Arlesheim: Cathedral, Gardens and Castles

Arlesheim lies between the Birs and the slopes of Mount Gempen in the Birseck. The cathedral, Ermitage and Reichenstein Castle are the town’s three historic landmarks. They represent different aspects of Arlesheim: sacred architecture, historic gardens and castle history. Those wishing to explore these themes together will find a distinctive blend of culture and nature here.

The cathedral: architectural history, art and organ

Construction of the cathedral began in 1679, and it was consecrated on 26 October 1681. Under the direction of Franz Anton Bagnato, the building was extended and remodelled in the mature Rococo style. In the nave, Giuseppe Appiani’s ceiling painting depicts the glorification of Mary by the then-known continents of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The high altar is also remarkable: it is made of nine types of genuine marble.

The Silbermann organ, built by Johann Andreas Silbermann in 1761, plays a special role. It is the only playable Silbermann organ still in Switzerland. The cathedral hosts services of the Roman Catholic parish as well as regular concerts, usually featuring the organ. Arlesheim Cathedral Concerts have been running since 1974; up to the 2025 season, they averaged four concerts a year. The programme for that season included sacred vocal music with early-music ensembles and organ recitals on the historic organ.

A guided tour explains the building’s architectural and cultural history as well as the imagery inside. An organ demonstration can be included on request. If you are interested, ask for one when arranging the tour; arrangements may change.

Ermitage, gardens and landscape

The Ermitage is one of Switzerland’s most significant historic landscape gardens and has been protected as a heritage and nature site since 1999. It is open to the public and can be reached on foot from Arlesheim’s historic centre. Check local conditions before your visit. The surrounding area of the Ermitage features a pond, a gently rising hill, old farmhouses, a small castle, meadows and mature trees.

The Arlesheim cottage garden is located on the former site of the parish church dedicated to Saint Odile and its cemetery. Covering around 800 square metres, it has six enclosed planting beds and offers a distinctive, intimate garden experience. It mainly grows historic, rare or endangered ProSpecieRara vegetable varieties, identified by signs. The varieties on display may change.

The municipality’s landscape is also heavily forested: 53 per cent of its area is woodland, while 11 per cent is agricultural land. Arlesheim’s forests are among the sites with the highest biodiversity in the Basel region. These figures add a perspective on the landscape of the municipality as a whole to the gardens and individual sights.

Routes and trails through the surrounding area

The walking routes described here differ mainly in the order in which they visit places. The Castle Tour to the ruins of Birseck Castle passes through the English landscape garden of the Ermitage and takes in two ruins. The Ermitage & Goetheanum circular hike first leads through the Ermitage, past the ruins of Birseck Castle, over the Hornichopf to the ruins of Dorneck Castle, and then past the Goetheanum. The first stage of the ViaSurprise from Dornach-Arlesheim to Seewen passes the cathedral and the Ermitage. When planning, it is worth checking each route and the latest local conditions.

The accessible Cathedral, Ermitage & Delights tour includes a cave entrance that is accessible for a short exploration over a few metres. One of the described stops is also a wooden walkway that provides particularly close access to the water; fish can be spotted beneath the water lilies. Mountain bikers can try the Bike Trail Arlesheim, a professionally built downhill trail on the Gempen. Berms, tables, rollers and jumps define the route. It is rideable throughout and offers different jump options depending on your riding ability; check local conditions before setting off.

Castles, exhibitions and local culture

Reichenstein Castle dates back to the 13th century. The Reichenstein Castle Foundation’s grounds cover more than 54 hectares, most of which are forested. From the tower room, the panoramic view stretches across the Birs Valley, the Vosges, Basel and as far as the Black Forest. Birseck Castle offers another perspective on local history: its courtyard features hedges, trees and roses. The neo-Gothic murals were reconstructed from original designs in 2007, the same year the castle was renovated.

The Trotte also brings together several cultural functions. It has a large multipurpose room for exhibitions and concerts, as well as a room for the local history museum. The Trottenplatz by the cemetery entrance was also designed as a market square. The Würth Forum Arlesheim presents changing art exhibitions, mainly featuring works from the Würth Collection, with free admission. Guided tours, workshops, talks and cultural events are also part of the programme; details may change. Café Einzigartig offers a glimpse of everyday life: people with disabilities complete barista training at this inclusive coffee house.

Getting here by tram and train

Arlesheim Dorf tram stop is accessible; tram line 10 runs from there to Basel SBB station. Arlesheim and Dornach share a station on the Jura Railway. S-Bahn line 3 runs every half hour between Basel and Laufen. As transport services may change, check the current timetable for your journey.

Discover more destinations: Binningen, Birsfelden, Muttenz, Oberwil, Ettingen, Allschwil, Arlesheim, Reinach, Aesch, Münchenstein, Schönenbuch

Return to the broader travel overview: Basel-Land.