All hikes: Along Water

Nature and humans live together harmoniously in the Grande Cariçaie on the southern shore of Lake Neuchâtel. The nature reserve, Switzerland's largest lakeside wetland, is home to 800 plant species and over 10,000 animal species, who shape the banks under the friendly gaze of passing hikers.

This circular hike starts in Stein am Rhein and initially follows the left bank of the Rhine via the former Wagenhausen Priory to Heimishofen railway bridge, built in 1875. Hikers return on the opposite bank to the small mediaeval town of Stein am Rhein with its nostalgic ambience.

«Water is life», a simple law of nature particularly valid for «Three Lake Country». The «Chemin des Trois-Lacs» trail leads along natural shorelines, through reed beds and into nature reserves which give information on sensitive topics.

Many spots with views of the Urnersee lake in all its splendour. Interesting and impressive houses between Seelisberg and Bauen as well as at Seedorf. Plenty of places for refreshment and playgrounds en route.

South of Rheinau kilometre-long forest path along slopes above the Rhine to Ellikon. Through woodlands beside the River Thur and cultivated landscape of Flaacherfeld to Flaach. Extensive panorama from Buchberg church. Through sunny vineyards to Eglisau.

Firstly, along the Klöntalersee reservoir surrounded by steep rock faces. A decent to Glarus then follows - From the dam of the artificial lake through a narrow valley with steep rock faces and imposing boulders lapped by the bubbling Löntsch waters.

The varied Ellhorn hike offers surprising views of the villages on both sides of the Rhine and of the surrounding mountains. The flowering pastures in the Elltal valley are just as charming as the paths high above the Rhine.

A climb to the high plateau of the Franches Montagnes and peaceful countryside. Dark forests and scattered farmsteads surrounded by horses, cattle and sheep. In between, villages with mustard-coloured houses. Saigneléger is the regional centre.

The second section leads to one of the highlights of the Via Albula/Bernina, the impressive Landwasser viaduct. Prior to this it runs alongside the foaming Albula river and then on the «Wasserweg ansaina» to a scenic spot for a souvenir photo of the world-famous RhB Rhaetian Railway viaduct.

The route begins with a detour into the neighbouring country, making a wide arc around Basel. The hike is marked by impressions along the Rhine, variety in the Markgräfler vineyard region and constantly changing views of the city.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.