Between the railroad tracks and the highway, the bike route leads past utility poles, solar cells, salad plantations, and residential neighbourhoods. And what a treat for the eyes in Kölliken: The Salt House, one of the last thatched roof houses in Switzerland – even if it is now covered by reed. Built in 1802, the straw was replaced by approximately 40 tons of reed in 1983, because it is difficult to find appropriate straw nowadays. The village museum houses an exhibition about the region’s history and also includes a salt chamber and a salt scale. The farmer’s market at the Salt House every September is a highlight in Kölliken.

Continue biking along the Uerke River, which joins the Suhre in Unterentfelden. Between Oberentfelden and Suhr, you follow the national cycling route no. 3 for a short time, the north-south route from Basel to Chiasso. Now riding through the beautiful Aargau region in the footsteps of the Huguenots, you will see the gentle Jura hills across the highway. In the late 17th century, thousands of Calvinists fled France to seek refuge in a protestant region abroad. Interesting facts about people’s fate, important buildings and historical relationships are posted at various stations along the escape route through Schafisheim, Staufen and Lenzburg.

Staufen and Lenzburg have both expanded and are now connected. Staufberg with its lovely church on top is beautiful, while majestic Lenzburg Castle is an impressive sight to see. Not only dukes and counts resided here. Even a British aristocrat, an American adventurer and German playwright Frank Wedekind once called the castle home. Lenzburg is followed by Othmarsingen and the village of Mägenwil, known for its shell limestone, which is used in construction. And suddenly – out of nowhere – there is the riverbank protection area on the Reuss River. After traveling a long way from the Gotthard mountain range, the fourth-largest river of Switzerland has lost much of its original wildness and now flows gently in the direction of the Aare. But this bike tour ends in Baden, on the Limmat River, not on the Aare. The northern gate to the old town with the 54 m high Brugger Tower of 1441 should not be missed. By now, however, the thirsty bike riders are probably more interested in the cosy beer garden behind the railway station.