The "Amazon of Switzerland

For those who like to spend time in nature, the Aargau vacation region has a lot to offer in late summer. Fancy a guided boat excursion in a unique floodplain landscape? For a refreshing swim in the Rhine at a particularly beautiful spot or for an exciting bike tour along the Rhine? The possibilities are numerous and varied, and there is something for every age.

Boat tour on the "Amazon of Switzerland

The participants of this event offered by Pro Natura Aargau Excursion explore by boat the longest, free-flowing stretch of the Rhine between Rekingen and Koblenz. A shore excursion takes place at the Chly Rhy in Rietheim: This unique floodplain landscape is home, for example, to the kingfisher, the sand martin and the beaver. With a little luck, these river dwellers can be observed during the excursion. With landing nets and magnifying glasses, the participants then explore the food basis of the fish or work on a beaver dam. Depending on the temperature, a swim in the river may also be possible.

Rhine swimming in Bad Zurzach

In late summer, swimming in the Rhine is still a special pleasure - also due to the higher water temperatures. Refreshing yourself and drifting in the "Amazon of Switzerland" is a pleasure. Bad Zurzach Tourism recommends two sections that cross between Germany and Switzerland and inspire with an admirable natural landscape: 1. entry at the Rhine bridge Bad Zurzach/Rheinheim and exit at the castle Bad Zurzach. 2. entrance ditto and exit at the old camping site in front of the Barzmühle. Especially for the swimming adventure, Rheinfelden Tourismus offers the practical "Wickelfische", which can be ordered online or bought at the tourist offices in Rheinfelden and Bad Zurzach. A "Wickelfisch" is a waterproof bathing bag that makes it possible to take things with you while swimming without getting them wet. By the way: A special experience for river swimmers is offered by the Rhine between the two Rheinfelden with the industry, the green of the forest and the harbor on the German side and the historic old town, the Inseli and the natural landscapes on the Swiss side.

Cycle route from Bad Zurzach to Rheinfelden

The stage of the national Rhine route number 2 starts in one of the two Aargau wellness oases Bad Zurzach or Rheinfelden and leads along the "Amazons of Switzerland" past beautiful spots. On this varied route, cyclists encounter many cultural, historical and natural highlights. The "Papa-Moll-Land" in Bad Zurzach makes children's hearts beat faster. In the Rietheimer Moos, wooden drilling towers bear witness to the former salt production, which was discontinued in the 1960s. Today, the focus is on power generation: eleven impressive power plants tame the Rhine between Schaffhausen and Basel, some of which you pass during the tour. In between, you will encounter a lot of nature again and again: mention should be made of the Giriz nature reserve, the floodplain landscape near Schwaderloch or the ride through refreshing forest sections between Wallbach and Möhlin. The picturesque Laufenburg is also on the bike route. Framed by wooded riparian heights and nicely situated in the river bend, it is definitely one of the most beautiful little towns on the High Rhine. The tour ends in Rheinfelden, the oldest Zähringer town in Switzerland, which awaits cyclists with its large town park, charming medieval town center and, of course, the castle of the Feldschlösschen brewery. If you want to stop for a bite to eat along the route: before Möhlin, you can enjoy fish at the "Chräbis" fishing guild every Sunday; fillets and whole pike, depending on the catch.

Where to stay overnight?

The vacation feeling on the Rhine can be extended with a hotel stay, for example at the Parkhotel Bad Zurzach or the Park-Hotel am Rhein in Rheinfelden. In Bad Zurzach, the largest open-air thermal pool in Switzerland and in Rheinfelden the "sole uno" with its saline pool invite you to relax and recharge your batteries.

You can find more information here

About the Canton of Aargau: Aargau is one of the most diverse cantons in Switzerland. It combines impressive landscapes, tourist attractions and historic towns. It owes this first and foremost to the Romans and Habsburgs, who once settled in Aargau and of whose exciting history numerous historic buildings still bear witness today. But there are also the eventful spas and museums, a wide range of gastronomic, cultural and sporting offerings, as well as action and recreation in nature and on the water, which characterize this canton of short distances. Aargau Tourism has set itself the task of establishing Aargau as an attractive local recreation canton with heart and passion.