Wildmannli Bike

Sometimes it’s the less spectacular things that transform a bike tour into a dream tour. The Wildmannli Bike offers breathtaking panoramic views of the St. Galler Rheintal, Alpstein, Säntis and Bodensee, but there are no mighty 4000-metre peaks and no awe-inspiring single trails. Despite this, the route has charisma.

You feel it almost as soon as you leave the Rheinebene. Oberschan nestles in idyllic meadows on the Gonzen foothills, a flower-filled spot out of a picture book. Then the Voralpsee, a mountain lake in a small valley basin at the foot of the Gamser Rugg; the Ölberg, a romantic alp high above the Rheintal where home-made yoghurt, cake and cheese is available, the health resort of Wildhaus amidst lush green meadows and high above, the angular Säntis. Iin the lowland, the nature paradise of the Rheintaler Binnenkanal; the attractive market town of Altstätten and finally, after a perspiring ascent into the Appenzell region, the rolling woodland landscape running in green waves to St. Gallen. Many pearls on a string, making this tour an absolute gem.

The tour is technically easy but demands fitness. The Wildmannli Route is ideal in spring or autumn when snow still lies in the higher regions.