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Switzerland meets Italy
erstmaldurcheuropa
erstmaldurcheuropa
Public

Switzerland meets Italy

In mid-September 2018 we 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️ went on a big autumn trip for the first time in a 🚐💨 box van through 🇨🇭 Switzerland to 🇮🇹 Italy. In total it was 🛣 3,373 KM in 18 days. Our journey leads via Zurich to Central Switzerland to 🏔 Engelberg and past the 🚤 Lake Lucerne, to the northern Italian lakes Lago Maggiore and Lago d'Orta, along the Po plain to the lagoon city on the 🌊 Adria and via Liguria's coast with the Cinque Terre back in the Swiss Alps to Locarno and Lucerne. You can also find our travel report on our 🎥 YouTube channel (https://tinyurl.com/ErstmalDurchEuropa) and also as a playlist (https://tinyurl.com/EdE-CHmIT).

This description was automatically translated from German using Google Translate and may not be completely accurate. Show in original language (German)

Route info
1805 Kilometres
17 Days
31 Waypoints
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Travelogue

Day 1
Sukkulenten-Sammlung Zürich
Mythenquai 88, 8002 Zürich, Schweiz

From the parking lot of the succulent collection, located at the Mythenquai lido and in the immediate vicinity of Lake Zurich, we explore Zurich's old town. The old town can be reached on foot in 20 minutes.

Free standing for 4 SFR or EUR/night, to be paid in coins and only 1.5 km away from the city center, for vans and short motorhomes a good value alternative to explore Zurich. In the morning we woke up with a clear view of Lake Zurich and had a leisurely breakfast with an unobstructed view of the still calm lake.


Day 2
Camping Eienwäldli
Wasserfallstraße 108, 6390, Engelberg, Schweiz

Camping Eienwäldli is located in a valley high in the Swiss Alps in Engelberg, outside the tranquil winter sports resort. The highlights are long hikes past the Benedictine monastery and the Olympic ski jump back to the waterfall near Camping Eienwäldli. The adjoining restaurant and the wellness area of the associated hotel invite you to linger.


Besichtigung des Benediktinerklosters

The monastery, founded in 1120 (https://www.kloster-engelberg....) is located in a beautiful mountain valley and also houses a show dairy (https://www.schaukaeserei-enge...). From Camping Eienwaeldli (https://www.eienwaeldli.ch/de/...) along the course of the stream, you can manage the visit with an easy hike of 4 km there and back.


Day 3
Area Sosta Camper Lugano
Via Tassino, 6900 Lugano, Schweiz

This parking space with a view of Monte San Salvatore and the Paradiso district is located high above Lugano and about a 20-minute walk from the old town. The one with SFR or EUR coins! The paid parking space is expensive, but ideally located in terms of traffic and for sightseeing.


Hinauf auf den Monte San Salvatore

First, take the funicular in Paradiso (http://www.montesansalvatore.c...) to 912 m above sea level. M. up - to Monte San Salvatore - on which there is a chapel, a museum and an open-air exhibition on historical tourism. From here, in 10 minutes, you can reach a viewpoint with a 360° panorama over Lake Lugano, the Po Valley and the mountain ranges of the Swiss and Savoy Alps.


Day 4
Villa del Balbianello
Via Guido Monzino, 1, 22016 Tremezzo CO, Italien

Located on the tip of the Lavedo peninsula in Lenno on Lake Como, the expansive grounds of Villa del Balbianello serve as an ideal wedding photo opportunity for Asian bridal couples. The summer residence dates back to the 18th century and has already served as a film set for James Bond Casino Royale , among others. Originally there was a small Franciscan monastery, of which the two church towers still stand. The Italian garden is located directly around the villa, towards the lake shore. From here you can book a boat trip on Lake Como or just stroll in the terraced garden.

There is a very small, free car park not far from the non-barrier-free access to the site in Lenno.


Camping La Riva
Via Poncione 3, 22010, Sorico, Italien

This well-kept small complex is located on the northern shore of Lake Como in Sorico and in direct proximity to the Mera river delta. A nearby cycling and hiking trail leads to other offerings such as water sports and local attractions.


Day 5
Varenna
23829 Varenna, Lecco, Italien

Varenna is probably the most beautiful place on Lake Como.


Bellagio
Via Lazzaretto, 22021 Bellagio CO, Italien

The most famous place on Lake Como is probably the Bellagio, which grows on a mountain on a peninsula in the lake. Tourists flock to one of the many cafés and restaurants along the waterfront or shop in the countless boutiques.


