Lakes Route
Overview
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Distance 46 km
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Ascent 880 m
Intro
A cool underwater world in cave grottos, a grim battle world at crystal-clear Ägerisee, an orchid, peat and insect world on the Rothenthurm high moor and a busy world of pilgrims in Einsiedeln, place of pilgrimage.
Description
The Lake Zug region is most charming at cherry blossom time. The main river of the canton is the Lorze. It flows from Lake Ägeri through the deep Lorzentobel ravine to Lake Zug. There are three hydroelectric power plants between Lake Zug and where the Lorze merges with the Reuss River. The ride through the tree-covered Lorzentobel valley is definitely not monotonous. Beautiful picnic spots and elderberry blossoms, which eventually will be turned into syrup, make the tour that much sweeter. The 6000-year old Höllgrotten limestone caves and their bizarre rock formations are another highlight, and the view up to the Lorzentobel Bridge spanning the ravine is an impressive sight.
The monument of the Battle of Morgarten is rather a warlike structure. The battle was fought in 1315 between the Habsburgs led by Duke Leopold of Austria and the soldiers of Schwyz with their allies. It is now remembered as the old Confederates’ first battle for freedom. Luckily, the blood that was spilled that day is long gone and now Lake Ägeri looks its best. Up you go to Sunnenberg and to Switzerland’s largest still existing heath and moorland of Rothenturm. In 1987 it gained national significance due to massive voter support. Now it offers a variety of natural habitats, such as peat banks, high and low-moorlands, globeflowers, purple moor-grass and sundew. Lapwings, skylarks, meadow pipits and other ground-breeding birds – and even cuckoos - feel quite at home here.
Along the Biber River you cycle down to Schwyzerbrugg and Biberbrugg and then follow another river, the Alp, to the famous pilgrimage village of Einsiedeln. Einsiedeln Abbey is Switzerland’s premier Baroque structure and the pertaining Mercy Chapel and the Black Madonna are highly revered in the Catholic faith. A visit to the extensive Benedictine Abbey is also recommended. It goes without saying that the impressive abbey is a popular stop on the Way of St. James.
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 |
Zug
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Einsiedeln
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| Ascent |
880 m
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| Descent |
420 m
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| Distance |
46 km
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| Distance on tarred ways |
39 km
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| Distance on natural surface |
7 km
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
Quick Facts
Route number
