Klettgau-Rhein-Weg

The Klettgau region northwest of Schaffhausen is almost enclosed by Germany. Thus both German and Swiss influences are felt in the northern-most tip of Switzerland. The main town of Hallau is more easily reached by German railway via Koblenz.

The hike leads mainly through beautiful natural areas far from civilization, starting in the extensive Hallau wine region. The trail leads over hills, with superb views to the north and the green German border. It is a special experience to walk unchallenged between two countries. The high-level route – also called «Täufersteig» – over the three-armed Randen hill chain was used during the Reformation by Anabaptists on their way to Schleitheim, where they held forbidden religious services in secret. If discovered, these Christians who celebrated adult baptism, and wanted to live strictly according to the gospel, would be tortured, dispossessed or murdered. A stone of remembrance at the forest edge is a reminder of those dark days of the Reformation.

Two high observation towers on the route afford wonderful sweeping views into the neighbouring country, while a view of the Swiss Alps opens from the much-visited Randenhaus. The small pretty farming villages, diverse natural surroundings and the sometimes almost Mediterranean forests can be explored along a good network of paths, preferably with the whole family. Schaffhausen, our destination also has many architectural surprises in its old town quarter.