Ultra-Trails in the Canton of Schaffhausen

In northern Switzerland, the canton of Schaffhausen pushes into Germany like a wedge of territory squeezed between the Rhine and the border. The forests of the Randen, which rise above 900 m, form a long wooded plateau crossed by trails 🌲. To the south, the river and the Rhine Falls set the rhythm of the routes.

For an ultra-trail in the canton of Schaffhausen, linking sections together makes the difference. Loops connecting Schaffhausen, the Randen, Schleitheim and the banks of the Rhine easily exceed 80 km without much cumulative elevation gain, but with regular climbs that weigh on the legs over time. Water points abound in the villages, which eases logistics. Summer and early autumn offer the best conditions, with mild nights ideal for headlamp outings 🌙. The limestone ground stays firm even after rain, which is reassuring for long training outings. Summer storms form quickly on the plateau, so it's best to keep an eye on the sky from late morning. A good water supply remains essential.

The ultra-trail calendar for Schaffhausen remains empty on Finishers, but great long formats are taking shape elsewhere. In Engelberg, the RunThrough Trails Engelberg offers a big format in August at the foot of the Titlis. In the Oberland, the Eiger Ultra-Trail by UTMB® attracts runners from around the world in July 🏔️. Graubünden hosts the Swiss Irontrail in June. For more ideas, explore the ultra-trails in the canton of Zurich, those in the canton of St. Gallen or the Ultra-Trails in Switzerland page.

Long outings often pass through Schleitheim, where Roman remains recall the ancient town of Juliomagus 🏛️. Further on, the Munot watches over the city, with its guardian who rings the bell every evening. Whether it's your first 80 km or a full crossing, the Schaffhausen terrain helps you build your endurance 🎯.