Arra Sosta Camper Como
Via Brennero, 7, 22100 Como CO, Italien

This small parking space in Como is just a few kilometers from the city center, very conveniently located and with a view of Brunate and the Faro Voltiano.


Day 6
Hinauf nach San Maurizio Brunate

High above Como, in San Maurizio Brunate, a 29 m high lighthouse was built in 1927 in honor of Alessandro Volta. The view of Lake Como from the tower is breathtaking. The Faro Voltiano can be reached with the funicular from Como (FUNICOLARE COMO-BRUNATE ...www.funicolarecomo.it/) and a 30 minute climb. Those who need more excitement can combine the climb with a fast-paced jeep safari in an old military Piaggio.


Arra Sosta Camper Como
Via Brennero, 7, 22100 Como CO, Italien

This small parking space in Como is just a few kilometers from the city center, very conveniently located and with a view of Brunate and the Faro Voltiano.


Day 7
Camping Village Marina di Venezia
Via Montello 6, 30013, Cavallino, Italien

Marina di Venezia is Europe's largest campsite on the Venice Lido in Cavallino Treporti. The very well-kept and spacious complex has all the refinements of a modern campsite: leisure pool with direct access to the beach, various shopping markets including Italian specialty shops, grocery stores, restaurants/bars/cafes and various entertainment, sports and leisure facilities.


Erkundung der Lagune

Directly on the Adriatic Sea lies the Lagoon of Venice with its metropolitan metropolis La Serenissima (the Most Serene), which is one of the most visited cities in Europe and whose most famous means of transport is the gondola.

Good ferry connections (vaporetto) also take you to the other islands of Burano (known for textile craftsmanship and the colorful old town) and Murano (known for glass production). Marina di Venezia is only a few minutes away from the ferry terminal Punta Sabbioni (https://www.veneziaunica.it/de...), in the summer months a shuttle runs.


Day 8
Camping Village Marina di Venezia
Via Montello 6, 30013, Cavallino, Italien

Marina di Venezia is Europe's largest campsite on the Venice Lido in Cavallino Treporti. The very well-kept and spacious complex has all the refinements of a modern campsite: leisure pool with direct access to the beach, various supermarkets including Italian specialty shops, grocery stores, restaurants/bars/cafes and various entertainment, sports and leisure facilities.


Day 9
Camping Village Marina di Venezia
Via Montello 6, 30013, Cavallino, Italien

Marina di Venezia is Europe's largest campsite on the Venice Lido in Cavallino Treporti. The very well-kept and spacious complex has all the refinements of a modern campsite: leisure pool with direct access to the beach, various supermarkets including Italian specialty shops, grocery stores, restaurants/bars/cafes and various entertainment, sports and leisure facilities.


Day 10
Camping In Town
Via Generale C. A. dalla Chiesa, 3, 50136 Firenze FI, Italien

The relatively new Camping In Town Firenze complex has its own supermarket, a spacious leisure pool and its own restaurant. A low-cost shuttle connects regularly to Florence's historic center.


Kunst und Eis in der toskanischen Hauptstadt

In the Tuscan capital, a detour to the Galleria degli Uffizi (https://www.uffizi.it/) is a must, which has housed the most famous art collection in the world since its beginnings around 1580. The Arno metropolis also has a lot to offer in other respects: Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio and, of course, the magnificent cathedral. Tip: The tastiest and most expensive ice cream in Italy can be found on the Ponte Vecchio.


Day 11
Camping In Town
Via Generale Carlo Alberto dalla Chiesa 1/3, 50136, Firenze, Italien

The relatively new Camping In Town Firenze complex has its own supermarket, a spacious leisure pool and its own restaurant. A low-cost shuttle connects regularly to Florence's historic center.


Day 12
Campeggio Torre Pendente
Via delle Cascine 86, 56122, Pisa, Italien

Located in the immediate vicinity of the Piazza dei Miracoli, the very simple but clean facility offers a good starting point for exploring the tourist attraction on the Arno that has become a city. A bar and a small restaurant are also available.


Im Schatten von Florenz

Not far from the Campeggio Torre Pendente and within walking distance in a few minutes are the most famous sights of Tuscany. The free-standing bell tower (campanile) from the 12th century has become world-famous for its crooked position. Its architecture, 55 meters high and made of Carrara marble, clearly stands out over the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Baptistery. To the north, Camposanto Monumentale borders on an imposing cemetery and rounds off the old town of the Tuscan city of Pisa, which is well worth seeing.

