slowUp Hochrhein

Movement instead of Cars

slowUp is an idea from Switzerland: One Sunday a year, roads in a region are closed to car traffic so that people can experience them on foot, by bike, on skates, or on scooters. The slowUp Hochrhein is one of the largest and oldest editions of this format — it has been taking place since 2006 and utilizes the geographical peculiarity of the Hochrhein: 32 km along the Rhine, sometimes on the German side, sometimes on the Swiss side.

Route

On Sunday, June 21, 2026, the route leads through both countries: Swiss side via Sisslerfeld and Hardwald to Laufenburg/Switzerland; German side between the Rhine and the Black Forest from Bad Säckingen via Murg to Laufenburg/Baden. The Rhine bridges at Laufenburg serve as crossings between the countries. Those who complete the full circuit will cover 32 km in a mix of urban Hochrhein scenery, industrial history (Rheinfelden Aluminium Works), and forest landscapes.

Entertainment Along the Way

Several festival locations line the route: Bad Säckingen with its historic wooden bridge, Murg, Laufenburg (Baden), and Laufenburg (Switzerland). Each location features stages, gastronomic offerings, hands-on activities, and rental stations for bicycles. Local bands play, clubs provide refreshments, and tourism offices offer maps and information.

Hochrhein Region Across Borders

The Hochrhein is the region where the Rhine forms the border between Germany and Switzerland between Lake Constance and Basel. Bad Säckingen (Waldshut district, Baden-Württemberg) is one of the most beautiful towns in this region — with its historic wooden bridge (the longest covered wooden bridge in Europe) and the Trumpeter's Castle. The partnership with Laufenburg and the Swiss side makes the slowUp the most tangible symbol of this cross-border identity.

SlowUp Sticker as Funding

Participation is free. Those who wish to support the event can purchase a slowUp sticker — the proceeds help finance the format. The main sponsor is Migros (Switzerland), supplemented by regional sponsors on both the German and Swiss sides.