Switzerland has so many rivers, large and small, running melted snow down from the alps into the valleys. Some rivers have wide multi-use paths used by bikes, joggers, strollers and even sometimes skates. Some rivers are more wild with only footpaths reaching the charms of the water. Here are a few of our favorites.
Rivers with hiking paths
- Moderate
- 3.7 h
- 13.5 k
- 40m
- 398m
Hike along a beautiful river in the Verzasca valley, ending at the famous bridge and swimming area at Laverterzzo. Easy walking for families, with lots of places to stop for a picnic and splash in the river.
- Ascona-Locarno
- Easy
- 3 h
- 9.1 k
- 150m
- 200m
Walk along the Rhine river through the “Swiss Grand Canyon” with lots of interesting formations in the limestone walls lining the gorge plus a vintage open-air train ride to get there.
- Graubünden, Surselva Rhine Valley
- Challenging
- 6 h
- 13.5 k
- 560m
- 940m
Tough hike up to a beautiful high mountain valley, definitely worth the effort. The trail is mostly along a river with lots of waterfalls, making the trip there also enjoyable.
- Graubünden, Surselva Rhine Valley
- Challenging
- 6 h
- 14.25 k
- 270m
- 1040m
This fantastic hike has three special attractions: a gorgeous high alpine river valley, a huge waterfall, and a river gorge with seven interesting bridges crossing it. It’s long, tough hike, but it’s worth the effort, suitable for families with experience hiking and some endurance.
- Flims Laax Falera, Graubünden, Surselva Rhine Valley
- Easy
- 2 h
- 5.5 k
- 60m
- 10m
Easy river walk with mountain views near Toggenburg. Good choice in any season, but especially in spring, when mountain trails are closed.
- Eastern Switzerland
Rivers for biking, jogging and strolling
- Easy
- 2 h
- 20 k
- 130m
- 150m
Easy bike ride from Zürich to Baden on a wide dirt path along the Limmat river. You can customize the route from 5 to 28 km as needed.
- Zürich Region
- Easy
- 2.5 k
This river on the west side of Zurich lake is mostly on smooth dirt paths away from traffic, along open fields, through the forest. Options from 2.5 to 12 km, easily accessible by train. Lots of green places on the river to stop for a picnic and cook on a fire.
- Zürich Region
- Easy
- 3 h
- 17.5 k
- 110m
- 270m
This bike and skating route follows a small river on paved path, mostly separate from traffic, in fields and forests, with a few sections in quiet neighborhoods. Lots of picnic areas and even a playground. Flexible distances from 4 to 20 km or longer. Accessible by train.
- Zürich Region
- Easy
- 2.5 h
- 22 k
- 50m
- 60m
This easy bike route along the Reuss river is great for families, with lots of places to picnic. The one way route is accessible by train on both ends.
- Aargau - Solothurn, Lucerne
- Easy
- 1.5 h
- 11.5 k
- 90m
- 150m
A nice bike and skating route along the Glatt river, about 11 km mostly on a wide, paved path along the water, away from car traffic. It’s designated for skating but bikes are allowed.
- Zürich Region
- Moderate
- 3 h
- 25 k
- 90m
- 120m
Flat, easy ride along the Aare river, through forests and farmland, with picnic spots on the water. Flexible distances from 7 to 25 km or longer, accessible by train. After the ride, you can reward kids with a visit to the nearby Frey chocolate factory.
- Aargau - Solothurn
- Moderate
- 1.5 h
- 14.4 k
- 30m
- 300m
Bike ride from the hills above Zug along the Lorze river ending at Lake Zug, about 14 km one way. Visit the Höllgrotten cave along the way. Accessible by bus.
- Lucerne, Zug
