After the ascent through the forest south of Wittnau, we soon reach the beautiful agricultural plain of Altenberg. A sweeping view of the undulating landscape and our first destination at the Wasserflue accompanies us over the fields. Then comes the short but strenuous climb on a zigzagging path to the Burgflue. The forest clearing above the cliff offers a view all the way into Germany, while the rocks themselves provide a habitat for rare plants. A beautiful fire pit here is an inviting place for a rest.

Now comes an interesting ridge hike to the Wasserflue, the highest point of the stage (843 m above sea level), crossing forests and fields over the Salhöhe and passing the old bunker and ski lift. The ascent to the lookout point brings its own reward: on a clear day, the view stretches across the Swiss Plateau, northwards to the Black Forest and southwards to the Alps.

The trail leads downhill via Hard, where the meadows bloom beautifully at certain times of year. A partly steep forest path runs past the Gehren shooting range and via Rombachtäli to the Alpenzeiger. After a challenging ascent to the final lookout point, we arrive in Aarau and walk through winding alleys and past many street cafés to reach the station.