Stein on the High Rhine: Wooden Bridge, Hiking Trails and Nature

Stein lies in the Fricktal on the High Rhine, on the border with Germany. When planning a stay, the local attractions offer several points of interest: the historic wooden bridge, cross-border hiking, and nature and exercise activities. Options range from a cultural and historic structure to trails for hikes and walks, as well as a fitness trail and a nature reserve.

The Wooden Bridge over the Rhine

The wooden bridge over the Rhine connects Stein with Bad Säckingen in Germany. It is 203.7 metres long and is considered Europe’s longest covered wooden bridge. It is also included on the list of Aargau cultural assets of national importance. The bridge is closed to motorised traffic. The stone piers from the reconstruction of the historic wooden bridge in 1573 have also been preserved.

Hiking and Nature in Stein

The High Rhine riverside circular trail runs from Grenzach-Wyhlen and Kaiseraugst to Bad Säckingen and Stein. As a hiking trail in two countries, it forms part of the Rheinliebe route. Stein can therefore also be considered in the context of a cross-border hiking route.

The «Biotop Bustelbach» nature reserve features ponds, piles of stones and a wild bee hotel. The area also serves as a peaceful local recreation spot. Renaturation work has been carried out along the Bustelbach and in an adjoining meadow; there are benches and an observation platform there. These details offer various points of reference for spending time outdoors: the protected area with its ponds and piles of stones, as well as the stream and meadow area with places to sit.

The elevation also varies within the municipality: it ranges from 285 metres above sea level by the Rhine to 490 metres above sea level on the Eikerberg plateau. The description of the area therefore includes a higher-elevation point of reference as well as the Rhine.

Walks, Fitness Trail and Cycling

There is a network of field paths between Schaffhauserstrasse, Münchwilerstrasse and Industriestrasse, inviting visitors to take a walk. For a clearly defined fitness circuit, Stein’s Vita Parcours is 2.5 kilometres long and has 15 stations. The exercises focus on endurance, flexibility and strength. This distinguishes the fitness trail as a dedicated exercise option from the field paths and the cross-border hiking trail.

The Bustelbach sports facilities offer tennis, badminton, volleyball, beach volleyball, floorball and mini golf. In addition to fitness trails and walking paths, there is a range of other specific activities, from racket and ball sports to mini golf.

For getting around on foot and by bicycle, Stein’s local map shows routes for pedestrians and cyclists. Stein has also been part of a cross-border PubliBike bike-sharing system for the High Rhine region since May 2026; it is running as a three-year pilot project. E-bikes and conventional bicycles can be hired at Bahnhofweg and returned to any PubliBike station in the High Rhine network or in Basel. The High Rhine network includes Kaiseraugst, Rheinfelden (CH), Rheinfelden (D), Stein, Bad Säckingen, and Laufenburg (CH) and Laufenburg (D). Availability depends on the pilot project’s current operation, so check its status before planning to hire a bicycle.

Discover more destinations: Rheinfelden, Wegenstetten, Möhlin, Kaiseraugst

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