Vorarlberg roundtrip 6 Rankweil to Lenzerheide and Rheinschlucht
This route was brought to you by:
RouteXpert Edgar Hofer
Last edit: 28-04-2023
Route Summary This is the 6th route in my Vorarlberg circular tours collection.
This round tour takes you to Liechtenstein to drive over the St. Luzisteig to Switzerland and the beautiful Lenzerheide. The route then leads to Bonaduz to immerse yourself in the gorge world of the Rhine Gorge. After a short detour to the well-known Obersaxen ski area, you drive back to Vorarlberg.
Start and finish: Rankweil (gastronomy workshop)
Course: Rankweil - Vaduz - Luzisteig - Maienfeld - Landquart - Chur - Lenzerheide - Tiefencastel - Thusis - Bonaduz - Rhine Gorge - Obersaxen - Chur - Vorarlberg
The route is identical for TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute app.
If you drive this tour, please note the following information:
● Some mountain experience necessary
● In Switzerland, all motorways require a vignette. That's why I recommend anyone who wants to do more than one tour in Switzerland to buy a vignette. While it is possible to do the tours without using the freeways, the time it takes to drive through the densely populated areas in stop-and-go traffic is considerable. (For one year CHF 40 as of 2023)
● If you do not have a motorway vignette, you can either drive back from Chur the same way as you did on the outward journey.
But you can also drive back to Rankweil from Landquart, on the left side of the Rhine.
I give this tour 5 stars. It offers everything that a great motorcycle tour needs. The high passes are missing, but the changing landscapes, the adventurous Rhine gorge and the good roads will inspire you.
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Animation
Verdict
Duration
6h 50m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
270.92 km
Countries
RouteXpert Review Vaduz Castle towers around 120 meters above the capital Vaduz and is the city's landmark. The origins of the castle probably date back to the 12th century. The keep was probably built as one of the first buildings and was later supplemented by a residential tower. This residential tower can be dated to the year 1287. It came into the possession of the House of Liechtenstein in 1712 and served as the seat of the Landvogtei under the name of Hohenliechtenstein until 1732. After that, it increasingly fell into disrepair. It was only from 1905 to 1912 that it was thoroughly renovated and restored. Prince Franz Josef II then had it expanded and made habitable. In 1939 he moved in with his family and has been the permanent residence of the royal family ever since.
Shortly after Balzers you leave Liechtenstein again and cross the border into Switzerland. After a short but very nice drive, you will reach the St. Luzisteig Fortress. Immediately after passing through the gate, there is a parking lot on the right-hand side for a photo stop.
The St. Luzisteig Fortress was a defensive position of the Swiss Army. It lies on the St. Luzisteig pass in the canton of Graubünden. St. Luzisteig was already used as a crossing point and settlement in prehistoric times. From Roman times to the 19th century, the bottleneck played a central role in the great conflicts of European history. It is considered the most competitive place in Switzerland. Since 1995, the St. Luzisteig Fortress has served as a military training ground for the Swiss Army.
The journey continues through Maienfeld, a place surrounded by vineyards. A short detour to the local Harley Davidson dealership is recommended before the tour continues via Landquart to Chur.
The approach to Lenzerheide begins shortly after Chur. Lenzerheide is a famous holiday resort and is known for its first-class ski areas and mountain bike trails. After the coffee break, the route leads past the Heidsee, down to Tiefencastel and along the Albula River to Thusis and Bonaduz. Shortly after Bonaduz you will reach the highlight of today's tour, the Rhine Gorge.
The Rhine Gorge extends over a length of about 14 kilometers and has a depth of over 300 meters in some places. It is also known as the "Grand Canyon of Switzerland". A short break at the "Zault" viewing platform is an absolute must. With a bit of luck you can see the Rhine Gorge adventure train deep down in the gorge.
After the impressive photo stop, continue through the Rhine Gorge. The road runs high above the gorge and you can see into the gorge from several places. Forget the engine power of your motorcycle for the next few kilometers and simply enjoy the fantastic road and the impressive views of the gorge. From Versam, a 4 km long road leads almost 300 m down to the Versam-Safien station, for another short stop.
On the picturesque road through the Safiental, driving fun is once again in the foreground. Shortly after Ilanz it is time for lunch in the Posta Veglia, a small, rustic restaurant.
The same style continues after lunch. The panoramic road leads to Obersaxen, a well-known ski resort in this region. After Obersaxen, take a smaller road down to the main connecting route and head back to Chur.
The quickest and most comfortable way back to Rankweil is via the autobahn. If you do not have a vignette, you can either take the route from the approach, or drive back to Rankweil from Landquart on the left side of the Rhine.
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Disclaimer
Use of this GPS route is at your own expense and risk. The route has been carefully composed and checked by a MyRoute-app accredited RouteXpert for use on TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute-app Navigation.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
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Liechtenstein
About this region
Liechtenstein ( (listen) LIK-tən-styne; German: [ˈlɪçtn̩ʃtaɪn]), officially the Principality of Liechtenstein (German: Fürstentum Liechtenstein), is a German-speaking microstate situated in the Alps between Austria and Switzerland, which are located in Central Europe. The principality is a semi-constitutional monarchy headed by the Prince of Liechtenstein; the Prince's extensive powers are equivalent to those of a President in a semi-presidential system like France.
Liechtenstein is bordered by Switzerland to the west and south and Austria to the east and north. It is Europe's fourth-smallest country, with an area of just over 160 square kilometres (62 square miles) and a population of 38,749. Divided into 11 municipalities, its capital is Vaduz, and its largest municipality is Schaan. It is also the smallest country to border two countries. Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan make up the only two doubly landlocked countries in the world.
