Nature Park Wine Country Route

Schaffhausen, the northernmost town in Switzerland, is the starting point for this tour. Schaffhausen impresses with its old town full of charm and charisma. Stroll through the alleyways and enjoy fine and regional cuisine in one of the many restaurants. The town's landmark, the Munot, towers high above the old town. Climbing the fortress is definitely worthwhile. The view over the city on the Rhine is breathtaking!

After just a few kilometers, you reach the Kesslerloch in Thayngen, which is one of the most important sites of the late Ice Age in Europe. It provides evidence of settlement traces from the Upper Palaeolithic period. Excavations were carried out here until 1980, which even brought mammoth and reindeer bones to light.

After a while, the next highlight is the Schleitheimer Randenturm, the highest point in the Schaffhausen Regional Nature Park. A spiral staircase with 100 steps leads up to the platform. From there, 20 meters above the ground, you can enjoy the unique view from the Randen over the Hegau, the Swiss Alps and far into the Black Forest.

On your journey through the Chläggi, you will conquer the Hallauerberg, which is part of the largest contiguous vineyard landscape in German-speaking Switzerland. The region has a centuries-old tradition of viticulture and is home to the Blauburgunder grape. Enjoy the ride through the vine-covered slopes. The Hallauerberg offers a wonderful view over the Klettgau and, on clear days, as far as the majestic Alps.

After some time, you will reach Buchberg church. The beginnings of the joint church were not easy. The people of Rüdlingen wanted the church tower to be built on their side of the village, but the ground did not allow this. When the location of the church was chosen so that Rüdlingen could read the clock face from the village, construction began and was completed in 1850. The church burned down in 1972. It was rebuilt on the same site.

The Thurauen Nature Center is located very close to the Buchberg church. Step inside and let yourself be carried away into a living floodplain landscape. The Thurauen Nature Center features the interactive exhibition "Kosmos Auenlandschaft", a scenic aerial walkway and an adventure trail in the floodplain forest. In addition, a restaurant, the Flaach swimming pool and the unique Thurauen meadows offer numerous opportunities to make the trip just the way you want it.

So that you can continue your ride in the Zürcher Weinland, the Rhine ferry takes you across the border silently and without a motor: the cable ferry takes you and your bike across the Rhine into Switzerland within a few minutes for your onward journey in the Zürcher Weinland. Before you continue and enjoy the floodplain landscapes, it's worth taking a break by the river and cooling off in the Rhine in summer.

On your onward journey, you will reach Andelfingen Castle Park. This is home to a beautiful, well-kept park, which is one of the most important in Switzerland. The herb garden and shady trees invite you to linger. It is worth visiting the mill village of Andelfingen from here, which is unique with its branched mill stream system.

Another highlight on the Naturpark Weinland Route is the wine-growing village of Marthalen, which offers a wonderful insight into the art of building with its magnificent, well-preserved timber-framed and half-timbered buildings.

You soon come across the unique lake landscape of Lake Husemersee. This consists of four natural lakes and today forms an important nature reserve in the Zürcher Weinland region. The idyllic area invites you to swim and linger. At the western end there is a jetty for a dip in the cool water and barbecue areas. There is a hiking trail around Lake Todeis that takes around three quarters of an hour to explore on foot.

Another highlight on your tour is the Gallus Chapel, one of the most important sights in the Zurich wine country and of national significance. Decorated with murals from the 14th century, the Gallus Chapel attracts both art and religious enthusiasts. The chapel offers space for a moment of silence and reflection - a perfect place for a break during the journey.

On the way back towards Schaffhausen, you pass through the small town of Stein am Rhein. The charm of this medieval town is undisputed. The unique façade paintings are world-famous and the location directly on the Rhine invites you to enjoy. Hohenklingen Castle towers high above the old town with breathtaking views over Hegau, Lake Constance and the Rhine landscape - it's well worth the climb!

Cycling downstream along the Rhine, you will soon reach your starting point again, the old town of Schaffhausen. Round off your tour with a dip in the Rhine or a delicious ice cream at Lindli.

Bicycle suitable for riding, bicycle helmet, provisions.

A bicycle helmet is recommended.

The starting point can be reached by train:

Schaffhausen station, sbb.ch

Schaffhausen station, sbb.ch

Use the station parking garage .

Schaffhauserland Tourism

Regional Nature Park Schaffhausen

E-bikes can be recharged at most restaurants, hotels, B&Bs etc.. Ask directly on site.

Velo Glauser

Andelfingerstrasse 7, 8416 Flaach www.veloglauser.ch, +41 52 318 15 36

Café Gnädinger

Thurtalstrasse 8, 8450 Andelfingen www.gnaedi-beck.ch, +41 52 317 13 39

Visit the Kesslerloch, the Schleitheimer Randenturm, the Buchberg and Rüdlingen churches, the small town of Stein am Rhein and the Husemersee.