Description of the step

After Basel, the Rhine is no longer merely a powerful river that links and separates countries, it is also a river rich in contrasts. After the deafening Schaffhausen Falls, the cycle-tourist will once again find peace and quiet beside the tranquil Lake Constance

Basel opens the doors to the Rhine, one of Western Europe’s greatest rivers. The Rhine simultaneously connects countries, through its role as a major waterway, and separates them, where it marks national borders. In Basel, a dynamic city at the crossroads between Switzerland, Germany and France, the river is wide and imposing. Although the Rhine up to Lake Constance has been intensively developed (there are eleven power stations along this section of the river), its natural environment has been protected. After Möhlin, a succession of small towns and villages dot the German and the Swiss banks of the river and the traveller can, on a whim, quickly cross from one country to another over wood-covered bridges, such as the one in the spa town of Badsäckingen.

A little further along the route, we come across the two Laufenburgs, the German town having been divided from its colourful Swiss twin in 1802, and the beautiful villages of Waldshut, Eglisau and Rheinau, surrounded by vineyards, fields of sunflowers and huge expanses of farmland. The Rhine Falls, just below Schaffhausen, provide yet another grandiose spectacle before the itinerary arrives at Stein am Rhein beside peaceful Lake Constance, the “soul of Europe”. EuroVelo 6 then heads north along a cycleway, following the shores of the Untersee through tiny fishing villages to Radolfzell. This restful and perfectly signposted section blends bucolic landscapes with a rich cultural heritage.

 Access

	By train Connections between Germany, Switzerland and France Swiss train company: www.sbb.ch German train company: www.bahn.de French train company: www.sncf.com
	by plane The international airport of  Bâle-Fribourg-Mulhouse: www.euroaiport.com Zürich's airport : www.aeroport-de-zurich.com
	by car Highway connection between France,

Infos pratiques

tourist office

Stein-am-Rhein : www.steinamrhein.ch
Schaffhausen : www.schaffhausentourismus.ch
Diessenhofen : www.diessenhofen.ch
Eglisau : www.eglisau.ch
Rheinfelden : www.rheinfelden.ch
Switzerland : www.myswitzerland.com
Switzerland by bike : www.suisse-a-velo.ch

maps and guidebooks

La route du Rhin n°2, La Suisse à vélo
>> Buy it on Cartovélo!

ADAC Karte n° 26 und 27 (1/100000)

Bikeline Rhein-Radweg. Teil 1
>> Very good guide, only in German.