Wil (St. Gallen) has basically managed to keep its small town character. More than 500 years ago, the St. Gallen prince-abbots lived at the “Hof zu Wil”, which is why it is also called the “town of abbots”. Once you leave Wil it is all urban agglomeration. Near Bichelsee Lake there is a frog’s net on the side of the road to make sure that the animals are not run over. On their dangerous journey to the spawning waters, the frogs are often carried across the street by volunteers. Bichelsee Lake, between Niederhofen and Seelmatten on the border between Thurgau and Zurich, is a veritable gem. It has a beach for a bit of relaxation. If you are traveling with kids the playground, ping pong table, wading pool and boat rental are a welcome sight. And if you are a photographer, there are plenty of lovely pictures to take.

Speaking of which: Seelmatten, just a stone’s throw away, with its charming town centre surrounded by attractive homes is very picturesque. The cattle clearly enjoy the lush, green grass, while the passengers on the “thurbo” regional train watch from the windows. The name is nominal at best as the train leisurely chugs through the Turbenthal region, but on the paved road along the Töss you can really fly. The river seems subdued here and merges with the Rhine in Teufen (Tössegg). In Schöntal near Rikon the valley is not the only pretty view. The “Circolino Pipistrello” circus caravan in its winter quarters is also worth a peek.

And then you arrive in Winterthur, a vibrant, culturally and industrially interesting city, but without big-city airs. If you follow Route 5 you will bypass Winterthur on the south side along an enjoyable passage through the forest accompanied by the Töss. In the spring the smell of garlic is in the air here because the area is full of wild garlic plants. The road up to Winterberg is surprisingly steep and near Lindau you will pass the Strickhof agricultural college. The air in Bassersdorf, however, has nothing to do with agriculture as you approach the Zurich-Kloten airport.