All hikes: Along Water

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hike along the idyllic Seerhein shore and through shady northern slopes above the lake with views of Untersee and Insel Reichenau. Historic places of interest along the way: Gottlieben, Ermatingen, Steckborn and Arenenberg Castle with its Napoleon Museum.

A magnificent forest track borders the lake on hilly ground from Corbières to Botterens. It is quiet on the way back, with magnificent views of the Moléson, the Dent de Broc and the Gibloux. Chocolate treats in Maison Cailler and an opportunity to swim in Les Laviaux.

After the rock outcrop at Stalvedro the trail winds its way down to the floor of the Leventina valley. Alongside the Ticino River and changing from one bank to the other, you reach Rodi and the Dazio Grande customs house, one of the impressive symbols of the ViaGottardo.

An excursion from Fiesch to the Fieschertal - always alongside the lively Wysswasser river - is the purest of natural experiences. Here the mountain landscape of the Valais is presented at it's best. It's impossible to do anything but relax and enjoy it.