Reinach between the Birs, nature and local history

Reinach lies in the Birs Valley on the southern slopes of the Bruderholz. Despite its growth, the town has preserved its historic centre. For visitors, both the natural surroundings along the Birs and the town’s history and cultural events shape its character.

Nature at the pond and in the Reinacherheide nature reserve

The nature and adventure pond is divided into a public visitor area and a separate nature area. Visitors can access the visitor area, but not the nature area. Facilities include a viewing platform, seating, shade trees and a drinking fountain. The two areas are clearly distinct: one is designed for visits and recreation, while the other keeps nature protected from human access.

The Reinacherheide is a nature reserve of national importance. Along the Birs, it features gravel areas, species-rich dry meadows and natural alluvial forests. More than 600 different plant species grow in the Reinacherheide. Those interested in landscapes and plant life will find a different focus here than at the adventure pond: rather than a landscaped public area, the emphasis is on protected habitats.

Paths and nature experiences along the Birs

The accessible “Nature Experience Reinacher Heide” route follows the Birs along a well-maintained gravel path. The Birs riverside path is different: information panels along it explain the Birs’s diverse uses and natural value. In Reinach and the surrounding area, walking and hiking trails also pass through green spaces and follow the river. These paths and routes offer different ways to experience the landscape; when planning, compare the descriptions to see which best suits your plans.

At Reinach Animal Park, people of all ages can meet animals free of charge and enjoy educational nature experiences in green surroundings. It is another way to explore nature without making a hiking route the focus. The Birs riverside path, by contrast, provides information about the river’s uses and natural value, while the Reinacherheide offers its own natural history highlights through its habitats and plant diversity.

Outdoor swimming pool and travel routes

Reinach outdoor swimming pool is located in the Reinacher Heide. Its pools include a 50-metre swimming pool with eight lanes, a multi-purpose pool with a current channel, water jets and a water slide, and a diving pool with 1-, 3- and 5-metre diving boards. There is also a children’s paddling pool area. The pools differ in their facilities, offering options for swimming, diving, water play and paddling.

By public transport, you can reach the outdoor pool on bus 64 to the “Reinach, Aumatten” stop or on tram 11 to Lochacker. As timetables can change, check the current schedule before travelling.

Local history museum and events in Reinach

The Reinach local history museum was officially opened and made available for visits on 2 September 1988 in the “Schambädischdähuus” at Kirchgasse 9. Accessibility is also relevant when planning a museum visit: most of the museum is wheelchair accessible, and it also has a passenger lift. This information applies to most of the museum, not to unrestricted access to every area.

The regional sales exhibition “Art in Reinach” takes place every two years in November, running for three days at the municipal building. The exact dates vary from one edition to the next. The Reinach Carnival is a recurring local tradition featuring a parade with groups from Reinach and guests from other municipalities, as well as a school carnival. Its exact dates change each year. If an event date is important for your trip, check the dates for the edition you wish to attend: the art exhibition follows a biennial schedule, while the carnival dates vary annually.

The town’s history also goes back a long way: during the reign of Basel Bishop Ludwig Garewart (1164–1176), Reinach was first mentioned as “Rinacho”. Together with its preserved historic centre, this history offers a different perspective on Reinach from the natural areas along the Birs. When choosing where to stay, you can consider whether you are especially interested in the landscape, walking routes, animal experiences, local history or a specific event date.

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

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