(Published in Issue 33 of the BB magazine, photographs Sergi Ros)
A tiny country with 160 km2 and 35,000 inhabitants. That is Liechtenstein, a country historically dependent Austria since 1936 but much closer politically to Switzerland, to the extent that the country's official currency is the Swiss franc. Are the two countries with which limits this tiny principality.
trip we made in the south of Germany had the opportunity to approach Liechtenstein, attracted because we had read references in the climb to Malbun from the capital, Vaduz, and also attracted to complete at a stroke all the major increases Liechtenstein. Malbun (to 1,604 meters) is the ski station of this small country. It offers the ability to upload a drop of 1,141 meters in 14 kilometers beginning in Schaan (450 m) means an average of 8.1%, higher than Alpe d'Huez, which raises the same slope at 16 miles. Interestingly
across the valley there is another climb that granted the same name confidential, but in this case in Switzerland, starting in the town of Buchs. It is worth bearing in mind and not confuse. Also known as Buchser Berg, this is a very stiff climb of 10.4 km at 9.2% and it is perfectly possible to make one after another.
Even in early July, the weather in Europe ensures a bit of sun. The day we decided to climb the ascent to Malbun know time does not bode well, but when you're 1,200 kilometers home, never knows whether to return. So we had to risk a good soaking. And the truth is that, despite everything, it was worth.
The location of the climb to Malbun is not difficult, provided you know which direction to follow is that of the Castle lies the Prince of Liechtenstein. So the on-Malbun Vaduz to be void and, however, the signs for the castle (Schloss) are numerous, it is impossible to get lost. If this road is closed, for up to Malbun is necessary to use one of two alternative routes, one in the output direction Coire Vaduz, or the other from Triesen.
The castle is visible from below and barely three miles, after a couple of corners with cobblestones "to the San Gottardo" (which feel like I have for this one!). The day was horrible. Shortly after passing through the castle begins an area of \u200b\u200bdense forest, that at least keeps me very wet. On one hand I thought I would lose the views of the castle from above, they appear to be precious. On the other hand, hoped that the fairly high up, could pass through clouds and at the top might look the sun and get a good view of the sea of \u200b\u200bclouds and perhaps the valley.
is working day and I'm only on the road. For a moment I'm scared and I think those posters in German should mean that you are trespassing. Suddenly, half way up, I see a long tunnel and almost on the flat end of it I see another rider Sergi and waiting for me to take pictures. That leaves me more relaxed, when I imagined in the barracks of the Polizei, losing the return flight. The tunnel is spectacular, perfectly wrapped and waterproofed. Thought to pass through the old tunnel Viella I've crossed many times in place of the Bonaigua and now, finally, with the opening of the new tunnel will no longer have to cross over. Damp and claustrophobic tunnel that has nothing to do with it. As often happens at the end of the tunnel and the consequent change of slope, significantly improves the time (well, better or worse, but rarely salts such as when you entered). Finally tore myself away from the raincoat and I start to feel more comfortable. Less than a mile from the exit of the tunnel we entered Steg (1300m), the last town before the season of Malbun.
As I suspected the visibility is almost zero, no trace of the castle from above and only when we crossed a major fog begins to see something of the Rhine Valley and the Austrian and Swiss traditional buildings. I think the views are beautiful, but I do not want to imagine that a sunny day. It should be spectacular. The road is wide and well marked, but there are numerous diversions that lead to the villages in the middle of the mountain. One of them announced a spectacular 24% with unique house. The road continues to offer inducements, natural and artificial.
Finally, we reached the resort at a time that appears to us a great alpine amphitheater where there is a ski resort with two lifts and four ski lifts, giving access to 21 kilometers of tracks little complicated. In summer, the extensive network of mountain hiking trails around Malbun leads to an idyllic unspoiled nature. Thanks to its topography, is a paradise for mountain bikers with a number of single trails and roads technically difficult. A rise
different, with its own personality and with many attractions. But if I have the slightest chance of returning, I will. I have the certainty that I took some great clouds.
0 comments:
Post a Comment