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Cycling-Tour from 20th June to 6th July 2012
Reuss, Aare (ch) Wutach, Neckar, Rhine, Main, Tauber, Jagst, Danube, Steina. (de)
Mellingen at the Reuss, the first town after 10 Km. |
Königsfelden in Windisch, famous for its beautiful stained glass from the 14th century. |
Klingnauer artifical lake which flows into the Rhine. |
Wednesday June 20th, 2012 Bremgarten
- Stühlingen
73 Kilometer
Height 571m.
We start in Bremgarten at the Reuss and cycle towards Donaueschingen the source
of the Danube, our starting point for a round along rivers in southern Germany.
Via Mellingen we reach Brugg, where the river Reuss flows into the Aare. We have a break at the lakeshore, a reservoir
of the Aare.
5 km further is the border to Germany, Koblenz / Waldshut, we cross the Border over the Rhine bridge, and cycle
up the Wutach valley, which is the outflow of Lake Titisee.
I want to park my bike, but the ground is slightly inclined. The whole weight of my luggage presses on the kick
stand and it breaks. This mishap is very limited, in Lauchringen I buy a new stand and in a few minutes I have
it mounted.
We cycle up to Stühlingen and pitch our tent on the camping.
Wooden bridge across the Wutach |
A chapel at Eberfingen |
City Hall in Stühlingen |
Thursday 21st June 2012 - Stühlingen
- Rottweil
Km --76.57 total 149.57
Height. 674 total -1.245
A meeting with like-minded |
A tricycle driver added |
Once we cross the border, it comes to our attention of the many roofs equipped with solar cells |
An ascent with about 15% |
On such we cope well with 15% |
After Futzen we take a breather |
Today, June 21st, is the longest day of the year. The sun rises very early and
the temperature is great.
In Blumberg we have to climb a short but pretty steep mountain road (15%) and it makes us sweat profusely, despite
electrical support.
On a small bridge we meet 2 touring cyclists. A tricycle driver is added later on and we discuss about bikes and
travelling.
It is again very steep, but now on a gravel road. The wheels are spinning and Rika (my sister) has to push her
bike. Luckily the Flyer (Swiss Bike) has an additional support to push the bike up the hill.
So many solar panels generate a lot of energy |
Instead of wine here is energy harvested |
In Donaueschingen I make a few photos from the source of the Danube. There are
2 underground inflows one is the Brigach and the other Breg, two rivers from the Black Forest.
It is not easy to find the way through the Brigachtal to Schwenningen, the way leads through an industrial district.
A cyclist helps us to find the way and once on the right track it goes by itself.
There are not even as much as 15 miles to the next source, the one of the Neckar in Schwenningen. Between the Danube
and Neckar source we are on the watershed, the water of the Danube flows eastwards to the Black Sea and the Neckar
to the north into the North Sea.
It looks like soybeans |
The official source of the Danube |
A Long Road |
The source of the Neckar |
To read click on the image |
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After more than 20 additional miles on beautiful bike paths, we reach Rottweil.
We get an accommodation from the tourist office.
Our guide is the tour book of Bike Line, the Neckar River Bike Trail.
Rottweil is a very quaint town. There are some sculptures of Rottweil dogs. They were bred here.
It is a very hot day, around 30 degrees and the air is very humid. Therefore, we enjoy the shower.
Wildflowers need poor soil |
Main road in Rottweil |
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Awakening to the new day |
City Gate in Rottweil |
The Neckar Valley |
Friday June 22th 2012 - Rottweil
- Tübingen
Km --87.23 total 236.80
Height 218 total --1,463
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Swollen by the night's rain |
The official bike path sign. |
Wooden bridge over the still young river |
Carries a lot of sediment with it |
Quiet and beautiful cycling routes |
The "Waldhornbrücke" in Sulz |
Last night the weather has raged. The Neckar is full and the color of the water
brown.
We go into the city for sightseeing; yesterday we had no desire for a stroll.
We have to find the bike path anyway, which runs through the center of the city.
