Laufenburg eight

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Both towns of Laufenburg - Laufenburg (Baden) and Laufenburg (Aargau), are jointly creating a 6.2 kilometre circular path through both towns directly on the Rhine. As there are three Rhine crossings in this section, the users of the circular path can keep alternating between both towns and countries. Hence the name "Laufenburg eight”. The idea for the “Laufenburg eight” has been around for several decades and is now to be executed. After Energiedienst GmbH, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of hydroelectric power station in Laufenburg in 2014, rebuilt the power station footbridge across the Rhine at a cost of around EUR 500,000, it has been possible for pedestrians and cyclists to use footbridge in the months of May to October inclusive. So now the third crossing for pedestrians is usable, but more diverse measures are required on both sides of the Rhine to be able to offer a circular path close to the Rhine: On the German side of the Rhine, a path has to be created between the old town and the power station. The difficult topographic conditions present a challenge here. A bridge therefore has to be constructed over the Schreiebach, which runs into it, as well as a ramp construction in the form of an eight to overcome the height difference. The installation of a lift system to connect the flourishing Laufenpark shopping centre is planned on the German side of the Rhine. On the Swiss side, the existing paths, steps and ramps including the lighting, are to be renovated and extended. Furthermore, a camper van site as well as toilet facilities are to be newly constructed on the so-called “Badmatte”. The “Laufenburg eight”, running across the oldest run-of-river power station on the High Rhine, which has been preserved in its original condition, is to be marketed via a joint cross-border tourism concept. The signposting of the path as well as the construction of theme stations and information boards is to take place uniformly in Switzerland and Germany. Boards are to be set up to explain to the public the topics of hydroelectric power, geology, water pollution control, historical buildings and the habitat of the beaver. The “Laufenburg eight” means that the last gap in the inter-regional hiking network along the High Rhine will be closed. The project partners anticipate that both old towns will be revitalised by the path. Both will have positive effects on tourism, particularly as it is estimated there will be a higher number of tourist stays. The new camper van site on the Swiss side will contribute to this too. Citizens on both side of the Rhine will use the cultural and leisure range in the “other” Laufenburg as a matter of course. The “Laufenburg eight” will intensify this effect because local barriers will be considered less in the future thanks to this path. The Interreg project and the associated need for coordination should be taken as an opportunity to further extend institutional cooperation. Both building authorities will also work together for the first time thanks to this joint construction project. Other levels of administration will be in closer contact than before too as a result of the project. The same applies to the relevant political bodies. The fact that the partners in the neighbouring countries will become acquainted will allow for understanding of one another to grow, and could become the cornerstone for the cooperation of both towns of Laufenburg in further projects.

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