Columban Way Stage 3: Laufenburg – Koblenz
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Attractions & facts worth knowing
Schwaderloch: The fact that the area was already settled during Columban’s time is evidenced by an inscription carved in stone, which states that during Emperor Valentinian's reign (364-375 AD), Roman fortresses existed here for protection against Alemanni invasions. This inscription was found during the construction of the railway line. Some ruins can still be seen.
Leibstadt-Bernau: Two sights: the Loretto Chapel and the Rettich House. The Loretto Chapel was built in the mid-17th century and subsequently served for years as the burial place of the industrial Von Roll family. The Rettich House was built in 1697. The straw-covered farmhouse at the time was restored in 1997.
The steam plume of the Leibstadt Nuclear Power Plant is unmistakable. One-sixth of Switzerland's electricity demand is covered by this plant. It can be visited.
In Full, a ferry used to connect the two Rhine banks. After the Romans withdrew around 400 AD, the Alemanni took over rule and settled here as Columban passed by.
Also notable here is the Swiss Military Museum Full (located directly on the path) and the Reuenthal Fortress Museum, which can be visited (requires a short ascent from Full to Reuenthal). From there, a direct path leads to Koblenz. Reuenthal has its roots with the Helvetians, who took possession of this area in 500 BC. From 58 BC until about 400 AD, with a brief interruption from 259 to 277 AD when the Alemanni lived here, the Romans occupied the area. The Alemanni regained control after the Romans withdrew over the Alps.
Between Ziegelhütte and Giriz, we cross the river Aare and arrive at Koblenz.
Koblenz, the village of four bridges at the confluence of the Rhine and Aare, is today’s stage location. The area has been settled since Roman times. Slightly east of Koblenz, the foundations of a Roman watchtower from the year 371 AD have been preserved.
Formerly, the island Judenäule lay in the Rhine, long the only burial site allowed for Jews in Switzerland and, during frequent persecutions, also the only refuge. The island was regularly flooded during high water.