The Bike-Line tour book selects the best cycle paths through woods and fields, up and down.
In Sulz at the Waldhorn Bridge we make our first coffee break. The creek has already grown to a river.
It is nice that the bakeries in Germany usually have a coffee corner. A great selection of coffee and an even greater
selection of fresh sweets which sometimes are so big that I have trouble to decide with which one I start.
On beautifully paved bike paths we come to Horb, a small town situated on a slope.
Most shopping malls are selling meal-salad in transparent plastic container. The selection is usually good, Greek
or Italian salad with different ingredients such as cheese, ham, eggs, and the dressing is packed separately. This
is ideal, easy to digest as lunch for cyclists.
The next snack stop is in Rottenburg, one of the oldest inhabited places in Baden-Württemberg.
Now it is not far to the campsite in Tübingen. Weather is so nice that we decide to camp.
Fortunately, the campsite has its own restaurant, the city is too far away and we schedule to visit it tomorrow.
Paved bike path |
To see the flowers click on the picture to enlarge |
Horb am Neckar is located on the slopes |
On both sides of the Neckar it gets hillier |
Rottenburg |
A little water from a tributary |
Saturday 23th June 2012 - Tuebingen
- Bad Cannstatt. (Frankfurt)
Km. -69.96 total 306.76
Height.167 total --1.430
In Tübingen it goes up and down |
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It gets wider and wider |
A relatively new bridge |
In Nürtingen a celebration is going on |
A part of the morning is spent in Tübingen, university town from the 15th
century.
It is partly located on the hillside with a lot of stairs. The best way to discover the city, leave the bike down
and continue on foot.
On quiet and mostly asphalted paths we travel along small lakes and come through pretty towns and villages such
as Pliezhausen Neckartenzlingen and Neckartailfingen.
A celebration is held in Nürtingen. We watch for a while a boat race on the River Neckar. To get through to
the center with our bikes is impossible, so we make our first stop at a park on the banks of the Danube.
To ride through a beautiful landscape with nice weather is a pleasure |
Boat Race in Nürtingen |
Bridge at Plochingen |
Sometimes gravel but ride able |
Here the river is yet wide |
The bike path in Plochingen leads us along the pedestrian route to the colorful
Hundertwasser rain tower. From Plochingen on, the Neckar is navigable for larger ships; one can see different flagged
ships.
We are now approaching Frankfurt and I fear heavy traffic. None of this is true, there is a bike lane and we have
nothing to do with motorized traffic. A few kilometers outside the city, I ask a cyclist if he knows where the
campground in Bad Cannstatt is. That's good he says it's on my way and he offers us to lead us to the campground.
Located near the campsite is the Mercedes-Benz Museum. The word Bad Cannstatt, can be put down to the fact of warm,
carbonated mineral springs.
A work of Hundertwasser in Plochinen |
A small power plant |
Far left a cycle path |
From Plochingen on, the river is navigable |
for larger vessels. .............A covered bridge |
More and more vineyards are seen |
Sunday 24th June 2012 - Bad
Cannstatt - Heilbronn
Km. -82.91 total 389.67
Height 236 total --1.666
Marbach |
Birthplace of Friedrich Schiller |
Marbach |
Some pictures from the Schiller town Marbach |
The Neckar cycle path separates the river from the campground, so we can continue
with our cycling trip.
It looks like we will have a nice sunny day. We can wrap our tent in dry condition.
We come to the city Marbach, the Friedrich Schiller town. The writer of the Swiss national hero "William Tell"
was born in Marbach.
A pretty little town with half-timbered houses became a town A.D.1200.
The landscape changes, it gets hilly, the valley narrows and the slopes are planted with vines. I have not expected
so many vines.
Gemmrigheim |
Sluice Besigheim |
Kirchheim |
We cycle through villages with half-timbered houses as Besigheim, Gemmrigheim
and Kirchheim. In the latter village we make a break at an Italian ice cream shop. With such beautiful weather
(30 degrees) ice cream is just right now.
