All hikes: Alongside the water

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The route in Canton Glarus takes you from Schwanden to Netstal, through a broad and open valley surrounded by lush greenery and rugged mountain scenery. A route offering pure tranquillity and relaxation.

A lakeside promenade along the Vierwaldstättersee from Beckenried into the impressive Risleten Gorge, with its ancient dinosaur traces. After a steep climb, the romantic high-level trail towards Seelisberg. Far below, the shimmering turquoise lake.

Engelberg – a well-known and popular excursion destination. This round tour leads from the impressive monastery to the picturesque River Aa and constantly affords wonderful views of idyllic rural landscapes and the spectacular mountain panorama.

The circular route on the St. Petersinsel in Berner Seeland is a real feast for the eyes. Surrounded by the idyllic Bielersee lake, you go as you please on an easy path through this luxuriant nature reserve with many species of plants.

A valley hike alongside the babbling Jaunbach crossing the language boundary to Charmey, following Lac de Montsalvens, with its many coves, to the dam and the spectacular Jaun-Schlucht gorge down to Broc and the famous Gruyère Castle.

The Rhine Falls are the centrepiece of this circular hike. It starts from Laufen Castle, towering majestically above the Rhine Falls – unperturbed by the immense force of the waters that rage below it. We descend straight to the water's edge, cross the bridge to the other side and start climbing again opposite the castle.

This route leads from S-chanf into the Val Trupchun through lush alpine meadows, one of the idyllic side valleys of the Upper Engadin. This varies hike offers a fascinating glimpse of the Upper Engadin’s wildlife and plants.

The «Aargauer Weg» offers diversity: superb views over the foothills of the Jura and tranquil paths along the edges of river banks provide contrast with Habsburg castles, magnificent monasteries and mediaeval old towns.

Across the lake to Mediterranean Quinten, at the foot of the Churfirsten. Narrow paths secured by forest and ropes to Betlis. At 585m, Seerenbach waterfall is Switzerland’s highest. Over steep root-covered paths and filigree hanging bridges to hotspot Amden.

The section from Rapperswil to Schmerikon is a true feast for the eyes. For all who appreciate peaceful, remote paths through idyllic countryside, romantic villages and lush vegetation on the shores of a glistening lake.

Firstly, along the Klöntalersee reservoir surrounded by steep rock faces. A decent to Glarus then follows - From the dam of the artificial lake through a narrow valley with steep rock faces and imposing boulders lapped by the bubbling Löntsch waters.

The varied Ellhorn hike offers surprising views of the villages on both sides of the Rhine and of the surrounding mountains. The flowering pastures in the Elltal valley are just as charming as the paths high above the Rhine.

A climb to the high plateau of the Franches Montagnes and peaceful countryside. Dark forests and scattered farmsteads surrounded by horses, cattle and sheep. In between, villages with mustard-coloured houses. Saigneléger is the regional centre.

The second section leads to one of the highlights of the Via Albula/Bernina, the impressive Landwasser viaduct. Prior to this it runs alongside the foaming Albula river and then on the «Wasserweg ansaina» to a scenic spot for a souvenir photo of the world-famous RhB Rhaetian Railway viaduct.

The route begins with a detour into the neighbouring country, making a wide arc around Basel. The hike is marked by impressions along the Rhine, variety in the Markgräfler vineyard region and constantly changing views of the city.

An excursion to the Zürichsee lake is always well worthwhile. The stretch from Horgen to Wädenswil affords particularly enchanting views over this popular body of water and the opportunity to enjoy a superb panorama.