All hikes: Along Water

This route runs around the enchanting hamlet of Lucelle, which is set in a nature reserve. The remains of a Cistercian monastery will take you back to bygone days and the wild vegetation along the lake shore will make this an unforgettable tour.

This section includes a boat trip from Brunnen to Treib, the ancient refuge harbour at the point where cantons Uri, Schwyz and Nidwalden meet. The chapels along the way and the Winkelried memorial in Stans are worth seeing.

Flüeli affords outstanding views. The varied route follows the shores of the Sarneree and Lungernsee lakes and from Lungern church along the Brünigweg which, as a pilgrimage pfennig (coin) shows, was once a pilgrims’ path.

The Principality of Liechtenstein offers plenty of sightseeing attractions. One of the idyllic routes leads from the tiny, peaceful village of Steg to Valüna. The stretch is set in a wonderful natural world and offers unadulterated relaxation.

The Waldstätterweg hiking trail starts in Brunnen and leads hikers in seven stages over seven days around the scenic Lake Lucerne to the Rütli.

Owing to the lack of suitable trails, Lac de Neuchâtel is crossed by boat. Imposing Mont Vully is visible from afar. Short but steep climb. Wonderful panorama. Through the fertile shoreline forest of Le Chablais to the medieval town of Murten.

Wunderbare Flusslandschaften, historische Städtchen und ein wunderbares Thermalbad prägen die Rheinuferwanderung von Eglisau nach Zurzach. Vom schmucken Eglisau geht’s ins mittelalterliche Kaiserstuhl und schliesslich nach Zurzach.

A stroll through the picturesque old town of Estavayer-le-Lac, with its cobbled lanes and mighty castle is well worthwhile. Children love the fine sandy beaches, the easy rambles through lakeshore reed beds and the numerous aquatic animals.

First along the lake shore then over meadows and fields, through airy forests, past vineyards and villages, castles and villas to the medieval town of Aubonne. Wakker Prize winner St-Prex on Lac Lèman is well worth a stop.

Wonderful gardens, secluded swimming spots and splendid views over Lake Geneva accompany you on this shoreline hike from Lausanne-Ouchy to Morges. The magnificent promenades in Ouchy and Morges form the start and finish of this refreshing tour.

The circular route from Zürich Höngg alongside the River Limmat soon leaves the city surroundings for a peaceful natural world. The route leads alongside the water, over the Werdinsel and past the Kloster Fahr (monastery) Relaxation can sometimes be close enough to touch.

This hike from the Tracouet mountain station to Haute-Nendaz leads to the largest and oldest larches in Europe. Further highlights include the gondola ride with its beautiful panoramic views, the Lac Noir (Black Lake) mountain lake, the wonderful forest paths and the Bisse de Saxon irrigation channel, the longest in Valais.

This route starts in Pfäffikon SZ and leads along the bank of the Seedamm (lake dam) to Rapperswil SG. The section is marked by wonderful far-reaching views over an endless plain with flower-filled fields and meadows as well as the glistening Zurichsee (lake). The ultimate holiday feeling!

This route starts in Bendern in the Principality of Liechtenstein and leads mainly along the Rhine dam. The wide, smoothly surfaced path and breathtaking views make this an ideal leisure area.

The Thur flows between the Churfirsten and Säntis Massif through the Canton of St. Gallen toward the canton to which it has lent its name. A well-known personality, Ulrich Bräker (1735-1798) was a citizen of Wattwil. Why not read his lifestory “The Poor Man of Tokkenburg“ (“Der arme Mann vom Tokkenburg”) as spiritual preparation? In any case, the fantastic landscape in the green valley can be thoroughly enjoyed at all times.

Numerous places to take a break or swim are found along the lake shores – and the unspoilt Lachner Horn landscapes and Schmerikon estuary cordially invite you to rest a while. Attractive contrast on this leg is the crossing of the woods by Buchberg.

Over the valley slopes to Oberengadin - and Brail with its ornate small church; the Ober and Unterengadin border by «Punt Ota» and old customs house (later to become a parsonage and then school) with inscription: «Veglia chesa da scuola.» Pretty Cinuos-chel village centre by the church.