A group of about 10 cyclists, all with electric support, already enjoy their ice cream. Almost all of them have
a new electric bike and are thrilled with their bicycle support. They want to know how our support has proven after
2 years with some 1000 kilometers. I'm pleased to say that I don't notice any big loss of power and the range is
the same as two year ago.
We decide to stay at the DJH (Youth Hostel) because dark clouds are appearing in the sky.
To get through the city is not easy, there is a triathlon. With my navigation device (converted to bike modus),
it is easy to get to the DJH.
East of the River Neckar runs the Württemberg wine route.
On the eastside of the Neckar is the Württemberg wine road , you see on this picture why |
Laufen |
At this cove the Neckar is already so wide that you can sail |
Kilian Church. The tower was the first major building in the Renaissance |
Monday 25th June 2012 - Heilbronn
- Neckargmünd
91.35 Km. -total 481.02
Height 216 total --1,882
That's reality too |
Bridges in all shapes |
The gate to Wimpfen |
Cozy place for a break |
Blue Tower |
Wimpfen |
Only attaching the panniers to the bikes, have breakfast and off we go. We have
to go through the town to get to the cycle path; we pass the Church of St. Kilian. The west tower (landmark of
Heilbronn) was the first major building of the Renaissance in Germany.
Today is cloudy but it stays dry. We go on many beautiful cycling paths through pretty villages. Between Bad Wimpfen
and Neckarsulm two rivers are flowing into the Neckar; the Jagst and Kocher. We will meet them again next week
in their headwaters in Elwangen and Aalen.
Passer-by recommends visiting Bad Wimpfen. Although it is located on a mountain, we go anyway and it's worth it.
A beautiful town, in the center a fountain on the marketplace, bakery offers coffee and cake (what else could you
ask for?) And not forgetting the Blue Tower dated from 1200 built by the noble family Staufacher.
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A few more pictures from Wimpfen |
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Down to the bike path |
Castle Guttenberg |
Castle Hornberg |
It is beautiful to ride through the quiet Neckar valley. We pass many castles
and ruins, e.g. Guttenberg, Hornbeg, Zwingenberg and Hirschhorn. I have the impression that there are more castles
than along the Rhine.
At the campsite are many campers, at least more than hundred and we are the only ones with a tent. I count two
German and one British camper, the rest are all Dutch, even the boss is a Dutchman. On the way to Italy this place
is conveniently located for a stopover.
Well signposted |
She takes good care of their little ones |
Castle Zwingenberg |
Hirschhorn |
Wait until the lock is released |
Hirschhorn |
Tuesday 26th June 2012 - Neckargmünd
- Biebesheim (north of Worms)
Km 98.9 --total 579.92
Height. 71 total--1'953
Neckargmünd |
Heidelberg Castle, residence of the Elector Palatine |
Gate towers of the Old Bridge in Heidelberg> |
Neckar naturally course to Heidelberg |
At 08:00h we are wrapping the tent, as the wind already dried it.
Along the Neckar River to Heidelberg is a super smooth asphalt road. The 10 miles to Heidelberg we cycle on a wide
hard shoulder and in less than half an hour we are having breakfast in town.
On the left side of the Neckar is a castle, the residence of the Elector Palatinate, which is not to be overlooked.
Mannheim |
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Mouth of the Neckar into the Rhine |
A beautiful bouquet of flowers |
We take the ferry over the old Rhine |
A little further to the west is a shopping center where we buy food, fruits and
sweets.
Over the Theodor Heuss Bridge we cycle on the right side bank. Only 25 miles to Mannheim. Seen on the map you'd
think it is an American city. The streets run like a chessboard. They have no street names, but the blocks are
indicated with letters and numbers, for example E2 or S3.
Before we go into the city of Worms we have a coffee break in Lampertheim.
It is very early in the afternoon when we reach Worms. The camp is closed and the youth hostel is booked out. Because
it's early and the weather is nice we decide to cycle to the next campground in Biedesheim.
