Eleven trips to the lakes and rivers of Northern Switzerland
Relief from the heat guaranteed!

Flachsee LakeTarget not accessible near Unterlunkhofen was created in 1975 by the damming of the Reuss River during the construction of a new river power station. It was established as a bird reserve and is now a breeding ground and wintering spot for 75 bird species, including endangered species such as the lapwing and kingfisher. Visitors can watch the birds from an observation station. Information boards along the nature trail explain the history of the idyllic landscape, and describe the typical flora and fauna found in this wetland nature reserve.

The two waterfalls of KilchbergTarget not accessible and RünenbergTarget not accessible are barely three kilometres apart. In Kilchberg, the Eibach River thunders nine metres into a sprawling basin of emerald green water. A short hike leads to the Rünenberger Giessen waterfall. At 18 metres, it is twice as high as its counterpart in Kilchberg, but is less well known, perhaps because it is not as wide. In any case, both waterfalls are well worth a visit.

Hiking in Tobel is next level! The trails often lead through mystical landscapes that are thousands of years old, with hidden treasures such as unexpected fauna and flora. In the summer, streams and small rivers invite you to jump into the cool water. The hike from Schönenberg to HirzelTarget not accessible (or vice versa) takes two hours – past the whooshing, bubbling Sihl rapids (Sihlsprung) – through the primeval Sihltobel gorge. If you want to extend the excursion, you can hike all the way to SihlbruggTarget not accessible.

The four-kilometre long Linn nature and culture trailTarget not accessible begins at the mighty Linn lime tree and leads first to the Linn waterfall. At five and a half metres, it’s the highest in the canton. It pours or splashes into a shallow pool, depending on the water levels. A short time later you reach the no less impressive, wild and romantic Sagemülital with its lake. The circular trail’s 14 information boards provide information on the natural and cultural landscape of the Aargau Jura in the Linn region.

Its deep valley and steep flanks are the reason the Talweiher Nature ReserveTarget not accessible is nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Basel region”. It may not be quite as famous, but in terms of watercourses and vegetation, it trumps its world-famous counterpart by a long way. Two large lakes and the Ergolz river are home to rare aquatic plants and many animal species such as newts, frogs, dragonflies and birds. A family of beavers has also been living there for a few years now.

Photo: © Baselland Tourismus

The TösseggTarget not accessible, where the Töss flows into the Rhine is an idyllic location for swimming, barbecuing or resting. A particularly enjoyable hike leads along the WWF beaver trail to Rüdlingen. The walk to the wedding chapel in Buchberg or to Eglisau is also lovely – with constant views of the Rhine. You can get even closer to the river by taking the boat from Tössegg to the thundering Rhine Falls to admire Europe’s most impressive waterfall (and get splashed by the spray).

The legendary EgelseeTarget not accessible lake in Bergdietikon is deep, dark, boggy, and so cold that it often stays frozen for long periods. Many dark legends surround the small lake and its formation. But that doesn’t stop people from taking trips out here on sunny weekends. Several barbecue sites, picnic and bathing areas bring visitors to the largest natural lake in the canton of Aargau. The marsh and the surrounding beech forest are protected nature reserves and home to around 230 plant species.

The ChälengrabenTarget not accessible gorge transports you to a magical world: mosses and ferns grow on the steep walls of the gorge, the narrow path leads along the babbling brook and over bridges and stairs. Especially on hot summer days, the hike through the largely shaded gorge offers welcome respite from the heat. Due to its year-round cooler and more humid micro-climate, the area is home to unusual plant growth and a wider variety of animals compared to the surrounding area.

Photo: © Forum Schwarzbubenland

It takes just over an hour to walk around the small Türlersee lake. So there’s plenty of time for a leisurely barbecue and a swim. The lake is a protected nature reserve and an important amphibian spawning area, so access to the water is limited to the lido (entrance fee applies). For a more active excursion, you can hire a stand-up paddle board or rowing boat, or combine the trip to the Türlersee lake with a hike to Hausen am Albis, for exampleTarget not accessible.

The wild and romantic ChaltbrunnentalTarget not accessible valley is characterized by the rippling Ibach river, the winding hiking trail, and the prehistoric caves, some of which can be visited. Hiking here is both meditative and interesting. For example, the hike from Grellingen to Meltingen also leads past the imposing Wappenfelsen historical military monument near Chessiloch. The eight-kilometre route can be completed in just over two hours.

Photo: © Forum Schwarzbubenland

You will be close to the water for the entire hike from Affoltern a. https://www.wanderprofi.info/wanderungen/result/mittelland/650-jonental A. to Bremgarten. This starts with the Jonenbach river and then the Reuss river. The river can get up to 300 metres wide at the Flachsee lake. With its tributaries and wetlands, it is a generous breeding ground for many bird species. Shortly before the end of the trail, it flows in a large loop through lush woodland. The 16-kilometre route can be completed in just over four hours. To cut the hike short, take a Postbus from/to Jonen.