ViaRhenana, Stage 10/10

On ancient fishing-paths the trail follows the high banks of the Rhein river, strongly influenced by the industrial and traffic infrastructure of Basel's catchment area. Information boards show topics linked to the Rhine: the harbour, fishing-cottages or river power stations. Also impressive: the ruins of Augusta Raurica.

From Rheinfelden railway station, the hiking trail initially leads through the town and soon reaches the Rhine. Beyond the houses of Augarten, it climbs gently; near Eilete, at around 300 metres, it already reaches the highest point of the 19-kilometre route. The trail then descends to Kaiseraugst, passing directly by the Christian Catholic Church of St. Gallus.

For long stretches, the Rhine remains the guiding thread. Sections of woodland alternate with open meadows and stretches along the riverbank, while settlements occasionally extend down to the water. The easy trail follows the river towards Basel without any major changes in elevation. Shortly before the city, Restaurant Le Rhin Bleu stands directly on the route.

In Basel’s St. Alban Valley, the trail passes St. Alban Church at the foot of the Mühlenberg. It then continues via St. Alban-Pfalz into the city centre. At Martinskirchplatz, the Sevogelbrunnen stands directly in front of the Staatsarchiv, close to Martinskirche; a little later, the hike of just under five hours ends at Schifflände.