Oberklettgau: Forests, Vineyards and History

The Oberklettgau district is located in the canton of Schaffhausen, Switzerland. It covers an area of 31.88 km² and ranges from 395 to 869 metres above sea level. The landscape is characterised by the Randen hill range, extensive forests, vineyards, villages at higher elevations and deep gorges.

Forests, Trails and Vineyards

Near Neunkirch, the Klettgau landscape is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The forest of the Südranden is also an inviting place to explore and relax. On the Hasenberg, the Stieghütte has been renovated as a “forest experience hut”. Under the motto “Experiencing Nature in the Forest”, it supports environmental education in the Südranden; its facilities support environmental education activities in all weather and throughout the year.

A network of hiking trails crosses varied terrain in Oberklettgau, passing through forests, vineyards and gorges. For a cycling tour, the “Schaffhauser Blauburgunderland” cycle route offers a specific distance: it is 43 kilometres long, of which 2 kilometres are on unpaved surfaces. When hiking, the varied terrain shapes the route; for cycling, the total distance and unpaved stretch are specified. Check current route conditions before setting off.

A seasonal highlight is the small vineyard huts along the “Wii Stross”. During the summer months, Gächlingen’s winegrowers open their huts, where wines and regional specialities are served. Opening dates and offerings may vary. If you plan to stop at these places, check the latest dates and offerings.

Archaeological Traces and Historic Sites

Near Gächlingen, what is so far the oldest farming settlement in Switzerland was founded around 7,500 years ago. Excavations in Gächlingen revealed at least 23 buildings from a Linear Pottery settlement. The Gächlingen-Goldäcker site is an Early and Middle Neolithic settlement. A Roman road also passes by the southern edge of Gächlingen. At Oberhallau-Überhürst, the region’s first fortified Neolithic settlement, with a palisade made of wooden posts, was identified.

An observation tower stands on the plateau of the Siblinger Schlossranden. From there, the view extends far across the Klettgau and large parts of the Schaffhausen Randen. Parts of the medieval fortification, the surrounding wall and a cellar dug into the limestone rock have been preserved. From Siblingen, a steep, signposted hiking trail leads to Schlossranden in about an hour on foot. Check trail conditions before setting out.

The church in Neunkirch dates from the early 14th century; its choir contains frescoes. The tower was built in 1484 and houses Switzerland’s second-oldest bell. For rail orientation: Neunkirch railway station is located in the municipality of Neunkirch in the canton of Schaffhausen and is on Deutsche Bahn’s standard-gauge Hochrhein Railway.

Museum, Treasure Hunt and Events

The Neunkirch Local Museum is open from May to September on the first Sunday of each month from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., as well as by appointment by phone. As opening hours may change, check them before your visit.

The treasure hunt takes you through and around the medieval town of Neunkirch to historic sights. Written materials and special clues help you find several stops. The treasure hunt can be booked from March to October; check current availability in advance.

The Oberhallau hill climb takes place annually. A 2019 municipal description gives the last weekend in August as the event window, and mentions international participation and championship classifications. Check the current date and programme before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Schaffhausen, Schleitheim, Unterklettgau, Reiat, Stein.

Return to the main travel overview: Schaffhausen.