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Grand Tour of Switzerland – Just Grand
The Grand Tour of Switzerland, in partnership withHarleyDavidson®, showcases the very best thatSwitzerland has to offer – and it’s just perfect forbikers
Photos: Nico Schaerer/ Christof Sonderegger/ StephanSchacher
Shimmering lakes, pictureperfect towns, and snowcapped mountains all around –you’ve ridden off themotorway and straight into adream. Welcome toSwitzerland.
The Grand Tour of Switzerlandhas been put together bySwitzerland Tourism tocombine the highlights of thisbeautiful country with astunningly scenic route,
avoiding motorways for the most part and offeringrecommendations to make planning your trip a simple, stressfree experience.
Switzerland packs an incredible amount into its 41,000 squarekilometres. You could ride for weeks and never tire of themountain vistas and the towns brimming with history.Stretching for more than 1,000 miles, the Grand Tour routetakes in five mountain passes and 44 of the country’s topattractions, including 11 UNESCO World Heritage sites and22 lakes. It has been designed with the freedom of the road in
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mind – and it’s so stunning that HarleyDavidson® decided toenter into an official partnership with this jewel inSwitzerland’s crown. This tour is set to become a real meccafor bikers keen to see some of Europe’s most spectacularscenery.
Some of our highlights
AppenzellTucked away in the smallest of the Swiss cantons, Appenzellis situated in a picturesque hilly landscape that becomesdramatic as you head up into the Alpstein massif. The villageis known for traditional folk music and dancing, as well as forthe cheese to which it gives its name.
Chillon Castle and the Lavaux vineyardsSwitzerland’s most famous fortress stands on a rock on thebanks of Lake Geneva. For hundreds of years, the passage ofships on the lake was controlled from here. Heading west pastMontreux takes you into the Lavaux wineproducing region,where the steep and narrow Route de la Corniche passesthrough the villages with their traditional stone houses. Stop ata cellar to taste the wine and learn about local winegrowingculture.
Stein am RheinThis little northern town has a real chocolatebox charm, withpainted facades and halftimbered houses. Visit the wellpreserved medieval Monastery of St. Georgen, or enjoy thefabulous countryside along the lower end of Lake Constance,where it becomes the river Rhine. A few kilometres to thewest is Europe’s largest waterfall, the Rhine Falls, wherejutting platforms allow visitors to experience the force of theFalls up close.
The ViamalaGlimpse the power of nature on this spectacular ride. Overcenturies, the Posterior Rhine has carved a deep gorge andcreated a landscape of striking rock formations. Cross bridgesand pass through tunnels before emerging into the village ofZillis. ‘Viamala’ means ‘bad path’ – but new roads have beenbuilt since it got its name. These days, you can enjoy thebreathtaking scenery without worrying about obstacles in yourpath!
The whole tour can be completed in seven days riding fivehours a day, but you’ll need a bit longer if you want to makethe most of the sights. It can be completed in either direction,but Switzerland Tourism recommends making the journeyclockwise, as there are some oneway streets in cities.
Renting a bike through Authorized Rentals also means there’sno need to transport your own Harley – simply book online,then pick up your rental bike from one of Switzerland’sAuthorized Rentals dealerships and you’re on your way!
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To make your trip even more stressfree and enjoyable, whynot go with Authorized Tours? Two brandnew tours for 2015have been constructed around the Grand Tour of Switzerland.The eightday East Loop and West Loop tours offer slightly different routes, but both give you the opportunity to discoverSwitzerland’s diverse landscapes in the company of otherriders and an experienced guide.
Both Authorized Tours and Authorized Rentals can be easilybooked online.hd.com/tourshd.com/rentals
WIN your trip!Already itching to try the ‘Swiss Route 66’? We are offeringtwo places on the August West Loop leg of the Grand Tour ofSwitzerland as a competition prize for one lucky winner! Theprize includes the Tour package, a rental motorcycle for theduration of the trip, flights to and from Switzerland plushotels, breakfast and dinner. The tour dates are August 2330.For a chance to win, simply go tohogeuropegallery.com/grandtourswitzerland and fill in theentry form.
For an even bigger HD adventure, why not time your trip tocoincide with Swiss Harley Days® in Lugano from July 35?Lugano is a stop on the Grand Tour of Switzerland, so it’s theperfect opportunity to sample the Tour as well as getting yourfix of the unique Harley rally spirit.swissharleydays.ch
Ready to dream some more?MySwitzerland.com/grandtour