261 Rhäzünser Rheinauen

From the railway station at Rhäzüns we soon reach the water's edge, our nostrils filling with the fresh air from the wetlands. The Rhäzünser Rheinauen are among the most best preserved wetland areas in Switzerland and are considered of national importance. We continue along the single trail as it rises and falls until we reach the flatter section along the Rhine dam after Rothenbrunnen. Along the Polenweg to Reichenau the sparse forest lets us glimpse wonderful views of these unique Rheinauen wetlands. Along this section of the route the Hinterrhein meanders from one side of the valley to the other. In Reichenau, the confluence of the Hinterrhein and Vorderrhein, we once again switch to the other side of the river and roll on towards Bonaduz. After a short, steep ascent up to the high plateau of Rhäzüns and Bonaduz the route continues past Sogn Gieri (St. Georg), which is well worth a stop. The Romanesque church, more than 1,000 years old, is famous beyond Switzerland's borders for its astonishing and beautifully preserved murals. After the rewarding visit of Sogn Gieri we happily cycle back to Rhäzüns.