Columban's route Stage 1 Basel - Rheinfelden

The route through the Switzerland-Austria-Liechtenstein area offers the hiker an extremely attractive variety of cultural and natural offerings.

The journey often follows rivers (Rhine, Aare, Limmat) and lets you enjoy the river landscapes in all their facets. Two larger lakes (Lake Zurich, Lake Constance) offer opportunities to be traveled by boat or to hike along their shores.

On the hike, interesting insights into history emerge, with impressive evidence especially from Roman times along the way: Augusta Raurica (Augst), Vindonissa (Windisch), Arbor Felix (Arbon), Brigantium (Bregenz), Curia (Chur). Paths built by the Romans are walked (excavations near Schaan in FL, Septimer Pass).

Of course, cities are also crossed, where a stay may be worthwhile (Basel, Zurich, St. Gallen, Bregenz, Vaduz, Chur). And the charming places that turn the path into a sequence of attractions are almost countless.

The first stage leads from Basel to Rheinfelden.