Rivers Archives | Swiss Family Fun

12 Best river paths in Switzerland (for walking & biking)

Switzerland has many long rivers, some with wide multi-use paths used by bikes and pedestrians, other with hiking trails. Here are a few of our favorites.

10 Most Beautiful River Gorges in Switzerland

Switzerland has many impressive gorges cut by rivers and glaciers over millennia, some that are tourist attractions you must pay to visit and other others wild in nature and require a hike to visit. Here are ten that we recommend.

Areuse Gorge • Hike along river

Easy
3.5 h
11.5 k
120m
350m

Beautiful walk along a rushing river, through fields and forests, with several narrow sections with dramatic cliff walls, waterfalls and stone bridges. It’s a long hike at 11km, but mostly downhill and not difficult.

Valle Verzasca • Hike along Swiss green water trail

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.

Ticino

Rhine River • Hike thru “Swiss Grand Canyon”

Easy
3 h
9.1 k
150m
200m

Easy walk along the Rhine river through the “Swiss Grand Canyon” with lots of interesting formations in the limestone walls lining the gorge plus open-air train ride to get there.

Verzasca River “BoBosco” Trail for Kids

Easy
2.5 h
5.5 k
10m
210m

Kids roll wooden balls down a dozen elaborate marble runs along this easy trail along the Verzasca river.

Ticino

Wolfsschlucht” river gorge & bear cave hike

Moderate
2 h
4 k
220m
260m

Hike up to an enormous cave in the side of a cliff wall with a view, then ramble down a beautiful forested gorge. Not too long, so a good choice for families that want a little adventure.

Sihlbrugg River Walk

Easy
2 h
6.2 k
100m
100m

Lovely wander along the Sihl river south of Zürich, nice for spring and hot days since the forest provides plenty of shade.

Eastern Switzerland

Best Zurich Walks • Limmat River Stroll

Easy
1.5 h
4 k
10m
20m

This walk explores north of the city, following the Limmat river, lined with interesting street art murals and ending at a big park, playground and food market.

Sihl River Path

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.

Reussquelle • Hike to the source of Reuss River

Challenging
4 h
11 k
420m
420m

Hike from the Gotthard pass up to the source of the Reuss river, hiking along a beautiful reservoir on the way.

10 Best lakes and rivers for swimming in Switzerland

The most beautiful lakes and rivers to swim in Switzerland, all suitable for families.