Rheinfall, and cycle touring through Switzerland
From our hilltop campsite in Germany it was a quick cycle into Schaffhausen, the town famous for Rheinfall. We were amazed by how clear the Rhine was when we first saw it, it was a shock after cycling along the Danube that alternates between murky green and stirred mud where the boats brush the river bed. In comparison, the Rhine is a refreshing crystal blue and clear enough to see the fish and river bed in the shallows.
Our ride continued with the Rhine river in a deep valley whilst we went up and over the hills around it. Occasionally glimpsing a view of the river through natural windows in the trees.
One of the things I’ve noticed this holiday when camping on rivers is that swans always seem to sail up the river in the evening. I was drying off from my evening swim when they came by, I yelled at Thomas to grab my camera and he took a nice selection of photographs of the swans (and me).
For our only night in Switzerland we camped on the Rhine in a picnic area on a nature trail. We were slightly worried about being discovered but the decision was either camp on the grassy area beside the river or up on the hillside in the trees. We decided staying in the open and enjoying the sun was the best option, and to pitch later than usual in case anyone does come along.
One chap did come along whilst we were washing clothes but ignored us and went for a swim. He swam for about half an hour and then left, we hadn’t pitched at that point so it was probably nothing unusual for him to find people stopped there.
As our stay in Switzerland was so short, I thought I would end this post with a map showing what we’ve done so far and the corresponding blog posts. At this point we just have France left, but it’s not to be underestimated! It’s almost 1000km wide East to West and we won’t be cycling in a straight line!
The cycle tour so far:
Romania – Departure and the Danube Delta
Romania – Cycling through Transylvania
Romania – Up and over the Transalpina in Romania
Serbia – Through the Iron Gates
Croatia – Eurovelo 6 in Croatia
Hungary and Slovakia – Hungry in Hungary
Austria – Bicycle touring through Austria
Germany – Cycling the Danube in Germany
Germany – Bicycle touring south through Germany
Switzerland – Rheinfall, and cycle touring through Switzerland