In Laufenburg, the Rhine connects two historic old towns across an international border: Laufenburg (Baden) lies on the opposite bank. Two bridges connect the two towns. One of them, the Laufen Bridge, is open to pedestrians and cyclists. It was designed by Swiss engineer Robert Maillart and is considered a significant example of early modern bridge construction. Here, the river brings together a history of borders and a remarkable feat of engineering.
Along the Rhine and on cross-border trails
Those wishing to explore the surrounding area on foot will find trails of varying lengths. The cross-border nature trail is 12.5 kilometres long in total. Alternatives include a 4.5-kilometre circular route on the German side and an 8-kilometre route on the Swiss side. The trail passes through tranquil natural landscapes and forest, along the Rhine and through both old towns. Hiking upstream or downstream from Laufenburg involves only gentle ascents and descents.
A longer circular route is the 20-kilometre Jubiläumspfad Laufenburg, for hikers and cyclists. It passes through the historic old towns and follows the Rhine to the Dreispitz nature reserve in Albbruck before returning to Laufenburg. The Laufenburger ACHT is another cross-border adventure trail between the German and Swiss towns of Laufenburg. Its route includes interactive stations and crossings of the Rhine, and explores the town’s past, geology, nature and wildlife.
The town can also be experienced from a different perspective on the water: canoe trips on the Rhine pass through both historic old towns. Beavers shape the vegetation along the riverbanks; with a little luck, you may spot grey herons and kingfishers in the riverside thickets. Those who prefer cycling can take a scenic e-bike circular tour starting in Laufenburg. It passes through the forests and vineyards of Jurapark Aargau to viewpoints and includes culinary stops at five food and drink establishments.
History, art and language
Laufenburg Castle ruins were once the ancestral seat of the Counts of Habsburg-Laufenburg. Tours of the ruins can be booked through Jurapark Aargau. Another way to explore the town’s history is on a tour with the Laufenburg night watchman, which visits places normally accessible only to night watchmen and recounts old legends and stories from the town. The “The Habsburgs” tour focuses on traces of the past, from magnificent castles to hidden historical details.
The Rehmann Museum presents two temporary exhibitions of contemporary three-dimensional art each year. At the Sprachpanorama, exhibitions covering 250 square metres explore dialects, the languages of the world, the history of the German language and reading. The centre also offers group tours and workshops for lower- and upper-secondary school classes. Art, language history and local history offer visitors a range of different themes to explore.
Market life and an annual August event
At Laufenburg’s old town market, you’ll find fine crafts, delicacies from small-scale producers, locally made products and seasonal foods. Most of the goods come from regional producers and farms. Switzerland’s National Day celebrations on 1 August take place at Laufenplatz. They include a procession through the old town with lanterns, torches and paper lanterns. It starts at 9:15 p.m., lasts about 30 to 45 minutes and is accompanied by the Laufenburg night watchman.
Getting there and finding your way around
For rail travel, possible stations include Laufenburg Aargau in Switzerland and Laufenburg (Baden) and Laufenburg (Baden) Ost in Germany. Freibad Laufenburg CH is about 200 metres from the Laufenburg Regionalspital bus stop and is also a short walk from the train station. Marked trails and the Flösserweg’s connection to public transport make getting around easier; there are various rest areas and barbecue spots along the trail.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Oberhofen, Laufenburg, Wölflinswil, Frick, Ueken, Kaisten, Zurzach, Brugg.
Back to the main travel overview: Aargau.
