Goldküste–Limmat
Overview
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Distance 34 km
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Ascent 400 m
Intro
In earlier days, impressive estates were built on the Pfannenstiel, today expensive villas line the shores of the Zürichsee, where protected private and public property taunt each other, until Zurich’s stylish leisure & pleasure seekers take over the scene.
Description
Rapperswil is famous for its roses, which bloom in their thousands from May to October in the town’s gardens, such as those below the vineyard near the Capuchin friary. The stage begins with a ride through the town’s narrow mediaeval streets. Although the cycle route follows the main road as far as Feldbach, it then turns off onto a quiet path where you can enjoy views of the lake as it peeps out between the lush vines. Approaching Feldbach, you’ll spot the dam between the main body of Lake Zurich and the Obersee, its upper section. Almost a kilometre long, the structure links the Cantons of Schwyz and St. Gallen. The two islets of Lützelau and Ufenau are also quite close by. Squeezed in somewhat between the railway tracks and the main road, you ride through Feldmoos
before continuing on to your final destination in Zurich along the Gold Coast. Incidentally, it owes its name to its position on the sunny side of Lake Zurich. Nowadays, however, the «Gold» element is associated more with wealth than with the favourable geographical location. The opposite shore of the lake is more shaded in the evenings, especially in winter, and is nicknamed the «Pfnüselküste» (Zurich dialect for «Sniffle Coast»). From Uerikon to Stäfa, the route runs parallel to the tracks of the Gold Coast Express train service and past a mix of beautiful timber-framed houses, well-kept farmhouses and newbuilds. Things then get more rural as you leave the shore behind. Roughly halfway between Rapperswil and Zurich, Meilen is notable for its prehistoric archaeological finds. It was also once an important winemaking centre and experienced a distinct phase of industrial development, particularly for textiles and printing.
The route continues along the lake as far as Herrliberg, passing through terraced villages on the way. The cycle path now climb slightly and follows local streets on the slopes of the Pfannenstiel hill. If the weather is good, you can enjoy impressive panoramic views of the mountains from the Säntis all the way to the Zurich Oberland, taking in the Glarus Alps on the way.
Küsnacht’s houses are clustered around its Reformed church. The path passes a 14th-century building originally constructed for the Order of St. John and now used as a cantonal school. As you enter Zurich itself, you’re bound to spot the impressive old listed brick buildings of the Tiefenbrunnen mill, which currently house restaurants, a theatre and a number of businesses and gyms. The final stretch on this stage takes you through the stylish Seefeld neighbourhood, past the opera house and Fraumünster church and, finally, along the Limmat River before finishing up at the main railway station.
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 |
Rapperswil
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Zürich
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| Ascent |
400 m
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| Descent |
420 m
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| Distance |
34 km
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| Distance on tarred ways |
33 km
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| Distance on natural surface |
1 km
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
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| Theme |
Along Water
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Quick Facts
Route number
