Many people passing through the Glatt Valley look at the sky a little longer than elsewhere: the “silver birds” starting and landing at Kloten airport can easily cause you to catch the travel bug. Kloten is Switzerland’s largest airport. Its observation deck is one of the most popular destinations in the country and well worth a visit. Just like the small lakes that appear out of the blue, surrounded by reeds, in the middle of a wetland area. Suddenly, the nearby highway is almost forgotten. Within a small space, you’ll find low moorland and high moorland here. This is the reason why the region is a textbook case for lake filling and moorland development. In addition to the guests lounging on the beach, breeding birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects are also frolicking here. Plus it is a regular rest stop for white herons during migration.

A mix of land, agriculture, water, agglomerations and industry follows, while you are cruising leisurely along the Furtbach through the Furttal and to the Limmat River. Golf games are underway on the lawns and the park benches look prefect for a peaceful siesta. On the outskirts of the village of Würenlos a surprisingly harmonious combination of lovely houses, street lights and fountains appears - a good opportunity to refill the water bottles and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. The view of Baden’s charming old town from the Limmat bridge is delightful. On the section between the long-time health resort and the old town of Brugg you move away from the Limmat River and return to the water shortly before you reach what is commonly known as the “water castle region” (triangular area between Brugg, Windisch, Gebenstorf, Turgi, Stilli and Untersiggenthal), where Aare, Reuss and Limmat flow together.

The Vindonissa Park with the remains of a Roman legion camp in Windisch is surrounded by water and the Königsfelden monastery from the late Middle Ages with its unique glass windows is known throughout Europe. The last section between Brugg and Aarau is another sight for sore eyes: mostly on unpaved roads, through meadowlands, past castles and sandbars and on to Aarau, a city with rows of late Gothic houses and baroque gabled roofs.