Hint

Intro

Switzerland’s northern-most round hike leads through 4 villages of the Thayngen community in canton Schaffhausen. Grill place, restaurants & swimming promise an enjoyable round hike.

Description

Where the forested Randen gently merges into Hegau with its distinctive lava domes, is the Reiat. The Biber rivulet has carved its way deep into the ground. The four villages, Bibern, Hofen, Altdorf and Opfertshofen were once owned by lords and clergy. In this idyllic, quiet corner of Switzerland there is a colourful interplay of fields, meadows, vineyards and mixed forests. Time and again enjoy the magnificent views of the Hegau volcanoes and of the midlands all the way to the Alps.

The recommended starting point for this hike is Hüttenleben, on the edge of Thayngen village. Did you know? This place is the home of a real classic of Swiss cuisine! This is where Aromat (a condiment) is manufactured. Another special feature: the commune has a longer border with Germany than with Switzerland. You follow the German border along the river Biber as far as Bibern. The "Beauty of Bibern" is not a lady, but a variety of plum. It is officially entered in the Swiss Register of Plant Varieties and is honoured with a festival every three years. A little gem in the local schoolhouse: the Museum of Typewriters, with over 400 models.

Now closed down, the Hofen brickworks used to have 120 employees: it was once the region's largest employer and even supplied bricks for the Federal Parliament building in Bern. Another impressive sight is the Holländerhaus (Dutch House), a 17th-century half-timbered structure regarded as one of the canton's finest buildings. The hike takes you along smugglers' paths to the northernmost inhabited area of Switzerland, the Egghof above Sottenegg near Altdorf. Despite the northern latitude, vines have flourished here since Roman times. However, Switzerland's northernmost vineyard was only planted in 1972, and the route takes you directly past it. You should sample Riesling and Pinot Noir, which flourish on this calcareous clay soil. After you pass the Hegi biotope with its dragonflies and amphibian species, a unique view of the Hegau region (in Germany) awaits you above Opfertshofen: extinct volcanoes on the horizon, the Swiss Alps as the backdrop, and an untouched natural region at your feet. You will cherish these impressions as you return to Thayngen.

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

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Thayngen
Destination
Thayngen
Ascent
560 m
Descent
560 m
Distance
19 km
Duration
5 h 10 min
Duration back
5 h 10 min
Technical requirements
Easy
Physical requirements
Difficult
Season
April - October
Theme
Through a vineyard, With panoramic view
Category
Hiking
Signalization
Signalisation in both directions
More information https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r...

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

No. 902

Distance

19 km

Duration

5 h 10 min

Ascent

560 m

Travel information: Thayngen

Current Offers

  • Schaffhausen Foxtrail GO Schaffhausen

    Foxtrail GO is a newly launched product from Foxtrail. It is an innovative app-based experience... from CHF 38
    Offer details


    valid: 30.05.2026 - 30.05.2027

    Learn more about Foxtrail GO Schaffhausen
  • Schaffhausen Wine-Ship: Enjoy wine on the Rhine

    On the journey from Schaffhausen to Stein am Rhein, sample delicious wines from the Schaffhausen... from CHF 48
    Offer details


    valid: 13.06.2026 - 12.09.2026

    Learn more about Wine-Ship: Enjoy wine on the Rhine
  • Schaffhausen Weihnachtsrundgang mit dem Nachtwächter

    As darkness falls, let a night watchman show you the houses, squares, alleyways and corners of... from CHF 20
    Offer details


    valid: 19.12.2026 - 23.12.2026

    Learn more about Weihnachtsrundgang mit dem Nachtwächter
  • Neuhausen am Rheinfall Explorial Ticket Neuhausen

    Are you looking for an exciting outdoor leisure experience with your friends where you can solve... from CHF 28
    Offer details


    valid: 30.05.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Explorial Ticket Neuhausen
  • Schlatt TG Motocross Enduro Course for Kids

    Starting from the age of 4, motorsport-loving kids can experience a motocross course. If it's the... from CHF 290
    Offer details


    valid: 06.06.2026 - 21.11.2026

    Learn more about Motocross Enduro Course for Kids
  • Neuhausen am Rheinfall Rhyality entrance ticket

    Located in a small corner of the world, the Rhyality Immersive Art Hall invites you on long journeys... from CHF 14
    Offer details


    valid: 30.05.2026 - 24.10.2026

    Learn more about Rhyality entrance ticket
  • Neuhausen am Rheinfall Rheinfall - Eglisau - Rheinfall Roundtrip

    An exciting trip that begins with an impressive tour of the Rhine Falls basin. The boat then passes... from CHF 54
    Offer details


    valid: 28.06.2026 - 20.09.2026

    Learn more about Rheinfall - Eglisau - Rheinfall Roundtrip
  • Neuhausen am Rheinfall Eglisau - Rheinfall one way

    Experience an exciting boat trip from Eglisau to the Rhine Falls: start in the natural current of... from CHF 41
    Offer details


    valid: 28.06.2026 - 20.09.2026

    Learn more about Eglisau - Rheinfall one way
  • Neuhausen am Rheinfall Lock cruise between Schlössli Wörth and Rhine Falls and Eglisau

    You'll sail to the Rhine Falls and along the so-called 'Rhenish Amazon' on calm water. During the... from CHF 35
    Offer details


    valid: 28.06.2026 - 20.09.2026

    Learn more about Lock cruise between Schlössli Wörth and Rhine Falls and Eglisau
  • Stein am Rhein Private wine and chocolate tasting in Stein am Rhein

    Discover the art of pairing wine and chocolate in a guided tasting. This experience takes place at a... from CHF 32
    Offer details


    valid: 01.06.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Private wine and chocolate tasting in Stein am Rhein