Dielsdorf is located at the end of the Lägern chain – the easternmost of all the outcrops of the Jura in Switzerland. It also marks the start of the Crest Trail that takes you from east to west. The first stage begins with a gentle climb up through the vineyards to Regensberg – a town built on a rocky spur. The castle of the same name was once the ancestral seat of the Barons of Regensberg. It is topped by a tower in the Savoyard style. The iconic landmark of this mediaeval country town is open to the public: fantastic all-round views of the region await you here. Walk past half-timbered houses with nicely maintained front gardens to reach the hiking route that takes you towards Lägern. The Crest Trail really gets under way as you tackle the first Jura hill.

Walk for rather more than an hour on a forest road to reach the Watch Tower and the ancient ruined fortress at Lägern. The stunning vista stretches all the way to the Alps. Now, the road gives way to a ridge path through the forest which has some narrow stretches. On reaching the Lägern Saddle, you return to the wide forest road that bypasses the exposed ridge passages. Past Chaltenbrünneli, a stairway takes you to Schartenfels Castle, where you will find a restaurant.

Hikers reach the old town of Baden by crossing the bridge near the Bailiff's Castle. Walk past the ruins of Stein Castle to reach Baldegg, a popular destination for outings with magnificent views of the Mittelland and the Alps, stretching all the way to Mount Säntis. Hike along pretty forest paths past ivy-clad trees to reach the Gebenstorfer Horn. From here, you look out on the confluence of the rivers Reuss, Limmat and Aare: the "water tower" of Switzerland. The path leads off to the left, crosses the river Reuss via Gebenstorf and then follows the river Aare into the historic little town of Brugg, site one of Switzerland's oldest bridges.