The route in and around the charming town of St-Ursanne in Canton Jura is a treat for history lovers. The captivating little town on the River Doubs has changed little over the centuries. It is impressive and well worth a visit.

Via the north wall to the other shore and the Bürgenstock cliff path, which as an Alpine promenade, afforded well-heeled ladies and gentlemen a view back to the city of Lucerne. Past the pilgrimage site of St Jost along the shore at Ennetburgen, Buochs and Beckenried.

The route from Zug to Cham leads along the shores of the Zugersee lake. A route marked by variety with it's urbane promenades, tranquil woodland and meadow sections and idyllic views of the lake.

Before the opening of the Axenstrasse road in 1865, the main route was by lake. The trip by steamship still remains an exceptional experience. From the jetty at Flüelen, you hike into the cantonal capital of Altdorf.

The hiking trail leads almost continually through the riverside woodlands of the Rhein, which here gets pushed aside by the walls of moraine at the foothills of the Schwarzwald. Ruins of several Roman watch towers lie alongside the trail as well as the «Bürkli» earthworks at Riburg.The hiking trail leads almost continually through the riverside woodlands of the Rhein, which here gets pushed aside by the walls of moraine at the foothills of the Schwarzwald. Ruins of several Roman watch towers lie alongside the trail as well as the «Bürkli» earthworks at Riburg.

This hike does full justice to its name. The trail leads from Les Brenets near La Chaux-de-Fonds to St. Ursanne, almost always alongside the River Doubs and crossing the Doubs Regional National Park from west to east.

Mule track, main road, Gotthard Railway, motorway, NEAT building site... by the latest in Erstfelden, the Urnertal seems like a transit corridor. Silenen, Amsteg: of symbolic note on the old mule track. Good views of Wassen’s hilltop church and the helical tunnel.

The lakeside path leads along some of the loveliest Ostschweiz shoreline – and plenty of waterfowl can be observed at the Wurmsbach and Busskirch nature reserves. Several public bathing and sport areas are also discovered underway.

Anyone wanting a leisurely hike against the current is in the right place. The trail follows the Broye upstream and is virtually flat. The fortress in Lucens is impressive. With Moudon, it provided strategic control of the valley in the Middle Ages.

Through the refreshingly cool gorge on the Urnersee lake - along the lakeshore road to Risleten and a climb through the attractive Risletenschlucht gorge. Crossing of the Stützberg along the historic path to Volligen and arrival in Rütli, with views down to the Urnersee lake.

Very varied, contoured route via Neuburg, Hochwacht Mammern and the Klingszell pilgrimage church, to Stein am Rhein. En route: picturesque views of the end of the Untersee with the old town of Stein, Insel Werd and Hohenklingen Castle.

With the French in pursuit, Suvorov's troops marched southwards in snowfall towards Elm. The easy hike leads to Schwanden alongside the river Linth and then partly above, partly along, the river Sernf via Engi and Matt to Elm.

From Rossens' dam, climb towards the Pont-la-Ville golf course with uninterrupted views across the lake and Alpine foothills to Gibloux. Take a well-earned rest at La Roche port. Return via Hauteville on footpaths, roads suitable for motor vehicles and tarmacked roads, discovering farms and buildings that are characteristic of La Gruyère.

From Reichenau, the confluence of the Vorderrhein- and Hinterrhein (Upper and Lower Rhine), the path leads along the Vorderrhein into the wild Rhine Gorge. It takes you to Trin Station and the 100-meter long suspension bridge across the Rhine.

With its more than 20 mountain lakes, Val Piora is considered to be one of the most beautiful regions of Ticino and famous for its wealth of fauna and flora. The tour from Acquacalda over the Passo del Sole to Lake Ritom is a chance to experience a natural paradise in all its diversity.

Fishermen are often met along the path. The Doubs has a unique fish population including the authentic Doubs trout with black stripes, barbel, grayling, pike and of course the elusive apron, also known as Roi du Doubs.

The route from Pontresina alongside the River Flaz to Beve is a real treat for the eyes. Surrounded by the majestic Engadin mountains and the wide, flower-filled valley, you follow alongside gently murmuring waters.