Economically, Liechtenstein has one of the highest gross domestic products per person in the world when adjusted for purchasing power parity. The country has a strong financial sector centred in Vaduz. It was once known as a billionaire tax haven, but is no longer on any official blacklists of uncooperative tax haven countries. An Alpine country, Liechtenstein is mountainous, making it a winter sport destination.
Liechtenstein is a member of the United Nations, the European Free Trade Association, and the Council of Europe. Although not a member of the European Union, it participates in both the Schengen Area and the European Economic Area. It has a customs union and a monetary union with Switzerland.
Read more on Wikipedia
Liechtenstein is bordered by Switzerland to the west and south and Austria to the east and north. It is Europe's fourth-smallest country, with an area of just over 160 square kilometres (62 square miles) and a population of 38,749. Divided into 11 municipalities, its capital is Vaduz, and its largest municipality is Schaan. It is also the smallest country to border two countries. Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan make up the only two doubly landlocked countries in the world.
Economically, Liechtenstein has one of the highest gross domestic products per person in the world when adjusted for purchasing power parity. The country has a strong financial sector centred in Vaduz. It was once known as a billionaire tax haven, but is no longer on any official blacklists of uncooperative tax haven countries. An Alpine country, Liechtenstein is mountainous, making it a winter sport destination.
Liechtenstein is a member of the United Nations, the European Free Trade Association, and the Council of Europe. Although not a member of the European Union, it participates in both the Schengen Area and the European Economic Area. It has a customs union and a monetary union with Switzerland.
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Route Collections in this region 6 day tour CH IT AT DE over the most famous and also dreamy small passes and elevated roads
The six-day route leads over many of the most beautiful alpine crossings in Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Germany.
The path leads over well-known passes such as the Susten, Albula, Timmelsjoch, the Sellaronda, Drei Zinnen and the Ploecken as well as over the high roads of the Grossglockner and the Zillertal Panorama Road and much more. Highlights are also the countless unknown, dreamy alpine crossings away from the big traffic.
Most Alpine passes are only passable in summer, so be sure to check before you set off whether the passes are open.
The long daily routes as well as several road sections demand a lot and are only suitable for experienced drivers.
The path leads over well-known passes such as the Susten, Albula, Timmelsjoch, the Sellaronda, Drei Zinnen and the Ploecken as well as over the high roads of the Grossglockner and the Zillertal Panorama Road and much more. Highlights are also the countless unknown, dreamy alpine crossings away from the big traffic.
Most Alpine passes are only passable in summer, so be sure to check before you set off whether the passes are open.
The long daily routes as well as several road sections demand a lot and are only suitable for experienced drivers.
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With this collection you can definitely cross another item off your bucket list.
To give you an impression of what has already been mentioned in the routes, I will give you a bird's eye view of what awaits you. It will be a journey through Europe divided into ten unforgettable routes, each with enchanting landscapes and beautiful memories.
Your adventure starts in the South of the Netherlands, after which you will visit the following countries on your tour: Belgium, Germany, France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany and finally arrive back in the Netherlands.
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After France, it is Switzerland and Liechtenstein's turn, which take you to the impressive Dolomites.
From there the journey takes you through Switzerland towards Italy, where you will be greeted by the majestic Stelvio. Then, on your journey to Austria, you will see the splendor of the Großglockner-High Alpine Road, the highlight of this country.
The journey through Northern Austria takes you to the beating heart of Central Europe, the Czech Republic. An enchanting stay in the town of Mariánske Lázne will take you back to times gone by, culminating in a visit to the beautiful music fountain that is guaranteed to give you an unforgettable impression.
From the enchanting Czech Republic you travel through the Steinwald Nature Reserve towards Frankfurt am Main, where you pass many other nature reserves along the way.
You then continue your journey towards Koblenz, where the Moselle and the Rhine meet. The last part of this tour runs through the Eifel back to the final destination in the south of the Netherlands.
This extensive tour includes all the highlights for an all-encompassing experience where you can fully experience European diversity.
These ten routes through ten countries form wonderful experiences, with each route adding a new chapter to a story of diverse cultures and enchanting landscapes that will remain in your memory forever.
With this collection you can definitely cross another item off your bucket list.
To give you an impression of what has already been mentioned in the routes, I will give you a bird's eye view of what awaits you. It will be a journey through Europe divided into ten unforgettable routes, each with enchanting landscapes and beautiful memories.
Your adventure starts in the South of the Netherlands, after which you will visit the following countries on your tour: Belgium, Germany, France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany and finally arrive back in the Netherlands.
After crossing the border with Belgium, the beauty of the Ardennes reveals itself. You then cross part of Germany after which you drive south towards France. During this part you will encounter the beautiful Alps.
After France, it is Switzerland and Liechtenstein's turn, which take you to the impressive Dolomites.
From there the journey takes you through Switzerland towards Italy, where you will be greeted by the majestic Stelvio. Then, on your journey to Austria, you will see the splendor of the Großglockner-High Alpine Road, the highlight of this country.
The journey through Northern Austria takes you to the beating heart of Central Europe, the Czech Republic. An enchanting stay in the town of Mariánske Lázne will take you back to times gone by, culminating in a visit to the beautiful music fountain that is guaranteed to give you an unforgettable impression.
From the enchanting Czech Republic you travel through the Steinwald Nature Reserve towards Frankfurt am Main, where you pass many other nature reserves along the way.
You then continue your journey towards Koblenz, where the Moselle and the Rhine meet. The last part of this tour runs through the Eifel back to the final destination in the south of the Netherlands.
This extensive tour includes all the highlights for an all-encompassing experience where you can fully experience European diversity.
These ten routes through ten countries form wonderful experiences, with each route adding a new chapter to a story of diverse cultures and enchanting landscapes that will remain in your memory forever.
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