All hikes: Along Water

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The five-lake trail is a magnificent hiking tour through the mountains of Zermatt: three of these mountain lakes reflect the Matterhorn. Offering unique views of the many peaks, the hiking route is extremely diverse.

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 Thur now flows eastwards and straightened through the principality. There is hardly any altitude difference to overcome on the embankment and through shady forest. The Huserfelsen cliffs just before the cantonal border are the only notable elevation. After this the trail ascends to Bischofszell.

A stage for railway fans: part of the trail runs right alongside the railway tracks, past Göschenen and Andermatt, which played important roles in Gotthard traffic history. In between the Schöllenenschlucht (gorge), shrouded in myth.

The route leads back to Thun over the Spiezberg hill and along the tranquil lakeside path. It's worth making the detour to the church in Einigen, which illustrates 1300 years of cultural history around Lake Thun. To finish, the numerous restaurants in the town wait to welcome weary travellers.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

From the Sarnersee lakeside path steeply up to the Flüeli-Ranft pilgrimage site, where eremite Niklaus von Flüe retreated into a gorge, to live as a cleric, visionary, warning voice and counsellor. His birthplace is one of Switzerland’s oldest wooden dwellings.

Nendaz is a paradise for suone (irrigation channel) hikers, with eight suonen (or bisse) it is the largest network still in use. Enjoyable tour from Planchouet to Veysonnaz, through flowery meadows alongside the open channel of the restored Grand Bisse de Vex.

This stage marks the end of the climb to the Grossen Sankt Bernhard-Pass. From Martigny a sometimes steep path leads over the narrow Les Trappistes pass to the medieval village of Sembrancher. From here the route follows the Napoleon-Weg.

The Verzascatal valley is known as idyllic - and so is the trail, particularly the first section. It then leads past abandoned alps, a sign that life here was not always so idyllic. Particularly impressive: the mountain village of Corippo.

Via ladders on the Riviera - past orchards to Oberwilen and via the narrow molasse folds with ladders that at one time afforded the only overland link to Weggis. Through the Chestenenweid nature reserve via Weggis, Hertenstein and the Haldihof fruit farm to Küssnacht.

Elaborately decorated church in Lavin; Inn, wood-bridge crossing to the peaceful woods and meadows by Susch – and the famous Foura Baldirun forest area. Foura Baldirun made history as a place of refuge in the war years, and Güstizia as a place of justice. Stately Zernez is just in the distance.

A hike downstream in the heart of La Gruyère, which through openings in the undergrowth offers unrivalled views of the Alpine foothills and creeks filled with turquoise water! It's a real pleasure to discover the flora and fauna and heritage of La Gruyère.

The trail has something to suit all tastes: lakeside sections and meadows, woodlands and craggy cliffs. The highlights of the hike include the three waterfalls, the incredible colour of Lake Brienz and a historic hotel (Grand Hotel Giessbach) resembling a fairy-tale castle.

Be ready to be impressed by the unique high Alpine lakes and flora of the Upper Engadin on this 2.5-hour circular hike to the six lejins (Romansch word for small lakes). Each of the crystal-clear mountain lakes contains the minerals and rocks after which they are named.

The ramble from Walenstadt to Quinten beneath the mighty Churfisten mountains commands magnificent views of the Walensee. As the route follows the southern slopes, it is also very popular during the colder seasons.