Lukas church in Lampertheim^ The Nibelungen bridge in Worms> |
The Cathedral in Worms |
Wednesday 27th June 2012 - Biedesheim
- Wiesbaden
Km--64.54 total 644.46
Height 235 total --2'188
Catching reception from universe? |
You can select up or down |
Two minutes later came the cutting machine |
If you like to have a blue man in your garden! |
I prefer the bottom on the asphalt road |
A branch of the Main flows into the Rhine |
The campground is located along the Rhine, at the end of a 3 km-long impasse.
We have been the only visitors tonight, otherwise all are regulars. Because of possible flooding, they have to
leave their homes in the winter. There's only solar energy, i.e. we couldn't charge our batteries. Fortunately,
we have only used half of the energy and today's leg is again a flat one.
The first bakery we encounter we have breakfast. Thus fortified, we make our way to the mouth of the Main.
We can choose whether we want to ride on the dyke (gravel) or down (asphalt road). The last 15 km are new asphalt
and it runs beautifully.
The station in Wiesbaden |
Our sister Joke in Wiesbaden |
A bunch of flowers |
We have a sister in Wiesbaden who has invited us. We will spend the night on the
Sonnenberg (sunny hill) where she lives for many years. A warm welcome awaits us, a great dinner and then we'll
look at a football match of the European Championship. In the basement runs the washing machine. Tomorrow we can
start the second week with freshly laundered clothes.
We are now on the northest point of our trip, from now on, we head east and from Wertheim on south.
Thursday 28th June 2012 - Wiesbaden
- Kahl
Km. 92.72 total 737.18
Height135 total --2'323
First encounter with the Main |
Parking in front of the kindergarten |
After about 1 km ride down the mountain, I noticed that I've forgotten my mobile
phone, all connection cables and German / Swiss plug, i.e. up the mountain again. Anyone who has no brain needs
his legs. That makes me aware how dependent we are of the new technology. But modern technology has many advantages.
My navigation device brings us the next 15 miles without detours to the Main Bike Trail.
We are really lucky with the weather, in the early morning the sun is already in the sky and in the afternoon it
is almost too hot (30 º).
The new Frankfurt^ |
The old Frankfurt |
I'm pleasantly surprised how well we come through the densely populated area around
Frankfurt. We stay on the bike paths which are well signposted.
In Hanau we have a longer break. On the marketplace is a monument of the Grimm brothers who were born and have
lived here. Who has not heard the many tales of the brothers? Sometimes a bit cruel but always good wills prevail.
Shortly before Kahl a road sign indicate that we are now leaving Hessen and enter Bavaria.
The campsite in Kahl is beautifully located on a lake with a sandy beach. But we find a space with grass to pitch
the tent. It's sultry-hot tonight and we expect rain during the night.
Immediately before the tent |
Camping in Kahl |
Friday 29th June 2012 - Kahl
- Miltenberg
Km. 68.20 total 805.38
Height 113 total -2,436
Seligenstadt, on the other side is Hessen |
Cichorium in abundance ^ < And where are we here? |
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Klingenberg |
< Through this gate, we come into Miltenberg |
Last evening it suddenly started to storm and we were not sure if the tent will
survive. After a horrible hour it was all over and the rest of the evening was beautiful.
The Germans lost the European football game against Italy, so it was very quiet on the campground.
The trails are again super.
In Seligenberg comes the ferry from the other side of the river. While I take a few photos, the captain says to
me: "So now I'm abroad again." I look a little puzzled. He explained to me that he lives on the other
side of the river Main, that side is Hessen; on this side of the river is Bavaria, which is foreign country to
him. Not only in Switzerland are many people who like federalism, but here are the states / cantons much bigger.
Bavaria with 70.551Km ² and 12 million inhabitants is larger than Switzerland.
From Klingenberg on the landscape changes, it gets hilly and they are planted with vines.
Because of the great heat we say that's it for today and pitch our tent in Miltenberg.
