Thürnen: History, Traditions and a Hike to Thürnerfluh

Thürnen lies southeast of Sissach on the banks of the Homburgerbach, a tributary of the Ergolz. The municipality is also situated at the foot of the Unterer Hauenstein, which leads to Olten. The village’s highlights include local history, traditions, sports and a hike to Thürnerfluh.

Local History and Historic Building Styles

The oldest documents mention Thürnen under the name Durnum. Until the Reformation, Thürnen had a prayer house that was dependent on the parish of St. Jakob in Sissach.

According to a dendrochronological study, the Oberdorf 2A block-built granary was constructed in 1539. Its western section dates from the 16th century and was built using block construction; the newer section was built in 1690 using post-and-beam construction. The granary is in the historic village centre, where it connects the group of houses on the main street with the settlement in Oberdorf.

Another historic building is the house at Hauptstrasse 48. Dating from the 16th century, it is one of the best-preserved late Gothic houses in a row of houses. The granary is notable for its two construction phases and different building methods, while the house at Hauptstrasse 48 stands out for its late Gothic architecture within the row of houses.

Annual Traditions

During Basel-Landschaft Carnival, various events are held in Thürnen each year, including, for example, a children’s parade. Eierläset is an old spring and fertility custom intended to drive away winter. Two groups compete in an egg race: one represents winter and the other spring.

The Grümpi takes place every year around the school summer holidays. Carnival and Eierläset, on the one hand, and the Grümpi, on the other, mark different points in the annual calendar. If you want to plan your stay around a specific event, check the dates in advance.

Sports, Games and Hiking

The sports field in Thürnen is suitable for recreational sports and competitions. Facilities include football, frisbee, athletics, volleyball, handball and korbball. The public playground is right next to the sports field, between the railway crossing and the school building. The forest in Thürnen is maintained as a local recreation and leisure area for residents.

A named hiking route runs from Gelterkinden via Thürnerfluh to Gelterkinder Berg and back to Gelterkinden. It is 7.00 kilometres long, takes 2.25 hours and has an ascent and descent of 314 metres each. If you are planning this route, check the distance and elevation details again before setting off.

Wine, Orchard and Farm Shop

Thürner Blauburgunder is a wine of its own that can be tasted locally. The farm shop at Im Grien sells products from the farm. The Thürnen variety garden at the Grien farm has 45 trees representing 13 varieties. Old, half-grown and young trees stand side by side in the orchard at Weieracker.

Planning Your Journey

Thürnen does not have its own railway station. Sissach station is less than one kilometre from the village centre. Bus route 108 connects the municipality with Sissach and Wittinsburg; check the current timetable for your journey.

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

Return to the main travel overview: Sissach.