Sissach: Hiking Trails, Views and History

Sissach combines viewpoints, hiking trails and historic sites. When planning your trip, you can consider spending time on a route, exploring individual buildings or viewing collections. The offerings vary considerably: one hike passes several stops before returning to the railway station, while other themed trails present their content at individual stations.

Hiking, views and trails

A hiking route starts at Sissach railway station and leads via Zelgli-Hof, Wintersinger Höhe, Sissacher Flue, the ruins of Bischofstein and Tännligarten forest playground before returning to the station.

The Sissacherfluh viewpoint is 700 metres above sea level. From there, you can see across the surrounding area; information boards provide additional details. The viewpoint is in a hiking area. You can reach Sissacherfluh on foot, by car except on Sundays, or by bus. From the nearest bus stop, “Sissacherfluh”, it is about a 20-minute walk to the viewpoint. As access restrictions may change seasonally or under special conditions, check how to get there before your visit. The excursion to Sissacher Flue can be reached via Sissach by car or train.

Shorter themed offerings also focus on different things. The Sissach adventure trail has twelve stations featuring a story about Dana and Lino, activities and factual information. The Historical Theme Trail has eight stations in the village and on Sissacherfluh and has been open to the public since spring 2026. The “Colourful Birds and Great Games” stroller-friendly walk starts at Sissach railway station and is signposted as a hiking trail along its entire route. At the Sissach stage stop, a Bahnwanderweg sign provides information about walking times and railway history. Every stage stop on the route is connected to a public transport stop; check current timetables before travelling.

Traces from different centuries

A wall structure dating to the early Middle Ages is still visible on Sissacherfluh. It covers more than two hectares and is generally referred to as a refuge or hillfort. The ruins of Bischofstein take you further back in time: the fortified hilltop settlement existed from 1300 to 1200 BC, covered more than 1.2 hectares and was protected by a dry-stone wall reinforced with timber. Finds from the ruins can be viewed at the Sissach Local History Museum. In the Brühl field, a pottery settlement existed in the first century BC, supplying the region with high-quality ceramic goods.

The Reformed Church of Sissach also tells a story of long use. Originally dedicated to Saint James as St. James’s Church, it lies on a Way of St. James pilgrimage route. Archaeological excavations show that a place of worship first stood on the site around 650 AD; they also shed light on burial practices of the time. An older tower was preserved during a renovation. Additions included a new nave with a groin vault in the chancel and a wooden ceiling with motto bands and foliate friezes.

Museums and buildings

The Sissach Local History Museum belongs to the citizens’ community and is housed in a listed building. Its exhibits include a collection of Basel-Country traditional costumes and the silver jewellery worn with them. The museum’s collection also includes finds from the ruins of Bischofstein, as well as edged, stabbing and firearms from the 16th to the 19th centuries and richly decorated powder horns from the 17th century. Weaving demonstrations take place on Sundays when the museum is open; check the current opening calendar before your visit.

On the first floor of the Nebiker distillery is a small exhibition about Johann August Sutter, featuring paintings, photographs and a video. The Executioner Museum is housed in a former prison and presents equipment used in the penal system of earlier times across three floors. The top floor is dedicated to Pius Buser, an escapologist born in Sissach. Tours for groups and companies are available by prior arrangement; confirm the date before travelling.

Ebenrain Castle was built in 1774/75 by Basel silk ribbon manufacturer Martin Bachofen-Heitz as a hunting lodge and summer residence. The Baroque garden included a terrace garden to the north and a lime-tree avenue to the south. Today, the park, courtyard and veranda are open to the public. The grounds are not far from Sissach railway station and are easy to reach on foot.

A seasonal offering

For a taste of regional produce, Buremärt Sissach offers a selection whose availability varies by season. It includes wine, sparkling wine and schnapps, as well as cheese, Alpine cheese, fondue, Alpine butter, smoked sausages, sweet cider, syrup, jams and honey. If you are looking for specific products, take the seasonal nature of the offering into account when planning your visit.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Thürnen, Wintersingen, Hemmiken, Läufelfingen, Ormalingen, Sissach, Maisprach, Zunzgen, Kilchberg, Rünenberg, Buckten.

Back to the regional travel overview: Basel-Land.