Active Through Switzerland – 6 Days from the Appenzell Region to Aargau
Active Through Switzerland – 6 Days from the Appenzell Region to Aargau
This trip connects Eastern Switzerland with the canton of Aargau and combines hiking, e-biking, and nature experiences with relaxing stays at select Swiss Quality Hotels. In summer, long days and lush green landscapes beckon, while fall delights visitors with pleasant temperatures, crisp air, and forests ablaze with color.
Your active vacation begins in Heiden in the Appenzell Vorderland. The elevated location and the green, rolling hills provide the perfect setting to start your trip with a first hike.
Explore the area on foot and enjoy the views of the countryside stretching all the way to Lake Constance along the way. Afterward, there will be plenty of time for a stroll through Heiden and a relaxing evening.
After breakfast, the journey continues through the Appenzell region to Herisau. Along the way, green meadows, traditional Appenzell houses, and rolling hills define the landscape.
Spend the day being active and explore part of the region on foot or by e-bike. If you prefer a more leisurely option, you can combine individual legs of the journey with public transportation.
Once you arrive in Herisau, there will be time for a stroll through the historic town center or a short tour of the surrounding countryside.
Today we’re going for a bike ride. The Herzroute No. 99, one of Switzerland’s most famous e-bike routes, winds its way around Herisau.
The route winds through the characteristic rolling hills of Eastern Switzerland, passing through small villages, forests, and scenic overlooks. Choose a section that suits your fitness level and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
In the afternoon, you’ll continue by public transportation toward Aargau. Your destination is Brugg/Windisch, where the next part of your active trip begins.
After the hills of Eastern Switzerland, the country reveals a completely different side today. Around Brugg, river landscapes, forests, and historic sites come together.
Start your day with a hike or bike ride along the Aare River and discover the diverse surroundings of Brugg and Windisch. If you’d like to spend more time exploring, you can extend the tour toward Jurapark Aargau.
After an active day, the journey continues to Erlinsbach at the foot of the Aargau Jura.
Hiking boots are on the agenda today. The Aargau Jura Park delights visitors with its forested Jura peaks, scenic overlooks, and diverse natural surroundings.
A particularly beautiful option is a hike across the heights of the Aargau Jura toward Erlinsbach. Along the way, views of the Aare Valley and the surrounding countryside open up time and again.
If you’d like to take it easy, choose a shorter hike around the Salhöhe or combine some exercise with a relaxing break in nature.
Afterward, the journey continues toward Aarau.
The final day gets off to an active start once again. From Aarau, there are numerous opportunities to explore the region on foot or by bike.
For example, follow the Aare River and enjoy a leisurely bike ride along its banks, or take one last hike through the lush green surroundings.
If you still have some time, you can round out your active trip with a visit to Aarau’s charming old town.
After six eventful days exploring the Appenzell region, the Herzroute, the Aare River, and Jurapark, your active trip through Switzerland comes to an end.
More about the regions
Aarau
Discover the most beautiful sights in Aarau, a charming Swiss city where history, culture, and nature come together in perfect harmony. Stroll through the picturesque old town with its beautifully painted gables, explore fascinating museums, and enjoy scenic walks along the River Aare. Whether you are interested in historical landmarks, cultural highlights, or simply relaxing in a vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere, Aarau offers something for every taste.
Erlinsbach
Heiden
Herisau
Windisch Brugg
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can rent bicycles at Linde Heiden. There are additional local bicycle and e-bike rental stations along the rest of the route. Since not all hotels offer their own rental service, we recommend checking availability in advance and reserving e-bikes early.
This itinerary is ideal for anyone who enjoys spending their vacation being active and wants to explore different regions of Switzerland. The individual activities can be tailored to each person’s fitness level.
No. The trip is intentionally designed to combine hikes, e-bike tours, and trips on public transportation. This allows you to plan each leg of the trip flexibly.
An e-bike is recommended for the hilly sections in the Appenzell region and along the Herzroute. However, many of the hikes and activities can be enjoyed without a bike.
We recommend six days for the entire route. You can extend individual stops or shorten the trip to suit your needs.
This route is particularly well-suited for the months of May through October. Summer offers long days for outdoor activities, while fall delights visitors with colorful landscapes and pleasant temperatures.
Yes. Many legs of the journey can be shortened or combined with public transportation. This allows the trip to be tailored to your personal activity level.
Of course. You can also explore each region on its own. This makes the route ideal both for a multi-day round trip and as inspiration for individual days of active vacation.