Bridgegate A.D. 1898 |
< Würzburgergate A.D. 1379 |
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Beautiful half-timbered house in Miltenberg |
Tomorrow begins the Festival |
Street in Miltenberg |
Saturday 30th June 2012 - Miltenberg
- Bad Mergentheim
Km. -95.85 total 901.23
Height 389 total --2'825
Ferry at Mondfeld ^ Spitzer Turm 15th century. Wertheim > |
Here flows the Tauber into the Main |
We start with a round through Miltenberg called "Pearl of the Main River"
and then we head towards Freudenberg.
In Freudenberg we have to change to the other side of the river. After 20 km bicycle path, a ferry takes us to
the opposite side again. From here it's about 10 miles to the confluence with Main and Tauber at Wertheim. We have
a stroll through the town; make an ice cream break at an Italian restaurant (many ice cream sellers are Italian
or have Italian roots) and then start with the next stretch to Tauberbischofsheim.
On a hill, we see a castle which unfortunately I can't photograph because of the sun. It is the second largest
castle in southern Germany. During the Thirty Years War destroyed and is now restored.
Wertheim ^ A Bridge with Saint Nepumuk > |
Bridge over the Tauber at Reichholzheim, wide rather than deep |
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Marvellous through the forest at 32 ° in the shade |
Wonderful bike paths |
Old (Castle) and new (solar panels) |
On our map we can see how the river Tauber flows in innumerable curves.
With 32 ° in the shade, it is good that the road leads through many forests.
Once in Tauberbischofsheim we notice that the hostel, as is listed in the "bikline" is actually a sports
center, the Fencing Club of Tauberbischofsheim. In Germany the Club is well known and has always produced good
fencers.
Apparently they rent rooms, but this weekend of course no one of the staff is there except the kitchen personal.
No reason to despair, it's still early, the weather is fine, and our next aim is Bad Mergentheim via Lauda.
In the wildlife park of Bad Mergentheim, we find a great campsite with all the conveniences, washer, dryer, restaurant,
lounge with kitchen and TV and plugs to recharge the batteries.
Gamburg |
< Tauberbischofsheim ^ |
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Lauda ^ Bike path sign Liebiches Taubertal > |
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Offers many opportunities for relaxation |
Sunday 01st July 2012 - Bad
Mergentheim - Rothenburg
Km. -56.87 total 958.10
Height 427 total --3'252
Bad Mergentheim, old City Hall |
Weikers in the rain |
Marketplace in Weikers |
Today is Sunday; the bakeries have closed early in the morning. Therefore, we
make breakfast in the lounge. The sky is overcasted, but fortunately it remains dry, we have at hand pelerine and
galoshes.
We cycle into the town Mergentheim about 3 km with its beautiful marketplace.
I take a few photos and we are looking for the bike path along the Tauber.
Last night a hailstorm got wild and brought 1 to 2 cm. large hailstones on my tent. I am glad that the tent survived.
On the bike path, we see how it has gone to and fro; the entire road is covered with leaves and branches.
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Schäftersheim |
Röttingen |
Enough rain to wear our rain cape |
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That is what the storm caused |
The Tauber in Greglingen |
Beautiful half-timbered house in Greglingen |
It is only 50 to 60 kilometers to Rothenburg. It is Sunday, so we take it easy
and have coffee breaks more often than usual.
The marketplace in Weikers looks a little deserted. The Mass in the church is not yet over and the tables and chairs
are all still wet from the night's rain.
We are glad that the bakery is open. A coffee with a slice of cake is now doing well.
It begins to rain a little bit on the way to Greglingen. Not a bad record, after 10 days of sunshine.
We reach Greglingen around noon, with pelerine and galoshes on. Mrs. Salvatore serves us a menu a la Adria. Too
bad with such a beautiful countryside and villages the weather does not cooperate.
Today we can forget about camping. When we arrive Rothenburg, it stops raining.
We make ourselves comfortable in the DJH and after showering, we stroll through the charming medieval town.