Also worth seeing is a replica of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, as well as a 14th-century prayer house honoring the Crown of Thorns and keeping a piece of thorns, situated on the banks of the Arno. Unfortunately, today's chapel is not open to the public. To do this, leave the Piazza dei Miracoli around the Torre Pendente and walk about 15 minutes through the wonderful old town to the banks of the Arno.


Day 13
Camping Valdeiva
Località Ronco, 19013 , Deiva Marina, Italien

This tranquil campsite is situated in the middle of a terraced area in the mountains high above Deiva Marina. The spacious, branched and very natural facility has a free shuttle to the train station of Deiva Marina, from which Portofino and the Cinque Terre can be reached in just 1 hour.


Im teuersten Fischerdorf der Welt

Portofino is a fishing village located southeast of Genoa on the Italian Riviera. Pastel-colored houses, luxury boutiques and seafood restaurants line the Piazzetta, a small, cobblestone square overlooking the harbor where super yachts are moored. Portofino can be reached from the Cinque Terre in 1 hour via the Genoa-La Spezia regional express.


Day 14
Weltkulturerbe der Cinque Terre

The World Heritage Site on the Ligurian coast owes its name to the five neighboring centuries-old coastal villages, known for their colorful houses and terraced vineyards on the steep slopes: Monterosso, Manarola and Riomaggiore are the best known. Fishing boats are anchored in the harbors and the trattorias serve seafood specialties and pesto, the region's famous sauce. The Sentiero Azzurro hiking trail connects the villages, offering panoramic views of the sea.


Camping Valdeiva
Località Ronco, 19013 , Deiva Marina, Italien

This tranquil campsite is situated in the middle of a terraced area in the mountains high above Deiva Marina. The spacious, branched and very natural facility has a free shuttle to the train station of Deiva Marina, from where Portofino and the Cinque Terre can be reached in just 1 hour.


Day 15
Parken am Ufer des Lago Maggiore
Via Gilberto Borromeo, 28838 Stresa VB, Italien

More by chance we discovered this half-shaded car park right on the shore of Lake Maggiore and just a few minutes' walk from the boat docks from which the Borromean Islands can be explored.

Basically, there is nothing wrong with using this as a parking space for one night and we will put this into practice on our next visit.


Auf der Schönen Insel

The small island can be reached quickly by boat from Stresa. The palazzo and gardens are a jewel of Baroque art. On the tour of the palace you will pass through elegantly furnished salons with the magnificent views of the lake, see numerous paintings by famous artists, precious furniture, marble, neoclassical stucco, antique sculptures, armor and Flemish tapestries with gold thread and silk.

Tip: A combined ticket allows you to travel to the three largest Borromean islands: Isola Madre, Isola Pescatori and Isola Bella. Another combination ticket allows you to visit the gardens and palaces on Isola Madre and Isola Bella.


Area Camper Super Attrezzata
Strada Martiri Oggebbiesi 6, 28824, Oggebbio, Italien

This parking space is located high above Lake Maggiore and can only be reached at breakneck speed via a steep, narrow access road to a mountain village. Once up here, you can enjoy the view from one of the private terraces associated with each pitch.


Day 16
Wallfahrt in das Kaminfegertal

The jagged and wooded rocky panorama accompanies us on the passage of the Centovalli (engl. hundred valleys). Not far from Malesco stands the Santuario della Madonna del Sangue, on the site of which, according to tradition, a miracle happened in 1494 when the fresco of a Virgin Mary, struck by a stone, began to bleed.


Locarno, Schweiz
Via Gioacchino Respini 8, 6600 Locarno, Schweiz

Locarno is a great city with a long promenade along the Lago Maggiore and an interesting old town. For just a few SFR and for free at night you can stand freely near the thermal baths on the shore of Lake Maggiore, just minutes from the old town.


Day 17
Alpenquai, Luzern
Alpenquai, 6005 Luzern, Schweiz

Only 2 km from the Chapel Bridge, the city's landmark, you can park in the "Ufschötti" park. The city can be explored perfectly on foot and has a lot of beautiful things to offer: art museum, Chapel Bridge with water tower and Spreuerbrücke as well as a great old town.

Day 1
Sukkulenten-Sammlung Zürich
Mythenquai 88, 8002 Zürich, Schweiz
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Day 2
87,8 km 1 hrs. 9 min.
Camping Eienwäldli
Wasserfallstraße 108, 6390, Engelberg, Schweiz
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Besichtigung des Benediktinerklosters

Das in 1120 gegründete Kloster (https://www.kloster-engelberg....) liegt in einem wunderschönen Bergtal und beherbergt auch eine Schaukäserei (https://www.schaukaeserei-enge...). Vom Camping Eienwäldli (https://www.eienwaeldli.ch/de/...) den Bachlauf entlang kann man den Besuch mit einer einfachen Wanderung von 4 km hin und zurück bewältigen.

