All hikes: Along Water

This is popular circular route around the Pfäffikersee lake in the Zürcher Oberland. It leads through exceptionally attractive nature, with typical moorland flora, passing the romantic farming village of Seegräben and back to the lively lake promenade at Pfäffikon ZH.

The imposing port facilities in the Swiss and German regions, the Three Countries Pylon (marking the spot where all three meet) and the Three Countries Bridge draw attention to the international status of this section. The following riverside hike along the Altrhein to Efringen-Kirchen is simply idyllic.

In the Canada-like Oberseetal valley, a family-friendly circular trail with some great views leads through a picturesque landscape with pinewood forests and lush meadows.

The round tour leads on a dam wall along the Stausee (reservoir). Thanks to its elevated position, the route offers breathtaking views with the sky seeming close enough to touch.

This easy circular route leads around the superb Davosersee lake, always with wonderful views of the water, the valley and the magnificent Graubunden mountains. A worthwhile visit for every nature lover.

Starting at the Horgen fountain, the way leads alongside the lake, with numerous possibilities to take a break, a swim or light a fire underway. Highlight on this leg is the Halbinsel Au with its castle, park and natural pond– a real sight to see!

Impressive hike through the Gasteretal, one of the most magnificent high-Alpine valleys. Surrounded by steep cliffs, the waters of the young Kander flow sometimes gently, sometimes untamed and thundering. Wealth of Alpine flora in spring.

On the seventh stage, a small cable car and stone steps lead from Altdorf into Central Switzerland, with much green, a little snow, and the Surenen Pass awaiting hikers along the way, as well as goats, cows and horses, before finally arriving in Engelberg.

The route from Luzern railway station to the Hotel Seeburg leads along the promenade beside the beautiful Vierwaldstättersee (Lake Lucerne). The impressive architecture, lively activity on the stylish quay and captivating views guarantee an enjoyable outing.

A gentle walk through times gone by: from the small Habsburg town of Mellingen to a similar little gem. The old town of Bremgarten. The meandering Reuss is the walker's constant companion, fringing the trail with idyllic water meadows.

From Biasca, the route leads through the Rivieratal valley, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other side of the Ticino River. A peaceful hike through alluvial forest and along the riverbank, ending in the middle of the fortifications of Bellinzona.

From the departure point at Sursee railway station, the route soon leads through open countryside, passing peaceful meadows and fields and alongside the Sempachersee lake to Nottwil. You are in the heart of Kanton Luzern.

A touch of southern ambiance - from Brunnen on the Waldstätterquai and the Auslandschweizerplatz on the Seestrasse to Brünischart and the start of the mountain trail through almost Mediterranean-like forest vegetation with wonderful panoramic views. Vitznau is reached via Gersau.

A feast of facts on flora and fauna along the fragile shores of the «La Sauge» nature reserve. By boat through the Broyekanal or climb Mont Vully with superb views of «Three Lakes Country». Murten, a medieval old town with city walls and towers.

Solothurn, known as a magnificent baroque town, also has picturesque spots on the River Aare to discover on this route. The riverside path quickly leaves the bustling town behind and takes you into a relaxing natural world.

Zernez is situated in the upper part of the Lower Engadine. It is the starting point of many hiking tours leading to the National Park. But even the tours on flat terrain along the Inn River are very scenic.

From Lenk, over rolling meadows, up into lynx territory, through a damp, eroded limestone region with views far into the distance. Over the Trüttlisberg Pass and through the long Turbachtal Valley with its varied history, down to the sophistication of Gstaad.

From Bodensee through orchards and vineyards through a varying cultural landscape with castles and alps. Views of the Rhine Valley and the mountain landscape are constant companions along the Rheintaler Höhenweg.

On water or on land - this is an inspiring route thanks to stunning views of the Urnersee lake, the southern arm of the Vierwaldstättersee (Lake Lucerne), embedded in a magnificent mountain panorama and surrounded by an opulent, generously renatured plant world.

Alongside the Bisse de Vex to Mayens de Sion. Mighty concrete church in Hérémence, the fairytale world of the earth pyramids in Euseigne is an invitation to daydream. Ascent to St. Martin, which clings to the side of the Val d’Hérens like an eagle’s nest.

Brünig offers a magnificent mountain panorama with the high Bernese Oberland summits and eternal snow. The trail leads along sunny slopes above the Brienzersee lake, allowing you to experience an exceptionally lovely landscape.

The channelled Thur winds its way through the valley and past the small town of Lichtensteig with its covered arcades. The castle ruins at Rüdberg reveal breathtaking views of the river. A suspension bridge leads on to Bütschwil. Rejoin the Thur at the old wooden bridge in Lütisburg.

The ViaSurprise leads through the Chaltbrunnental valley, over small bridges and walkways, past caves and traces of prehistoric landscapes. Running alongside the Birs river, the trail makes its way to Zwingen and its secluded moated castle.

From Brugg, climb up to the Gebenstorfer Horn, the perfect viewing platform for the Switzerland's «Wasserschloss». Along the Jura ridgeway to Baldegg with views of the Alps, then down to the former Habsburg Stein Castle and down to the beautiful Baden old town.

The Thur is crossed several times after Weinfelden, for instance over the Ganggelisteg, a 120-metre steel cable bridge at Bussnang, and the 1837-built wooden bridge at Eschikofen. The route to Frauenfeld leads through the Allmend nature reserve.

A level path along the banks of the Rhine with natural riverside areas, past the Wagenhausen Propstei church and St. Katharinental Monastery and Alt Paradies; through the Schaarenwald nature reserve with its historic fortifications and on to Schaffhausen.

In Yverdon-Clendy, the menhir surprise you, immediately followed by the «Champ-Pittet» Pro Natura Center. Walk along wooden catwalks, immerse yourself in the reed landscape of the Grande Cariçaie marshlands, climb a watchtower and spot aquatic animals.

The around 500-year-old suone (irrigation channel) «Bisse des Sarrasin» and its 17 information panels are of great historical and technical interest. The route then leads via the «Grand Bisse de St-Jean» suone to the typical Valais village of Grimentz.

Stunning rocky landscapes, wonderful forests, a clear blue mountain stream and perfect photographic opportunities: the hike along the old Zügenweg offers a wealth of diversity - for families, nature lovers and hikers.

The ViaJura leads through the Birs and Schüss valleys from Basel via Delsberg to Biel. It runs over historically valuable sections, including the legend-steeped Glögglifelspass, the exposed Mont Raimeux and the Pierre Pertuis Roman rock arch.

The Thur is reached through the Murg-Auen-Park in Frauenfeld. After a short detour to Ittingen Charterhouse, the trail rejoins and follows the river. At the hamlet of Fahrhof, the straightened river course gives way to the natural, meandering Thur.

From Sigriswil the trail leads to the lakeside at Merlingen and the pilgrims' path to Interlaken, past the St. Beatus-Höhlen (caves) below the Niederhorn. In addition to the lakeside walk through the nature reserve (mouth of River Aare /Lake Thun) Unterseen and Interlaken are also inviting.