The Tauber gets slightly narrower |
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Lindleinturm in Greglingen |
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This church in Detwang was already inaugurated A.D. 968. Holy Cross Altar by Tilman Riemenschneider (1508) |
Monday 02nd July 2012 - Rothenburg
- Ellwangen
Km. --77.62 total 1'035.72
Height -581 total ----3'833
Entrance to Rothenburg |
The Plönlein with Siebertor |
Youth hostel |
Some pictures of Rothenburg |
Today we are looking for the source of the Tauber. After about 20 kilometers,
we find it in Wettringen. A small river flowing out from a wall that will become an imposing river after 127 kilometers
at Wertheim.
The first break we have is at the center of Crailsheim, of course in a café with such weather. Until here
we have put on and off our pelerine and galoshes several times.
On the way to the source of the river Tauber |
Course of the Tauber. Click on image < Tauber-source found in Wettringen |
In Crailsheim we come across the Jagst. Last week we saw the river flowing into
the Neckar between Bad Wimpfen and Neckarsulm. We follow the headwaters of the Jagst until Ellwangen. The source
is about 10 to 20 kilometers east of this city.
We are glad to see sun rays through the clouds i.e. the rain clothes disappear into the panniers.
The youth hostel on the top of the castle doesn't exist any longer. As usual when you need the tourist office it
is closed, Saturdays and Sundays anyway.
On the beautiful campground in Ellwangen we pitch our tent. We take the risk of rain tonight.
From Crailsheim on, we follow the Jagst |
Every now and then the sun comes out again but luckily no rain < Crailsheim |
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Jagstzell |
Castle in Ellwangen, no more youth hostel |
Castle at Ellwangen |
Tuesday 03rd July 2012 - Ellwangen
- Ulm
Km. ---99.38 total 1'135.1
Height 1035 total ---4'868
Unfortunately no sun but thankfully dry |
Picnic area but not without sun < Centre at Ellwangen |
The tent stayed surprisingly dry. We follow the Kocher- Jagst bike path sign like
yesterday until Aalen, about 20 km.
After a few kilometers we leave the Jagst, which runs east and meets the river Kocher at Hüttlingen.
It gets hilly at Lauterburg and we have to deal with a 2-Km steep climb. We recover in Bartholomä.
From Böhmenkirch we cycle down for about 7 km through a lush green valley.
Reaching the bottom of the valley in Eybach, we have lunch. Rika can charge the battery during the meal. She can
cycle with greater support the upcoming 4 km ascent.
My battery (BionX) has charged the 7 km downhill with enough energy.
I book an overnight stay at the youth hostel in Ulm.
We cycle through a beautiful countryside to Ulm with constantly ups and downs, called the Stubersheimer Albs.
We have a chat with an older cyclist. He used to do such tours as we do, but now at the age of 88 cycling only
day trips. I am very surprised by his age, because I guess him about my age (72). I hope that I can do such day
trips when I'm 88.
Shortly before we reach Ulm city, I turn on my navigation device to cycle without detours through the town to the
Youth Hostel; which is on the other side of the city.
Stuberheimer Alb ^ Across this bridge, with view of the Cathedral, we get into the city of Ulm > |
Wednesday 04th July 2012 - Ulm
- Sigmaringen
Km. 96.20 -total 1'231.3
Height. 526 total --5'394
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Many farms have their own power supply |
Now we follow the Danube Bike Trail |
Here in this area of Ehingen the Danube is already pretty wide |
We cycle along many cornfields always following the Danube |
The trails are wonderful to ride on |
From the DJH we go down to the Danube looking for the bike path.
Last night the weather has raged again. There are so many fallen trees, branches and twigs, that the authorities
have blocked the bike path. This not only leads to a detour, but we lost our way two times. After a few kilometers
it is passable again.
Over half of our days lag; we get to Riedlingen and have lunch here. On the map, I see that we are on the half-timbered-house-road.
Walking through Riedlingen, I'm sure this city is one of them along this road.
Almost no traffic on the road ^ |
Unterwachingen ^ < Funny fountain figures |
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Riedlingen runs through the Schwebische |
Baroque road. You might think it's the |
half-timbered road |
10 Km after Riedlingen we pass a Celtic settlement, with grave mounds and an open
air museum in Heuneburg.
