The Herzroute (Heart Route) leads through the most beautiful areas in Switzerland's Alpine foothills. The secluded trails, far from traffic noise and all hustle and bustle, are particularly appealing for exploring by electric bike. The route offers heart-warming encounters with the countryside and people. Gently rolling hills, lush meadows, beautiful forests and wonderful views of the Alps: scenery that will earn a place in your heart - the Herzroute. It wends its way through the chain of the Alpine foothills. And behind every range of hills is a valley with its own distinctive features just waiting to be explored. The aim of the Herzroute is not directness, but its path. Switzerland as it once was is there to experience at your own pace. It's well worth spending a little time at impressive vantage points. Small hamlets, stately farmsteads and picturesque small towns cater for variety. Electric bikes are recommended to cover this route with ease as it primarily leads through rolling countryside. Points for bike rental and battery changing are found along the route. Strenuous climbs are thus easily mastered so that the Herzroute can be enjoyed by cyclists of all abilities and ages. Challenging route due to inclines, this path is only recommended for experienced cyclists. Accommodation in 3 star hotels and inns, Breakfasts, Daily luggage transfer, Costs for luggage pick-up at the station, Subsidy for arrival by train, Carefully elaborated route description, Travel documents (1 x per room), Navigation app and GPS data available, SwitzerlandMobility-Plus subscription for one year, Service hotline Arrival by public transport to Rapperswil. Drop off your luggage at the luggage counter by 10 a.m. at the latest. Departure by public transport from Romanshorn. Luggage must be returned to the luggage counter by 5 p.m. at the latest. If you would like to rent an Electric Bike (255 EUR) or Country Touring Bike (150 EUR), please contact info@slowtours.com when booking Extra nights are on request! We recommened to book an extra night at the start of the tour! Minimum height for E-Bikes are 160cm due to safety and handling Please BYO helmet. Rentals cannot be guaranteed for this tour Day 1: Arrival in Rapperswil | Rapperswil – Lichtensteig. Wetlands and hilly landscapes set the scene in the Zürich Oberland. From the slopes of the Bachtel mountain, you can marvel at magnificent views over Lake Zürich and the Alps. Then, the tour takes you into the Töss Valley, a little-known area within the canton of Zürich, and then via the Goldingen Valley and the Ricken mountain pass into Toggenburg. Day 2: Lichtensteig – Herisau. Tucked away in the Toggenburg area are Krinau and Libingen, two hidden gems we’re sure you’ll love. On a clear day, the Säntis in all its glory will come into view once you cross the Thur river. Appenzellerland boasts some stunning scenery to behold upon your arrival, before you continue on to today’s destination – Herisau. Day 3: Herisau – Altstätten SG. A vibrant region of eastern Switzerland, powerful insights into the Appenzellerland and the Alpstein backdrop await you today – an exciting contrast between the Rhine Valley and the stage town of Altstätten. Challenging topography and a varied landscape make this stage one of the most diverse on this tour. Day 4: Altstätten SG – Romanshorn surroundings | Departure or extension. The ‘St. Anton’ lookout point promises magnificent views from Lake Constance over the Rhine Valley and on to the Vorarlberg Alps. The Herzroute then takes you via Walzenhausen and Rheineck until you reach the harbour town of Romanshorn. Your arrival here concludes this tour – it’s now time to collect your luggage and depart. Car rental in Switzerland: If you prefer to drive yourself but would like to follow our itineraries and hotel choices we can help you with a brand new Renault vehicle - minimum 21 days - and have your itineraries and hotels ready for you. Swiss Rail Pass: The very best way to see Switzerland is to buy a Swiss Travel Pass that covers all trains including the scenic train services. Travel insurance for Switzerland: Wander the World Without Worry. Local language barriers. Lost passport. Unexpected medical expenses. Sometimes, our trips don’t go as planned. That’s why Slow Tours Pty Ltd wants you to have the most robust travel advisory and protection for your vacation.
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