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Day 3
174,6 km 1 hrs. 59 min.
Area Sosta Camper Lugano
Via Tassino, 6900 Lugano, Schweiz
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Hinauf auf den Monte San Salvatore

Zunächst geht es mit der in Paradiso gelegenen Standseilbahn (http://www.montesansalvatore.c...) auf 912 m. ü. M. hinauf - auf den Monte San Salvatore - auf dem sich eine Kapelle, ein Museum sowie eine Freilicht-Ausstellung zum historischen Tourismus befinden. Von hier aus kann man in 10 Minuten einen Aussichtspunkt erreichen, dessen 360°-Panorama über den Luganersee, die Po-Ebene und die Bergketten der Schweizer und Savoyer Alpen reicht.

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Day 4
49,9 km 47 min.
Villa del Balbianello
Via Guido Monzino, 1, 22016 Tremezzo CO, Italien
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34,2 km 38 min.
Camping La Riva
Via Poncione 3, 22010, Sorico, Italien
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Day 5
30,1 km 26 min.
Varenna
23829 Varenna, Lecco, Italien
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4,0 km 4 min.
Bellagio
Via Lazzaretto, 22021 Bellagio CO, Italien
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4,1 km 36 min.
Arra Sosta Camper Como
Via Brennero, 7, 22100 Como CO, Italien
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Day 6
Hinauf nach San Maurizio Brunate

Hoch über Como, in San Maurizio Brunate gelegen, wurde 1927 und zu Ehren Alessandro Voltas ein 29 m hoher Leuchtturm gebaut. Der Ausblick vom Turm auf den Comer See ist atemberaubend. Erreicht werden kann der Faro Voltiano mit der Standseilbahn aus Como (FUNICOLARE COMO-BRUNATE ...www.funicolarecomo.it/) und einem 30 minütigen Aufstieg. Wer mehr Aufregung braucht, gönnt sich in Kombination mit dem Aufstieg eine rasante Jeep-Safari mit einem alten Militär-Piaggio.

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1,8 km 3 min.
Arra Sosta Camper Como
Via Brennero, 7, 22100 Como CO, Italien
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Day 7
33,8 km 48 min.
Camping Village Marina di Venezia
Via Montello 6, 30013, Cavallino, Italien
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Erkundung der Lagune

Direkt an der Adria liegt die Lagune von Venedig mit ihrer Metropolitan-Metropole La Serenissima (die Durchlauchtigste), die zu den meistbesuchten Städten Europas zählt und deren bekanntestes Verkehrsmittel die Gondel ist.

Durch gute Fährverbindungen (Vaporetto) gelangt man auch zu den weiteren Inseln Burano (bekannt für textile Handfertigkeit und farbenfrohe Altstadt) sowie Murano (bekannt für die Glasherstellung). Marina di Venezia ist vom Fährterminal Punta Sabbioni (https://www.veneziaunica.it/de...) nur wenige Minuten entfernt gelegen, in den Sommermonate pendelt ein Shuttle.

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Day 8
Camping Village Marina di Venezia
Via Montello 6, 30013, Cavallino, Italien
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Day 9
370,4 km 3 hrs. 50 min.
Camping Village Marina di Venezia
Via Montello 6, 30013, Cavallino, Italien
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Day 10
Camping In Town
Via Generale C. A. dalla Chiesa, 3, 50136 Firenze FI, Italien
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Kunst und Eis in der toskanischen Hauptstadt

In der toskanischen Hauptstadt darf ein Abstecher zur Galleria degli Uffizi (https://www.uffizi.it/) nicht fehlen, in der sich seit ihren Anfängen um 1580 die bekannteste Kunstsammlung der Welt befindet. Auch sonst bietet die Arno-Metropole einiges: Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio und natürlich der großartige Dom. Tipp: Das leckerste und teuerste Eis in ganz Italien gibt es an der Ponte Vecchio.