It is warm again, between 25 º and 30 º.
The Danube Bike Trail in Sigmaringen lies between the river and the campsite, we can continue from here tomorrow
morning.
It's still early in the afternoon, plenty of time to stroll through the city. In the center on a hill stands the
castle of the Hohenzollern family, which can be seen from afar.
It's a pleasure to see so much initiative of ones own |
In Heuneburg is a open air museum and |
nearby the Celtic grave mounds |
Thursday 05th July 2012 - Sigmaringen
- Donaueschingen
Km. 90.90 -total 1'322.2
Height 461 total - -5'855
Marketplace in Sigmaringen |
Left Danube, center bike trail , right camping |
Castle Hohenzollern in the city Sigmaringen |
Sigmaringen |
The former Augustinian nunnery choir Inzigkofen |
The Danube valley narrows |
A thick fog hangs over the Danube and the campground. The city lies a little higher
and the sun is already there. In the nearby shopping center, we have breakfast.
We start on the cycle path at the campsite. It is well signposted until Donaueschingen. (90Km.)
The section between Sigmaringen and Tuttlingen is probably the most beautiful and interesting part. The valley
becomes narrower and the river meanders in many bends.
Idyllic village |
Castle Wildenstein |
To read click on the image > |
Wooden bridge over the Danube in Geisingen |
In Fridingen we get to the first percolation point of the Danube (Versickerungsstelle), the second is in Immendingen.
Up to 260 days per year, the Danube is almost dry. Only with much rainfall as in the past few days, you do not
see the seepage water. Scientist wanted to know where the water flows to.
They colored the water of the Danube, the colored water came out in the Aach headwaters and finally the Aach flows
near Radolfzell into the Lake of Constance. That means the water of the Danube source flows only partially to the
Black Sea, the most part ends up in the North Sea.
We pitched our tent in Riedsee at Donaueschingen. It was a beautiful sunny day.
We get closer to the source |
New buildings, from the outset on solar collectors |
A rest here and there must be |
The landscape between Geisingen and Donaueschingen |
Camping in the leisure facility Ried lakes |
Friday Jul 06th 2012 - Donaueschingen
- Bremgarten
Km. 106.29 total 1'428.49
Height. 641 total ----6'496
Rain clothes are required for multi-day bicycle tours |
Here we have to decide, right up, or left down |
The cape and gaiter are quickly put on and off |
We're not sure if we make it to Bremgarten today, it's up to the weather. It does
not look promising, so we cycle in parts. The first stretch is to Bonndorf. We may spend the night in the Y.H.
We cycle via Hüfingen, Hausen and Mundelfingen to the Wutach valley.
Now we could cycle down the busy part of the Wutach valley till Waldshut, but then we would miss the beautiful
route along the river Steina. We carry our rain clothes when we arrive in Bonndorf. It is too early in the day
to stay here so we have a Break in a Bakery. At the table next to us a woman explains the best way to get to the
river Steina. Today with the weather it will be quiet she says. Otherwise, there are days many motorcyclists come
from far away just because of the many curves to drive this road. And indeed we see upon entering the Steina River
a sign with a motorcyclist and many grave crosses, with the inscription: "Will you be the next?"
Along the river Steina a nice street with a lot of curves |
The campsite in Waldshut has a dock for ships |
Too bad that with such a beautiful track the weather does not cooperate. To the
confluence of Steina and Wutach in Lauchringen it stops raining. Despite the rain, comes a breeze.
With a descent from 850m. in Bondorf to Lauchringen 400m it is nevertheless a piece of cake.
At lunch time we reach Waldshut. We have lunch and decide after recovery to do the last part, 40 Km up home.
The last coffee break of this trip we have in Brugg.
It was a nice bike tour.
From 16 days cycling, two were partly rainy; I think it is a good weather-balance.
The Rhine bei Koblenz/Waldshut |
The bridge to the old town Brugg |
Back home in Bremgarten |