All hikes: Along Water

Starting in Interlaken, this varied path leads along the banks of the River Aare and the shore of Lake Thun through Unterseen. In addition to the waters, the ancient fortress ruins and nature reserve at Weissenau are also truly eye-catching.

The mule track over the Simplon, developed over 300 years ago by Kaspar Stockalper, has long handed over its economic importance to new roads. However, a few years ago it was reborn as a cultural hiking trail.

From St. Saphorin in a diverse route going uphill and downhill through the vines to Lutry. Indeed, it is on the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces where bon vivants get into top gear.

The Swiss Path leads to historic sites pertaining to the Swiss Confederation. The path is divided into stages that are partially wheelchair-accessible, and can be reached by ship or by train. Overnight stays are possible at the end of some of the trails.

Crossing of the wild Gondoschlucht (gorge) on three generations of roadways with historic buildings from four centuries and breathtaking natural landscape. History of the Simplon in the old army barracks and Stockalperturm in Gondo.

An excursion into the La Grande Cariçaie nature reserve offers a particularly special experience. One of the routes starts in Yvonand and leads along the southeast shore of Lac de Neuchâtel as far as Estavayer-le-Lac. A divine route through marshlands and lakeside woodlands.

The skilfully laid «bisses» irrigation channels are evidence of Valais history and culture. Fabulous flora along the way, the babbling water so soothing. The «Chemin des Bisses», a hike for all senses, follows the holy waters.

A cultural and long-distance hiking trail through exceptionally charming landscape. This trail is 65km long and runs from Thusis through the Viamala Gorge, the Roffla Gorge and on stone paths over Splügen Pass to Chiavenna. It is on the third leg, from the Walser village of Splügen to Isola in Italy, where you'll find the most beautiful historic remains of trails.

Along the small Urnäsch river, across meadows and fields, through dark coniferous forests and past cascading waterfalls up to Schwägalp - bottom station of the aerial cableway to the Säntis with its fantastic summit panorama.

The section of the trail between Corippo (under conservation order) and Mergoscia is particularly impressive. Hiking along the mountain trail, you see evidence of land use indicating the farmers’ struggle for survival a century ago.

Scenic bridges and spectacular gorges are the highlights of the Flims waterway or “Trutg dil Flem” in Swiss Romansh.

The Thur has been allowed more room to meander before joining the Rhine, resulting in the emergence of new wetlands. After a shaded riverside path, the route leads alongside the agricultural zone at Flaach to the banks of the Rhine and past the Thurauen nature centre to Rüdlingen.

From the historic city of Thun with its medieval castle, the trail leads past idyllic small towns such as Hünibach and Aeschlen. A little later the, the spectacular Sigriswil panoramic bridge high above Lake Thun waits to be crossed.

This popular hiking and cycling trail starts in Burgdorf and runs for its whole length alongside the River Emme to Hasle bei Burgdorf. The route is ideal for tanking up on energy and total relaxation in beautiful surroundings.

The Lac de Joux lies at an altitude of 1,000m, and is popular with hikers (circular hike takes a full day) and mountain bikers for its wild beauty and superb shoreline trails.

Spectacular views of Lac Léman are the hallmark of this varied level hike. From fashionable Montreux, the route leads past the famous Chateau Chillon to Villeneuve. Along this stretch the lake shore is often less than 10 metres from the trail.

In a gentle descent, the route follows the wild stream La Torneresse for several kilometres until the valley narrows at the Gorges du Pissot. This is where the scenery unfolds to reveal views of the wide valley of the Pays-d’Enhaut. After Châteaux-d’Oex, the trail descends to Rossinière.

On the trail between the small Habsburg town of Bremgarten and the imposing memorial site of Muri, impressive architectural witnesses of the time bring back to life what was once Europe's most important aristocratic family and reveal exciting facts about prominent individuals of the Habsburg dynasty.

This route leads from Gstaad to Saanen along the tranquil banks of the River Saane. An easy path that is notable for its impressive far-reaching views over this enchanting region.

Surrounded by an impressive mountain landscape from Pontresina through the Val Bernina and over the Bernina Pass to Alp Grüm. Insight into the effects of climate change in Pontresina and Morteratsch and views from Alp Grüm into Val Poschiavo.

The Chinzigpass awaits with bizarre rock formations and views of the Alps in the Chinzer and Hürital valleys. Unfortunately, Suvorov's troops saw little of these as they had to scale the pass with their heavy field guns on a dull, rainy day.

The trail leads alongside the Lake Thun via Därligen to Meielisalp above Leissigen. The hanging bridge over the Spissibach stream affords an enchanting panorama. The trail continues via Krattigen past Faulensee to Spiez on the most beautiful bay in Europe with its castle and vineyards.

It's hard to imagine just how much industry (glazier’s workshops, sawmills, mills) there was on the Doubs 200 years ago. Today only a few signs of this intense industrial activity remain, as in Le Theusseret shortly before Goumois, the finish of the second stage.

After Orbe, the ViaFrancigena reaches the medieval town of Romainmôtier with its Cluniac Abbey. You then reach the centre of the world, where one part of the River Nozon flows to the Mediterranean, the other to the North Sea.

Start in beautifully-conserved, historic Fribourg; off the major traffic routes, through peaceful cultured landscape to the lake shore. Sightseeing attractions along the way: Greng (18th century castle) and a little further on, the obelisk commemorating the Battle of Murten.

This circular route around the Schwarzsee lake in Canton Freiburg is located in the midst of wonderfully picturesque scenery. With it's impressive mountain panorama and glistening lake, the region is ideal for extended tours.

From Brugg, climb up to the Gebenstorfer Horn, the perfect viewing platform for the Switzerland's «Wasserschloss». Along the Jura ridgeway to Baldegg with views of the Alps, then down to the former Habsburg Stein Castle and down to the beautiful Baden old town.

Alongside the Bisse de Vex to Mayens de Sion. Mighty concrete church in Hérémence, the fairytale world of the earth pyramids in Euseigne is an invitation to daydream. Ascent to St. Martin, which clings to the side of the Val d’Hérens like an eagle’s nest.

Brünig offers a magnificent mountain panorama with the high Bernese Oberland summits and eternal snow. The trail leads along sunny slopes above the Brienzersee lake, allowing you to experience an exceptionally lovely landscape.

The ViaSurprise leads through the Chaltbrunnental valley, over small bridges and walkways, past caves and traces of prehistoric landscapes. Running alongside the Birs river, the trail makes its way to Zwingen and its secluded moated castle.

The channelled Thur winds its way through the valley and past the small town of Lichtensteig with its covered arcades. The castle ruins at Rüdberg reveal breathtaking views of the river. A suspension bridge leads on to Bütschwil. Rejoin the Thur at the old wooden bridge in Lütisburg.

From Bodensee through orchards and vineyards through a varying cultural landscape with castles and alps. Views of the Rhine Valley and the mountain landscape are constant companions along the Rheintaler Höhenweg.

On water or on land - this is an inspiring route thanks to stunning views of the Urnersee lake, the southern arm of the Vierwaldstättersee (Lake Lucerne), embedded in a magnificent mountain panorama and surrounded by an opulent, generously renatured plant world.

From Lenk, over rolling meadows, up into lynx territory, through a damp, eroded limestone region with views far into the distance. Over the Trüttlisberg Pass and through the long Turbachtal Valley with its varied history, down to the sophistication of Gstaad.