ViaGottardo
Overview
-
-
Distance 8 km
-
Duration 2 h
-
Ascent 170 m
Intro
An old pass trail leads over the Unteren Hauenstein to Olten. Thanks to the basis tunnel, only the S-Bahn trains now run on the scenically-rewarding section over the pass. The views from the Hauenstein can thus be enjoyed in peace.
Description
Läufelfingen lies in the upper part of the Homburgertal valley on the old Basel-Olten railway line. In 1858, the village experienced an economic boom with the opening of the longest railway tunnel in Europe. The 2.5-kilometre summit tunnel runs under the village of Hauenstein, whereas the new Hauenstein base tunnel, completed in 1916, passes to the east of the community of Läufelfingen.
The railway station, where this stage begins, is located on the village's outskirts. Following on the old mountain pass road for about half an hour, you reach the Hauenstein summit at an altitude of 690 metres. In Roman times, the pass served as an important transit link between Augusta Raurica and the Mittelland region. Today, it's a popular destination for motorcyclists. Leaving the double municipality of Hauenstein-Ifenthal, you pass the golf course and the Alti Schmitte restaurant. The route now enters the forest, where it was carved deep into the limestone rock. Coming out of the forest again, you arrive at the Isebähnli restaurant. Between spring and autumn, motorcyclists meet here on Thursdays.
The route passes through residential areas as it approaches the Aare River. After a last short section along the river, the hike ends at the railway station in Olten. From here, all long-distance transport uses the base route. It's one of Switzerland's busiest railway lines and part of the north-south freight axis. The summit line, by contrast, is only used to serve the local population ("Läufelfingerli"). This railway and writers' town – Swiss authors Pedro Lenz, Alex Capus and Franz Hohler were born or live in Olten – has a well-preserved, historic centre.
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
| Start location |
Läufelfingen
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Olten
|
| Direction |
One way
|
| Ascent |
170 m
|
| Descent |
320 m
|
| Distance |
8 km
|
| Duration |
2 h
|
| Duration back |
2 h 10 min
|
| Technical requirements |
Easy
|
| Physical requirements |
Easy
|
| Season |
All year
|
Quick Facts
Route number
