Laufenburg (Baden): Two Historic Town Centers on the Rhine

Laufenburg (Baden) makes the Rhine part of the town experience: two historic town centers, a pedestrian and cycle bridge, and cross-border trails let you experience the river from different perspectives. There is also a sweeping view from Schlossberg and the “Flowing Borders” cultural days. If you are looking for a place to stay, the experiences you want to make the focus of your trip can be a useful starting point.

Two Historic Town Centers and the View from Schlossberg

Today, the Laufen Bridge is open only to pedestrians and cyclists, connecting the two historic town centers of Laufenburg. From Schlossberg, the view stretches across the rooftops of the historic town houses and over the Rhine to the German sister town of Laufenburg (Baden), as well as to the Jura’s green hills. This gives you two different ways to encounter the Rhine: as a link between the historic town centers and as part of a panorama of rooftops, river and green hills. If you are weighing activity against views when planning your trip, the bridge and Schlossberg offer two different perspectives on the town.

Comparing Cross-Border Trails

The cross-border Laufenburg Jubilee Trail is 20 kilometers long and takes hikers and cyclists through the historic town centers. Its full route also extends to Albbruck. So, alongside a route through the historic town centers, there is a longer trail that continues beyond Laufenburg.

The Laufenburg ACHT is a cross-border adventure trail between Laufenburg (Baden) and Laufenburg in Switzerland. It is around 6.6 kilometers long; at three Rhine crossings, you switch between the two towns. Interactive stops for taking part, trying things out and learning through play are a feature of the route, as are its varied trail conditions: it runs mostly on unpaved paths and also includes stairs and suspension bridges. Along the way, there are views of the Rhine and both historic town centers. Benches and sun loungers on the banks of the Rhine invite you to take a break.

Two points are especially useful for comparing the trails: At 20 kilometers, the Jubilee Trail is longer than the ACHT, which is around 6.6 kilometers long. The routes also differ in character: one highlights the historic town centers and continues to Albbruck, while the other features three Rhine crossings, interactive stops and varied trail conditions. You can weigh up the distance and type of experience when planning your trip.

Culture for a Range of Interests

The cross-border Laufenburg “Flowing Borders” cultural days include concerts, theater, art exhibitions, cabaret, jazz, tango and cultural events for children. If you are planning a trip with children, you can consider the events specifically described as cultural activities for children as one part of your itinerary; the program also ranges from music and theater to exhibitions and cabaret. The cultural days usually begin at the start of the Swiss school holidays and end with the summer holidays on the German side. As the usual period is timed around school holidays on both sides of the Rhine, check the specific event dates before your trip.

Another Historic Rhine Connection in Waldshut

The broader travel destination of Waldshut also offers a historic connection to routes across the Rhine: the ferry service between Waldshut and Switzerland dates back more than 600 years. If you are interested in regional Rhine connections, this is a different historical facet from Laufenburg’s bridge and trails. The reference to Waldshut therefore broadens the picture of Laufenburg without equating the two places.

Discover more destinations: Häusern, Dachsberg, Waldshut-Tiengen, Weilheim, Albbruck, Ibach, Todtmoos, Ühlingen-Birkendorf

Back to the main travel overview: Waldshut.