Muttenz.
The imposing Wartenberg, a Muttenz landmark, rises to the southeast. On top of the mountain, the ruins of three medieval castles await you. The observation towers offer magnificent views across the Baselbiet region and to Alsace. The next castle ruins are not far away: A little off the path, Neu-Schauenburg sits atop a crag to the west of Frenkendorf. However, the castle site is not accessible to the public. The Bienenberg is quite different – it offers spectacular views over the Ergolz valley.
Soon after, railway enthusiasts can explore the Adler Tunnel portal. The tunnel between Muttenz and Liestal serves to relieve the Hauenstein line. Trivia fact: It was built in 1995, using the world’s largest tunnel drilling machine – weighing some 1,800 tons, stretching 190 metres long and with a drill-head diameter of 12.5 meters. Those who like things a bit smaller and sweeter can enjoy the ponies, goats and mini-pigs at Weihermätteli animal park. It is home to 20 mostly native species. From the animal park, it’s only a short walk to Liestal railway station, where the first stage of the ViaGottardo ends.
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 |
Basel
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Liestal
|
| Direction |
One way
|
| Ascent |
600 m
|
| Descent |
560 m
|
| Distance |
20 km
|
| Duration |
5 h 25 min
|
| Duration back |
5 h 20 min
|
| Technical requirements |
Easy
|
| Physical requirements |
Difficult
|
| Season |
All year
|
| More information | https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r... |
Quick Facts
Route number
