ViaRhenana
Overview
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Distance 19 km
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Duration 4 h 40 min
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Ascent 240 m
Intro
The trail follows the high banks of the Rhein river, which here are strongly influenced by the industrial and traffic infrastructure of Basel's catchment area. The ruins of Augusta Raurica, the Rhine harbour, river power stations and Basel's city-silhouette are outstanding.
Description
The last leg of ViaRhenana leads along the river Rhine between Rheinfelden and Basel on narrow ancient fishing-paths. The trail runs below the characteristic conglomerate rocks directly on the banks of the Rhine and as well through woodland, the industrial Rhine ports and Basel's Old Town. The trail starts at Rheinfelden, Switzerland’s oldest Zähringer town. The border town’s past is illustrated by its medieval centre, frescoed facades, archways and towers as well as by the city hall and its Gothic stairway. In summer, tourist attractions include Marktgasse with its cafés and the riverside lido, where the path passes shortly afterwards.
Often in the shade of trees, the hike continues to Kaiseraugst. The place is mostly known for the Roman town of Augusta Raurica. Although not located directly on the route, it’s well worth the detour. Its museum features fascinating exhibits from the Roman period, including the Kaiseraugst silver treasure. Numerous open-air sites are waiting to be discovered. The route leads past facilities and buildings associated with the Rhine River, which flows over 1,200 kilometres from Switzerland to the North Sea.
Along the way, information panels provide insight on cultural, historical and environmental themes associated with the Rhine and outline its importance as the area’s main artery: the numerous fishing-cottages, the boat stations of the Basler Personenschifffahrt, the villa of the Rhine saltworks founder, the club house of the Wasserfahrverein, the treatment of drinking water by the Hardwasser public company, the recreational area Hardwald, the cranes and warehouses of the Port of Switzerland, the two hydro-electric power stations Augst-Wyhlen and Birsfelden, the foundations of an ancient Roman watch-tower, Basel's traditional centres for handicrafts, the Basels ferries or the bats hunting over the water of the Rhine at night.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Rheinfelden
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Basel
|
| Direction |
One way
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| Altitude (meter above sea level) |
270 m
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| Ascent |
240 m
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| Descent |
280 m
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| Distance |
19 km
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| Duration |
4 h 40 min
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| Duration back |
4 h 45 min
|
| Technical requirements |
Easy
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
| Season |
All year
|
| Theme |
Along Water
|
Quick Facts
Route number
