Stein am Rhein – Rheinklingen – Diessenhofen

This hike starts in one of the most stunning villages in Switzerland – Stein am Rhein – and ends in the historical village of Diessenhofen. If you like charming villages and a stroll along the river through beautiful countryside, then this is the hike for you!

In Stein am Rhein, spend some time in the old town. There are lots of photo opportunities among the colorful, half-timbered medieval houses clustered around the Rathausplatz. There is also the Hohenklingen Castle, perched on a hilltop above the town, dating back to the Middle Ages. And let’s not forget, there’s ice cream!

After having explored the town, it’s time to wander along the river, which is lovely in any season but a special delight in early spring sunshine. It’s best to walk along the south side of the river leaving Stein am Rhein to avoid the noisy traffic on the north side.

It really is a lovely and diverse stroll along the edge of the river. There are only gentle climbs along the way and sometimes the path wanders through woods and then comes out into meadows again. After an hour and half you will pass by Rheinklingen. From here the center of the river is the border to Germany.

After another hour and half you will arrive at Diessenhofen.

It’s well worth spending some time exploring this town, since there is lots to see. There is the Unterhof Castle, the city walls, a very impressive wooden bridge across the river and plenty more historical buildings. And besides all that, there is ice cream.

A little further along the river we arrive at the St Katharinental monastery, which is now a hospital. The monastery church St Katharinental is within the hospital complex, but can still be visited.

To return to Stein am Rhein you can take the ever-reliable Swiss train, which runs every 30 minutes. Or from March to October you can take the ferry – a wonderful end to a hike!