Rivers Archives | Swiss Family Fun

River Rafting the Swiss Grand Canyon – Day trip for families!

A guided river rafting tour on the Vorderrhein river near Flims Laax, mild enough for families but super fun with class 3 rapids. Also possible on rainy days.

Küsnacht Ravine Walk

Easy
2.5 h
7 k
0m
280m

Easy walk through a forested ravine following a stream down to Lake Zürich.

Flims Waterway Trail (Trutg dil Flem)

Challenging
5 h
14.5 k
323m
1366m

Beautiful mountain trail visiting a high alpine valley, a huge waterfall, and descending through a river gorge with seven artistic bridges.

Graubünden

Tomasee Lake • Hike to the source of the Rhine river

Moderate
3.5 h
8 k
460m
460m

Hike to a small alpine lake near Andermatt that is the source of the Rhine river. This is first stage of the “Vier Quellen Weg” that hikes to the source of four rivers.

Float down Zurich Limmat River

An easy float down the Limmat river in Zurich, about 2 hours, suitable for families. Here I explain all the logistics, with maps, explain obstacles to avoid, and list necessary equipment.

Floating Swiss Rivers: 12 Essential Supplies

To float on mild rivers, here’s the equipment you’ll need, what to wear, and what to bring to make your trip safe and comfortable.

Tamina River Gorge

Easy
1 h
1 k

Explore this narrow river gorge on a safe walkway above the roaring river below. For a longer outing, add on a canyon walk and swim at nearby thermal baths.

Eastern Switzerland

Poëta-Raisse Gorge • Day hike in Val de Travers

Moderate
3.5 h
10.8 k
210m
720m

Start with a mountain coaster and scooter ride, then hike through alpine fields and forest to this dramatic river gorge with waterfalls. Relative low elevation so a good choice for spring time.

Choleren Gorge – Hike through river gorge near Adelboden

Easy
.75 h
2.5 k
110m
109m

Short hike passing through a narrow river gorge with metal walkways built into the rocks walls. Free to visit.

Bernese Oberland

Le Saut du Doubs Waterfalls & River Walk

Easy
1.25 h
3.5 k
180m
170m

First a nice ferry ride along the river dividing France and Switzerland, then a short walk to visit these lovely waterfalls.

Aare Gorge • Tips for your visit

Easy
1 h
1.6 k

Explore this narrow river gorge on elevated walkways built into the rock walls, admiring the interesting curved formations and icy blue water running through the middle.

Bernese Oberland

Floating the Reuss River – Bremgarten to Mellingen

We love this float on the Reuss river from Bremgarten near Zürich, about a 2.5 hr ride. Compared to the Limmat river, it has more small rapids and requires a little more active paddling, but is still pretty easy to navigate. Get all the logistics here.