North-South Route
Overview
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Distance 59 km
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Ascent 900 m
Intro
Basel, Liestal and the Ergolztal: a bustling, self-confident agglomeration. In contrast: tranquility and charming countryside in the Baselbiet Jura. On through Aargau's Jurapark hills, followed by a racy descent down the southern Jura slopes to Aarau.
Description
Basel Minster, with its red sandstone, colourful brickwork and slender twin towers, is a splendid sight. The vista from the Minster Tower ranges from the nearby Black Forest across the Rhine into Alsace – and then on to the Vosges, the Jura and across the Mittelland as far as the Alps. If you look down instead of gazing into the distance, you see the city's mediaeval heart and the former canons' houses. The cycle route leads down past the world-renowned Art Museum to the St. Alban Rhine trail, and then follows the river Birs to St. Jakob Park. Switzerland's largest football stadium is fondly known as the "Joggeli".
Not everyone is so fond of some of the scenery between the "New World" district of Münchenstein and Liestal: a heavily industrialised zone, with the focus on chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Even so, the pretty historic centre of Liestal has its charms. Many travellers only know the capital of Basel-Landschaft canton from a brief glimpse of its outer walls as they pass through on a train. The cycle route runs straight through the historic little town, to the splendidly painted town hall and the Baselland Cantonal Museum with its interesting temporary exhibitions.
There is also much of interest to see in the Ergolz Valley. The Ergolz rises in the south-east of the canton, near the Geissfluh mountain. The river descends 570 meters as it traverses the Table Jura. In the past, the gradient was used to drive waterwheels and sawmills along various stretches. Nowadays, many fruit and cherry trees strike a cheerful note in the hilly landscape. Grapes from the sunny vine-clad slopes are used to make exquisite Riesling and Pinot Noir. Next, amid wooded hills, come Gelterkinden, Ormalingen and Rothenfluh, before you reach the Talweiher nature trail: listen out for chirruping, twittering and quacking! Wish the frogs good luck as they "wake up to spring" and have to cross the roads in their thousands.
Oltingen is another place you'll feel lucky to visit: a centre of bustling rural activity. After crossing the Schafmatt Pass, a thrilling downhill run takes you to Stüsslingen (Solothurn Canton), soon followed by a lovely stretch of forest in the Cantonal Nature Conservation Area, and a few superb hay meadows and mixed pastures – thanks not least to subsidies! After Erlinsbach dam, where cycle routes 3, 5 and 8 meet, you can look forward to one last attractive section as you glide along the river Aare in high spirits to Aarau. On arrival there, climb to the top of the rocky limestone hill to gain the best view of the excellently preserved historic centre.
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 |
Aarau
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| Ascent |
900 m
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| Descent |
780 m
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| Distance |
59 km
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| Distance on tarred ways |
57 km
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| Distance on natural surface |
2 km
|
| Physical requirements |
Difficult
|
Quick Facts
Route number
