Welcome to
Canoeing in Switzerland

The last extensive natural riparian landscape of the Alpenrhein is located near Rhäzüns. Typical alluvial zones change constantly.

Dent Blanche, Matterhorn, Monte Rosa: this glaciated mountain landscape of breathtaking beauty extends into the Valais Alps. A renowned tourism region, it is a particularly popular location for hiking, winter sport and Alpine touring (Haute Route).

The landscapes in the Jura Mountains between the rivers Aare and Rhine are attractive and varied. They are not natural landscapes but cultural landscapes that have been shaped by man for centuries.

The Chaltenbrunnen raised mire is located on a slope terrace above Meiringen. Because it has remained in its original unspoiled state, it is one of the most important mires in the Swiss Alps.

A wetland of international note which is unique in Switzerland in terms of its unspoiled natural beauty can be found on the southern shore of Lake Neuchâtel. Numerous nature trails are also provided for visitors in the Champ-Pittet nature reserve.

Mount San Giorgio, which is world-renowned for its spectacular fossil finds from the Triassic, lies on the southern shores of Lake Lugano. It has been a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site since 2003.

The Glauenberg mire landscape, which is located between the district of Entlebuch, Lake Lungern and Lake Sarnen, covers an area of 130 square kilometres and is Switzerland’s biggest mire landscape. The area is an important habitat for the highly endangered capercaillie species.

The landscape of Gantrisch and Gurnigel forms a characteristic mosaic of forest and open land with many blanket mires and some raised ones. The land on the watershed between Gürbe, Sense and Schwarzwasser has long been used as an amenity area by urban dwellers.

The Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn area has been inscribed as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site since 2001. This means that Switzerland is responsible for providing effective protection to this unique Alpine region and passing it on to future generations unharmed.

The popular excursion destination of Lake Etang de la Gruère is a mire lake near Saignelégier. It provides habitats for numerous animal and plant species in a region otherwise low on water courses. The lake is surrounded by the characteristic wooded pastures (Wytweiden) of the Franches Mountains.

Lakes of Amsoldingen and Uebeschi and the adjacent mires near Amsoldingen are witnesses of the Ice Age. The mire landscape around the two lakes includes all of the blanket mire types found in Switzerland.

The area where the river Rhone enters Lake Geneva is characterized by reed banks, alluvial forests and extensive reed areas. It is an important resting and hibernation place for migratory birds. The nature reserve is a mire of international importance.

Mount Chasseral, which stands high above Lake Biel, forms a prominent segment of the first of the Jura mountain ranges. A view of the entire Alpine Arc can be enjoyed from its peak. The features of the surrounding landscape include wooded slopes, bands of rock and meadows with individual trees.

Mount Vully lies between Lakes Murten, Neuchâtel and Biel. The magnificent view and picturesque scenery with the vineyards make it a very popular destination for excursions. The mountain also provides a retreat for animals in the middle of a landscape used for intensive agriculture.

The Col de la Croix pass connects Les Diablerets with Box in the Chablais region. There is a road leading from Bex to the untamed Vallon de Nant. The treasures of this secluded valley include a remarkable variety of flora and fauna.

The Neeracher Ried mire has the Linth glacier to thank for its existence. The glacier created a relief that facilitated the formation of extensive mire landscapes. The traditional utilization of the mire continues today, thus the region retains its ecological value.

With its seven-kilometre-long terraces, Lavaux is one of the most famous wine-growing regions in Switzerland. The first terraces were created by monks in the 12th century. The area, which is located between Lausanne and Vevey, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2007.

It is worth stopping on the San Bernardino pass. A glaciated landscape with glaciated knobs, mires and small lakes awaits discovery there. The pass road, which originates from the 19th century, has been painstakingly restored.

An unspoiled and varied landscape is the hallmark of the Randen area in Schaffhausen. Thanks to its dry climate and shallow soils, species-rich dry meadows and sparse forests with very special species were able to become established on south-facing slopes.

Following the adoption of the Rothenthurm Initiative, the protection of the Rothenthurm Mire was enshrined in the Swiss Constitution by referendum. Switzerland’s largest contiguous raised mire is located in the high valley near Rothenthurm. Large amounts of peat were cut there in the past.