ViaJura
Overview
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Distance 17 km
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Duration 4 h 30 min
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Ascent 520 m
Intro
This scenic, contoured stage passes the Angenstein gorge, Pfeffingen ruins, Glögglifelspass, Nenzlingerweid nature reserve, Jura village of Blauen, moated castle of Zwingen and finally the old town of Laufen.
Description
Aesch is known for its castle ruins and also boasts the largest wine-growing area in the Baselbiet (19 hectares). Past the church and out of the village, the path leads through the forest up to the Muggeberg, which, to the east, slopes steeply down towards the Birs. To the north lies the narrow Klus of Angenstein with the castle. Farther south, the hilly landscape above Duggingen and the Homberg stands out.
After a beautiful wooded area on the hillcrest, you reach sweeping fields again and catch sight of the ruins of Pfeffingen Castle. Archaeological finds suggest that it was the site of an early medieval settlement. In addition to the strategic location and the wild stories surrounding this castle, the views over Basel are also extraordinary.
The first vineyards begin just behind the castle. A scenic path leads between stone walls through the vines along the slope and over Grossi Weid into the forest. Shortly afterwards, you stand before the painted and scribbled Glögglifels. In the past, this passage made it possible to bypass the customs post on the Birs. Therefore, the gates were locked, and to call the guard, one had to ring the bell that gave the rock its name.
On the stretch leading above Nenzlingen to Blauen, the trail crosses the ecologically valuable and protected dry meadows of Nenzlinger und Blauen-Weide (nature reserve with pastures) several times. The long strips are rich in species, particularly the orchids that catch the eye.
On straight gravel paths, you walk along a beautiful avenue of trees past pastures and fields with fruit trees on the southern slope to Blauen. Here the Via Jura and Via Surprise share the path. The route now descends over a beautiful meadow and a short forest section to Zwingen. Soon the castle becomes visible on an island in the Birs. It was first mentioned in a document in 1312. Today it is owned by the municipality and hosts various events. The castle grounds can be visited at any time.
The path leads off to the right at the railway station, first over the Birs and through the municipality. There are a few old heritage houses at the edge of the village. Following the railway line, you reach Laufen half an hour later. Past the baths, the path leads directly through the historic old town. Within the town walls, you will find numerous street cafés and the local museum with its regional fossil collection totalling over 2,000 pieces. The 150- to 200-million-year-old remnants of the former Jurassic Sea were collected within a radius of about 20 kilometres around Laufen.
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 |
Aesch (BL)
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Laufen
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| Direction |
One way
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| Ascent |
520 m
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| Descent |
480 m
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| Distance |
17 km
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| Duration |
4 h 30 min
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| Duration back |
4 h 30 min
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| Technical requirements |
Easy
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| Physical requirements |
Medium
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| Season |
All year
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Quick Facts
Route number
