Near the mouth of the Maag River, also known as the Weeser Linth, the creation of natural river banks resulted in a biodiverse wonderland. The Escher Channel, named after Hans Conrad Escher von der Linth (1767 – 1823), guides the Linth mountain river into Lake Walen. A campground and a beach are available nearby. The Mediterranean climate on the north shore of the lake is mild enough to grow wine, figs and kiwis. On the other hand, nothing thrives in the adventurous bicycle tunnels along Lake Walen, except that water keeps dripping from the walls instead. It feels almost like the tunnel of horror in the amusement park. A possibly record-breaking uphill slope of 25% outside of the tunnel makes the ride even more exciting. A helmet is recommended because small stones are known to rain down here unexpectedly. The charming winegrowing village of Quinten, squeezed in between Leistkamm and Churfirsten, can only be reached on foot or by boat, from Mühlehorn, for example, or from Murg or Unterterzen. Here, on the southern shore of the lake, the majestic Churfirsten range does not feel as intimidating, just very impressive.

The ride continues at a leisurely pace along the Seez through the Seez Valley with Gonzen Mountain smiling down. No wonder the mountain is peaceful now. It went into “retirement” in 1966 when the last miners left the iron mine. Nowadays a labyrinth of tunnels is accessible to the public. The ore deposits, which constantly change their colours, are visible from galleries, in deep silos and hidden nooks and crannies. But those who are claustrophobic are probably better off visiting Sargans Castle. This is also where the Sarganserland Museum is located. It was the first museum in Switzerland to receive the “Museum of the Year” award in 1983 from the Council of Europe.

Awards are nothing that concerns the rare wading birds in the Wartau River. Between mid-April and mid-August they are sitting on their eggs on the gravel banks. On the high, straightened dam the bike riders enjoy an amazing view of the Alvier range and the Rhine. If you would like to visit Liechtenstein, all you have to do is cross the “Sri Chinmoy Peace Bridge” (he was a spiritual leader from southern India, 1931 – 2007) or the wooden bridge shortly thereafter. Once you arrive in Buchs, make sure to try the traditional flat cakes of the Sargans region, provided that you haven’t eaten one in Sargans already. You’d be amazed at how much energy this will give you …