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Intro

This tour truly lives up to its name. It leads to impressive castles in the middle of the picturesque landscape of Baselland and Schwarzbubenland in Solothurn. The trail not only takes you on a cultural journey through the centuries, but also offers many opportunities to sample regional delicacies in charming country guesthouses and wineries.

Detour / Closure

There are detours or closures along this route, for more information see https://schweizmobil.ch/en/cycling-in-switzerland/route-114

Description

This circular route runs through superb landscapes in Baselland and Solothurn’s Schwarzbubenland with amazing views, dense forests and places steeped in history. But the highlights are undoubtedly the castles that you see along the route: from impressive castle ruins to romantic moated castles, each one has its own story. Be sure to take plenty of time to admire the impressive architecture, enjoy the views from the towers and explore the legends that surround these buildings.

The versatile bike route starts at the train station in Aesch (BL). Several highlights await you in the first few kilometres: in the monumental exposed concrete building of Goetheanum Dornach, there is a conspicuous lack of right angles. Arlesheim follows shortly afterwards with its charming village centre, the largest English landscaped garden in Switzerland and its impressive cathedral. The route runs across wide fields to Bottmingen Castle, surrounded by water, with its attractive pond and gardens. You continue along the settlement boundary towards Leymen in France. You see the impressive Landskron ruins in the distance. On the short detour to France, you can explore this castle with its wonderful view across the Leimental Valley and the Sundgau.

The Mariastein Monastery is a peaceful place with a special atmosphere. It is ideal for taking a lunch break or charging your e-bike batteries. The monastery, with its impressive architecture, is located in a unique setting where you can really relax. The proud Rotberg mountain castle is also nearby, with its winding stairway, knights’ hall, tower room and stunning view. You can spend the night in a historical atmosphere here (book in advance).

A drive through forest areas with lush nature is followed by the idyllic vineyards of the Klus Aesch. You can taste local wines paired with dishes in the largest wine region in Baselland, which is steeped in history. The Pfeffingen ruins, located impressively on a hill above the Birstal, are a historical gem. An exciting audio tour with eight stories to listen to offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the past. A refreshing final descent leads back to the destination point in Aesch. You can enjoy a culinary finale in one of the various restaurants here. If you have not yet had enough of cycling, you can ride around the mountain bike trail centre near Löhrenacker.

An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Aesch
Destination
Aesch
Ascent
860 m
Descent
860 m
Distance
40 km
Distance on tarred ways
31 km
Distance on natural surface
9 km
Physical requirements
Medium
Signalization
Signalisation in both directions
More information https://schweizmobil.ch/en/cycling-in-switzerland/...

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

No. 114

Distance

40 km

Ascent

860 m

Travel information: Aesch

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