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Day 11
Camping In Town
Via Generale Carlo Alberto dalla Chiesa 1/3, 50136, Firenze, Italien
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Day 12
322,2 km 3 hrs. 32 min.
Campeggio Torre Pendente
Via delle Cascine 86, 56122, Pisa, Italien
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Im Schatten von Florenz

Unweit vom Campeggio Torre Pendente und fußläufig in wenigen Minuten erreicht befinden sich die bekanntesten Sehenswürdigkeiten der Toskana. Der freistehende Glockenturm (Campanile) aus dem 12. Jahrhundert ist durch seine Schieflage weltbekannt geworden. Seine 55 Meter hohe und aus Carrara-Marmor bestehende Architektur sticht dabei deutlich über die Kathedrale Santa Maria Assunta und das Baptisterium hinaus. Nördlich grenzt mit Camposanto Monumentale eine imposante Friedhofsanlage an und rundet die sehenswürdige Altstadt der toskanischen Stadt Pisa ab.

Ebenfalls sehenswert ist ein Nachbau der Grabeskirche sowie ein Gebetshaus aus dem 14. Jahrhundert zu Ehren der Dornenkrone und Aufbewahrung eines Dornenstücks, am Ufer des Arno gelegen. Leider ist die heutige Kapelle nicht der Öffentlichkeit zugänglich. Hierzu verlässt man die Piazza dei Miracoli um den Torre Pendente und geht circa 15 Minuten durch die wunderbare Altstadt zum Arnoufer. 

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Day 13
1,5 km 3 min.
Camping Valdeiva
Località Ronco, 19013 , Deiva Marina, Italien
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Im teuersten Fischerdorf der Welt

Portofino ist ein Fischerdorf, das an der italienischen Riviera südöstlich von Genua liegt. Pastellfarbene Häuser, Luxusboutiquen und Fischrestaurants säumen die Piazzetta, einen kleinen, kopfsteingepflasterten Platz mit Blick auf den Hafen, wo Super-Yachten vor Anker liegen. Portofino kann von den Cinque Terre aus in 1 Stunde über den Regionalexpress zwischen Genua-La Spezia erreicht werden.

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Day 14
Weltkulturerbe der Cinque Terre

Das Weltkulturerbe an der ligurischen Küste verdankt seinen Namen den fünf benachbarten jahrhundertealten Küstendörfern, bekannt für ihre bunten Häuser und die terrassenförmig an den Steilhängen angelegten Weinberge: Monterosso, Manarola und Riomaggiore stellen dabei die bekanntesten dar. In den Häfen liegen Fischerboote vor Anker und die Trattorien servieren Meeresfrüchtespezialitäten und Pesto, die berühmte Sauce der Region. Der Wanderweg Sentiero Azzurro verbindet die Dörfer und bietet dabei Panoramaausblicke über das Meer.

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96,5 km 1 hrs. 14 min.
Camping Valdeiva
Località Ronco, 19013 , Deiva Marina, Italien
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Day 15
105,2 km 1 hrs. 11 min.
Parken am Ufer des Lago Maggiore
Via Gilberto Borromeo, 28838 Stresa VB, Italien
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Auf der Schönen Insel

Mit dem Schiff aus Stresa kommend ist die kleine Insel schnell erreich. Der Palazzo und die Gärten sind ein Schmuckstück barocker Kunst. Auf dem Rundgang durch den Palast durchquert man elegant eingerichtete Salons mit den herrlichen Ausblicken auf den See, sieht zahlreiche Gemälde berühmter Künstler, kostbare Möbel, Marmor, neoklassizistischen Stuck, antike Skulpturen, Rüstungen und flämische Wandteppiche mit Goldfäden und aus Seide.

Tipp: Ein Kombiticket ermöglich die Fahrt zu den drei größten borromäischen Inseln: Isola Madre, Isola Pescatori und Isola Bella. Ein weiteres Kombiticket ermöglicht die Besichtigung der Gärten und Palazzi auf Isola Madre und Isola Bella.

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Area Camper Super Attrezzata
Strada Martiri Oggebbiesi 6, 28824, Oggebbio, Italien
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Day 16
Wallfahrt in das Kaminfegertal

Das zerklüftete und durch bewaldete Felsen bestimmte Panorama begleitet uns auf der Durchfahrt des Centovalli (dt. Hundert Täler). Unweit von Malesco erhebt sich die Wallfahrtskirche Santuario della Madonna del Sangue, an deren Ort der Überlieferung zufolge 1494 ein Wunder geschah, als das von einem Stein getroffene Fresko einer Maria zu bluten begann.

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269,4 km 2 hrs. 52 min.
Locarno, Schweiz
Via Gioacchino Respini 8, 6600 Locarno, Schweiz
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Day 17
26,2 km 36 min.
Alpenquai, Luzern
Alpenquai, 6005 Luzern, Schweiz
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200 km

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