The two cantons of Aargau and Solothurn on the Swiss Plateau are a surprise package for tourists. The closely-knit and continuous cycle route network is particularly attractive for cyclists. Along the way, small historic old towns invite you to linger and enjoy, including with culinary refreshments. 

The short bike trip begins in Solothurn, the most beautiful baroque city in Switzerland. After a stroll through the car-free old town with its historic monuments, the world-famous St. Ursus Cathedral and charming small hostelries, the friends take to their bikes. The tour starts gently enough: the route is beautifully flat as we pass through the Wasseramt district. As the name suggests, water can be found everywhere here. Mighty groundwater swells, the two rivers Aare and Emme and the only two lakes in the canton of Solothurn lie in this district. One of these lakes is today’s destination: having arrived at Lake Burgäschi, the friends park their bikes, enjoy a refreshing swim and celebrate the end of a busy day. 

Located directly on the shore of Lake Burgäschi, the Seeblick restaurant and hotel offers culinary delights in a unique setting. Locals appreciate the “Seeblick” as a place to come together, while guests coming from further afield enjoy the beauty of the unique recreational area.

The tiny lake in the Wasseramt district is steeped in history: pile dwellers settled on the shore of the moor lake more than 6,000 years ago. In the Middle Ages, the area was ruled by the lords of Äschi, whose castle was completely destroyed in a battle. The sites that remind us of the lake’s eventful past were designated UNESCO World Heritage sites back in 2011. The story of how the lake came to be is equally exciting. The lake basin is a so-called dead ice hole, a legacy of the Rhône Glacier.

After a restful night and a fortifying breakfast, the friends saddle up to continue on with their journey. One last lingering look back at Lake Burgäschi and they’re on their way. From the start, the Jura mountains with the Hasenmatt, the highest point in the canton of Solothurn, are your constant companions. The picture-perfect old town of Wangen an der Aare immediately catches your attention. The small town impresses with its charming centre and the covered wooden bridge over the Aare. A stopover is certainly worthwhile. The friends now follow the fourth stage of the Mittelland Route. 

The idyllic bike path mostly follows the course of the Aare. With a length of 288 kilometres, the Aare is the longest river flowing entirely within Switzerland. Along the way, the friends find themselves constantly passing by delightful small villages and towns. It is worth stopping in Aarburg for a bite to eat. The little town on the Aare, which was first mentioned in 1123, is a member of the association of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland. Aarburg’s main attraction is the fortress on the elongated cliff ledge that towers over the old town. The historic city centre is an inviting place for a stroll and boasts a number of imposing buildings that will amaze visitors. 

An interesting fact: The natural basin and the water current against the rocks cause the Aare to flow backwards near Aarburg. The rock deflects part of the flow, while at the same time the water level rises cyclically and eddy patterns are created. The water is thus held back and is pushed up the river. If the pressure becomes too great, the basin empties. This is how the largest natural spirit level in Europe is created. 

The next stop is Bally Park in Schönenwerd. Created by shoe manufacturer Carl Franz Bally between 1868 and 1890, the park is a well-preserved example of a landscape garden in an English style. Elements of a geometric architectural garden are also incorporated in the area around the social facilities (Kosthaus). The miniature pile dwellings in the middle of the park are the only ones of their kind in Europe. Situated between the railway and the Aare, the park is a lush green gem. 

On arrival in the capital of the canton of Aargau, the friends go for a stroll through the historic alleyways and enjoy the lively city life. Looking up is definitely well worthwhile here: Aarau has some of the most beautifully ornate roof undersides in the whole of Switzerland. The actual destination in Aarau is the castle beer garden in the heart of the city. In the secluded castle park, the friends quench their thirst with the local beer and replenish their energy stores with a snack from the kitchen.