The two historic old towns, the Rhine and cross-border trails shape Laufenburg (Baden) as a travel destination. When planning your trip, you can choose between different options: a longer trail through the old towns, a shorter adventure hike with Rhine crossings, or the “Flowing Borders” cultural days. Which idea appeals most depends on whether you want to focus on distance, the character of the route or a specific cultural event.

Between the Old Towns

The Laufen Bridge connects the two old towns of Laufenburg. Today, it is open only to pedestrians and cyclists. If you plan to cross between the old towns, you can use the bridge on foot or by bike. This restriction is a specific planning point to bear in mind when considering the connection between the old towns.

Trails with Different Characteristics

The cross-border Laufenburg Anniversary Trail is 20 kilometres long and takes hikers and cyclists through the historic old towns. Its full route also extends to Albbruck. The Laufenburg EIGHT is around 6.6 kilometres long and is a cross-border adventure hiking trail between Laufenburg (Baden) and Laufenburg in Switzerland. At three Rhine crossings, you switch between the two towns.

The EIGHT features stations for hands-on activities, trying things out and learning through play. The route runs mostly along natural-surface paths and also includes stairs and suspension bridges. Along the way, there are views of the Rhine and both old towns; benches and sun loungers on the riverbank invite you to take a break. When choosing a route, you can therefore consider not only its approximate length but also its features and the activity stations.

The distances show a clear difference in route length: at around 6.6 kilometres, the EIGHT is shorter than the 20-kilometre Anniversary Trail. The character of the routes also differs: the EIGHT combines Rhine crossings with activity stations and varied trail features, while the Anniversary Trail passes through the historic old towns and extends as far as Albbruck. When narrowing down your options, you can therefore consider both distance and route features.

“Flowing Borders” Cultural Days

The cross-border Laufenburg Cultural Days add a dedicated cultural programme to the trails. It includes concerts, theatre, art exhibitions, cabaret, jazz, tango and cultural activities for children. With their range of formats, the Cultural Days are a travel occasion in their own right, alongside the cross-border trails.

The Cultural Days usually begin at the start of the Swiss school holidays and end during the summer holidays on the German side. Their usual timing is therefore based on the holiday periods on both sides. If you want to travel for a particular event, check the specific event dates before planning your trip.

Plan Your Travel Dates and Accommodation

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can plan your stay around the occasion that matters most to you. For a hiking trip, you can compare distances, crossings and trail features; if the Cultural Days are the deciding factor, check the specific event dates first. This way, you can link your choice of travel dates and accommodation to a particular experience in Laufenburg (Baden).

Discover more destinations: Bonndorf in the Black Forest, Görwihl, Albbruck, Grafenhausen, Altenburg, Rickenbach, Dachsberg, Lottstetten

Return to the main travel overview: Waldshut.