Castles, Wetlands and Vineyards – Rhine Valley Circuit from Fußach

Starting at St Nicholas Parish Church in Fußach, this extensive cycle circuit explores both the Austrian and Swiss sides of the Rhine Valley. It initially follows the Rhine into Switzerland, passing vineyard-covered slopes, historic manor houses and the Bannriet wetlands. Via Oberriet and the border crossing at Meiningen, the route reaches the Illspitz and follows the River Ill towards Feldkirch.

On the Vorarlberg side, the Dörfer-Städte-Route, historic town centres and riverside cycle paths link Rankweil, Götzis, Hohenems and Dornbirn. The circuit returns to Fußach via the Dornbirner Ache, Jannersee and Lauteracher Ried. At around 87 kilometres, it is a physically demanding day ride despite its predominantly level sections. A gravel cycle path and a few steeper stretches require attention. The circuit can also be joined at other suitable points.

The circuit begins in the centre of Fußach at St Nicholas Parish Church. From the village near Lake Constance, the route initially heads towards the Rhine and follows the river towards the Swiss border. Near St Margrethen, it crosses into the Swiss Rhine Valley. The broad, open valley floor and mountains on the horizon set the scene from the very beginning.

At the foot of the Appenzell mountains, the circuit continues through Au, Berneck and Heerbrugg. Between the villages, wide areas of farmland alternate with settlements and vineyards on the slopes along the western edge of the valley. Historic manor houses are also part of the cultural landscape. Near Balgach, an optional detour leads to Schloss Grünenstein and its Baroque garden. The ride then continues towards Altstätten.

Near Altstätten, the route passes through Bannriet, a wetland landscape with valuable habitats for wildlife and plants. This is followed by the Wichenstein nature reserve in the Oberriet area. An additional excursion on a signposted footpath leads to the ruins of Wichenstein, a former cave castle. The cycle route continues through the Hirschensprung area around the distinctive Blattenberg. Here, a short but noticeable climb and a steeper descent interrupt the otherwise mainly flat terrain.

At the Meiningen border crossing, the tour crosses the Rhine and returns to Vorarlberg. Shortly afterwards, it reaches the Illspitz, where the Ill flows into the Rhine. From this confluence, gravel cycle route no. 1, the Ill-Rhein-Route, follows the river upstream towards Feldkirch. Broad riverbanks and views of the surrounding mountain ranges accompany this section. In Feldkirch, a detour into the historic old town, with its lanes and squares, is well worth considering. Schattenburg Castle rises above the town, while Schloss Amberg is another of its historic buildings.

From Feldkirch, the circuit follows cycle route no. 2, the Dörfer-Städte-Route, towards Rankweil. It continues through Sulz and Götzis across a varied landscape of settlements and cultivated land at the edge of the Rhine Valley. In Götzis, Junker-Jonas-Schlössle is a reminder of the town's history. The route then leads to Hohenems, where the historic buildings around Kirchplatz and the Schlossberg above, with the ruins of Alt-Ems Castle, shape the townscape.

From Kirchplatz in Hohenems, the tour continues at the foot of the Schlossberg via Tiergartenweg along the Freizeit Dornbirn–Hohenems cycle route. Near the Julius Blum works, it follows Stöckenstraße towards Haslach and then Haslachgasse as far as Mühlebach. Between the built-up areas, there are occasional views of the meadows, gardens and wooded slopes along the edge of the Rhine Valley.

In Mühlebach, the route passes Gasthaus Schiffle and follows Haldengasse to the embankment of the Dornbirner Ache. The cycle path then accompanies the river, crosses it in the area known as the Furt and continues beside the water to Gertrud's Mostschank. The circuit then passes through Möckle and the traditional wet meadows towards Jannersee; the access to the lake is near the Bruno Pezzey sports ground. The lake is a pleasant place to stop for a rest and, when conditions are suitable, offers the opportunity for a swim in designated areas.

From Jannersee, the final stage leads through Lauteracher Ried. Open meadows, wetlands and the expansive landscape between the Dornbirner Ache and Lake Constance provide a peaceful conclusion to the long circuit. The route then returns to Fußach, finishing in the village centre at St Nicholas Parish Church. After almost 87 kilometres, the varied impressions of two countries – from rivers and wetlands to vineyards, castles and historic towns – come together in a memorable ride.

The tour starts and finishes at St Nicholas Parish Church, Hinterburg 1, 6972 Fußach. The circuit can also be joined at other suitable points.

By public transport

Bus stop at the start/finish: Fußach Altes Postamt (in the village centre, a few minutes' walk from St Nicholas Parish Church).

Train station at the start/finish: Hard-Fußach (the station is in Hard; continue to the starting point by bicycle or bus).

Hard-Fußach railway station can be reached by train. From there, Landbus route 141 serves Fußach Altes Postamt. Please check current services and the conditions for carrying bicycles before travelling.

Journey planner: vmobil.at

By car

Approach Fußach via Hard or Höchst. St Nicholas Parish Church is on Hinterburg in the village centre. Those using the official parking facilities at Hard-Fußach railway station can cycle from there to the starting point in the centre of Fußach.

Parking

ÖBB parking facilities at Hard-Fußach railway station, accessed via Bahnhofstraße in Hard. A short additional cycle ride leads from here to the starting point at St Nicholas Parish Church in Fußach. Please check the current parking conditions, availability and any applicable time limits locally.

A roadworthy touring bike or suitable e-bike with reliable brakes and tyres capable of handling gravel paths is recommended. A cycle helmet, sufficient water and food, clothing appropriate for the weather, sun and rain protection, and a small repair kit with a spare inner tube are advisable. For this long day ride, carefully plan your energy levels or e-bike battery range. Carry valid identification for the border crossings.

This approximately 87-kilometre circuit requires endurance and realistic time planning. Wind can make the exposed sections of the Rhine Valley more demanding. An appropriate speed is particularly important on the gravel section of the Ill-Rhein-Route and on the shorter, steeper stretches around the Blattenberg. Pay attention to other road users in built-up areas and at road crossings.

In the Bannriet, Wichenstein and Lauteracher Ried protected areas, stay on designated paths and respect wildlife, plants and other visitors. At Jannersee, follow local swimming and conduct rules. Check the current requirements for crossing the border and for any return journey by train, particularly bicycle carriage arrangements.

The circuit brings together Vorarlberg's historic towns and castles with the vineyards and manor houses of the St Gallen Rhine Valley. Optional visits include Feldkirch's old town, Schloss Grünenstein near Balgach and the Wichenstein castle ruins. Allow separate time for these excursions, which are not included in the stated route distance.

The villages along the route and Jannersee provide opportunities for a break; there are also places to stop for refreshments along the Dornbirner Ache, including Gertrud's Mostschank. Those wishing to shorten the long circuit can use the train for part of the journey, for example from Feldkirch. Timetables, bicycle carriage arrangements and suitable connections back to Fußach should be checked in advance.