Min. time required: 0:45
Season: all year
Recommended season: early April to late October
Max. altitude: 283 m (928 ft)

About this Rheinfelden town walk Copy link to clipboard

This is a self-guided walking tour in the small historical town center of Rheinfelden near Basel. It includes the church, picturesque streets, the park, the ancient town towers, and the stone bridge to Germany.

This route covers just 2.9 km and can be done in 45 minutes without breaks. I suggest allocating 1 to 2 hours for this walk though, so you'll have time to take pictures and sit down for a culinary break.

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The walk: free

The hiking route in Rheinfelden is free.

Tickets to travel to Rheinfelden

If you're not staying in Rheinfelden you'll have to get there first. This is best done by train. Several rail passes allow for discounted or free traveling to the town. You'll need normal tickets at standard fares without a rail pass.

Town walk directions and map Copy link to clipboard

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How to get to Rheinfelden and back

Rheinfelden is easy to reach by both train and car. A 15-minute train ride from Basel gets you there, for example. The walk starts and ends at the train station. Alternatively, you can reach Rheinfelden by boat from Basel.

Walking route description

Below, you'll find my detailed street-by-street directions, plus a map with the route.

Section 1: from the train station to the park

  • Exit the train station and keep walking straight along the Bahnhofstrasse, until you can turn left into the narrow Tempelgasse.
  • Walk down the street and onto the bridge over the river Rhine.
  • Walk onto the island on your left to explore it, then walk back to the bridge. If you want, you can turn left to cross the bridge into Germany. The border is in the middle of the river. Or turn right (where you came from) to continue the walking route.
  • Now turn left into the Marktgasse. After about 300 m turn left into the narrow Johannitergasse.
  • You've now reached a small chapel, the 'Johanniterkapelle'. The alley 'Zum Rhytörli' on its right leads to the river Rhine.
  • Continue following the Johannitergasse. Turn left at the end of the street to cross the gate of the tower, and follow the Kupfergasse and Hermann-Keller-Strasse to the entrance of the park. The tower, the 'Storchennestturm', was completed in 1360.

Section 2: from the park to the train station

  • From the entrance of the park, walk straight ahead, then turn left to reach the river Rhine.
  • Turn left to walk along the river for 150 m, then the path goes left and reaches the entrance of the park again.
  • Walk back to the tower and through the gate. Walk straight ahead until the square, where you turn left into the Geissgasse.
  • You'll reach the tiny square 'Obertorplatz', from where you can see another tower: the 'Obertorturm'. Its base dates back to the Medieval era, while the tower itself was built in the 17th century.
  • Turn right to reach the Brodlaube, then continue straight ahead into the Kirchgasse.
  • You'll pass the St. Martin church on your right.
  • Now turn left into the Bahnhofstrasse to walk back to the train station.
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Best months Copy link to clipboard

This route in Rheinfelden can be done all year long. But in my opinion, the most attractive season is early April to late October.

Rheinfelden is at low altitude and therefore not a typical winter destination. Snow in town isn't likely. Although Rheinfelden will be great on sunny winter days, without the sun the town may look less vibrant from November to March.

Weather tips and forecasts Copy link to clipboard

How to dress

Comfortable shoes are most important for this walk. Other than that, just dress according to the forecasts.

Best weather for this hike

Dry or nearly dry weather is preferable. Clouds or light drizzle aren't a problem, but of course Rheinfelden and the river Rhine look most attractive if the sun shines.

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Annika
Page author: AnnikaSince early childhood I've been visiting Switzerland during my holidays and I just fell in love with the country. I spent many summers in the Bernese Oberland, which still feels like my second home, and then started to explore other areas. Traveling, hiking and photographing in the Swiss Alps are my absolute favorite activities.